The Quest Begins

Armored Scavenger's fanfic.
This is the first story in the series: The Scavenger Series #1: Darkness Rising. Chapter one begins four years before the events in the book Wings of Fire: The Dragonet Prophecy. 
The sequel to this story is The Armored Scavenger
Enjoy reading! Post a comment if you'd like! :)
== Prologue ==
Many years ago in a den in Pyrrhia....
I watched as the fires burned and smoke clouded nearly everything in my sight. I heard the roars of the beasts and the cries of men as they clashed against each other. I smelled the smoky scent and the stench of death. I felt the heat from our homes burning and the ash that was left behind.
Death...horrible, horrible death. We had no way to counter it as our friends and family fell dead on the ground. But I would not just run away and let them win without a fight. My wife stood with those hiding in the dense forest. I scurried over to them for a final farewell.
My wife, beautiful and pretty as the day I first met her. Her dark hair and her deep hazelnut-colored eyes would melt even the strongest man's heart. And my son, only a few months old, was the most beautiful creature in the world. I held him for one last time and embraced my wife while kissing her. Then they had to leave, and I had to make sure my sacrifice would not be in vain.
The dragon was large, I was only one head tall compared to it. My sword was ready to strike as I charged at it. I knew I would die, but my son would live because of me. He would become great and protect his kin like me today. He would be successful where I failed.
I laughed at death for I knew I saved my child. Death did not scare me even when its fire closed on me. I succeeded and I was glad...for the prophet told me he will rise and save them.
== Part 1: Life-Changer ==
=== Chapter 1: Quiet Life ===
Many years later, year fourteen of The Great War...
"Mother, can I go outside? Please?" asked Casimir. He had done all his chores and was eager to go out of the house. He was a boy of fourteen, hard-working and loyal to his family. He had brown hair and eyes to match. He was skilled at many things, since he had lived the life he had. No fun-and-games for him in his forest home. Only work and constantly watching out for dragons.
"Casimir," said his mother boldly," You know how I feel when you're out alone. You worry me and I would never forgive myself if you got hurt."
This was what he got every time he asked his mother when he wanted to explore the forest or even go out for a short stroll. He was certain that if he stuck to the forest he would be in no danger. But his mother always thought against him.
His father returned with wood for the fire and game to eat. Casimir always returned to the grumpy man whom he never really got attached to. He had a thick blonde beard and nearly colorless blue eyes. He was strong, and Casimir had seen him in action. He could carry a two-handed axe with only one and and he could carry a log that would take an ox to move. But Casimir never understood why his father didn't like him like his other siblings.
After dinner Casimir went to sleep. There wasn't much to do after everything had been done. His father, though, had brought him a book. On rare occasions his father would travel to the town which would take all day to reach. His father would sometimes buy his children something nice to liven them up. It so happened that a book was his choice.
Casimir had learned to read from his mother when he was young. He understood every symbol and letter of the alphabet because of the books he had read. His favorite stories were the ones of brave knights of long ago slaying the evil dragons. That's what he wanted to become. But when he asked his parents they were outraged. His father screamed into his ears so loudly he was surprised that he didn't go deaf. He then gave him the longest lecture about responsibility and work.
Casimir opened the book and began to read. But before he could utter a single word his siblings rushed into the room.
"Casimir, wait for us!," hollered his younger brother, Tom.
"Read to us, pretty please...?" begged his sister, Rose.
His other brother and sister jumped onto his bed and curled up beside him. Casimir sighed, his siblings loved him a lot. He was the oldest and he was some sort of role model for them.
Casimir began his book. It was about dragons, one of his favorite subjects.
=== Chapter 2: Close Encounter ===
The next morning Casimir woke up to a strange smell. His siblings woke up one by one to the same scent. Casimir immediately knew something was wrong. He got out of bed as quickly as he could and ran to his parent's room. They woke up, startled to see their son in the same room.
"What is it, Casimir?" asked his father. He rushed over to him.
"I smell something strange." he replied with worry.
"I'm sure you're just imagining things."
"I smell it too," said his sister, walking in.
"I do as well," said his mother."
His father inhaled and from his expression he smelled it too. "Is something burning?!" The man walked into the kitchen but came back after a few moments. "Its not the stove or fireplace. Its coming from outside." Casimir's father rushed to the window and froze the moment he looked out.
"What is it?" asked his mother.
"Dragon," his father whispered.
The family huddled together, trying to make as little noise as possible. After what seemed like an eternity they heard the flapping of wings and they could finally breathe normally again.
"Is it gone?" finally said his mother after a long silence.
"I think so," replied Casimir.
The family finally went outside to see what had happened. The trees around the house were burnt and now in a pile of ashes. Those that weren't were still burning.
"We are no longer safe here..." said his father.
=== Chapter 3: Moving Places ===
The family was shaken from the experience. They knew the dragon would most likely come back, and they were not safe. They packed up everything they could take with them. Food, books, clothes, tools, and weapons were what they took with them. They had only two horses to carry the supplies, and the rest they had to haul themselves. Their destination was a small village a few miles away, very well hidden in the mountains. They had family that lived there but they had never even met them. They hoped they could start a new life there since they couldn't continue their old one.
They left at sunset so they could travel at night. The forest was dark and it frightened Casimir. Dragons weren't the only threat to him and his family. His younger brother and two sisters rode on the horses while Casimir, his other brother, and their parents walked, leading the group. They tried to remain quiet and didn't use light to help them see in the nearly pitch-black night. The moons shined dimly in the sky, barely casting any light.
At daybreak they took a rest, the first one of their journey. They had chosen a tree to sit under as they ate food and drank from the nearby river. After a short time they headed off again, hiding any evidence they were even there. Occasionally a dragon would fly overhead, sending the family into hiding. This was their life now, hiding nearly every few hours from something that could kill them in an instant.
They journeyed for nearly a week when the mountains came into view. They would have gotten there sooner if they didn't have to occasionally stop because of dragons, not to mention the whining of Casimir's younger siblings.
The village was nearly a day away from where they were. They took one final rest before traveling any further. Casimir decided to go out hunting. He loved being outside, despite all the dangerous things that could kill him. He was a good hunter, his father taught him from an early age. He could use a bow and arrow and was accurate nearly every time. His swordsmanship was a little rusty, but good enough to take down wounded prey. That day he found it was very quiet. No birds sang, animals were nowhere to be seen.
Odd, thought Casimir. There was no prey to hunt so he wandered aimlessly through the forest. Finding nothing to do he headed back.
But when he returned a familiar smell was in the air. Smoke? That means...
He didn't finish his thought. He ran as fast as his two legs could carry him. He could now see the smoke as well. Ugly black smoke was coming from the campsite. It rose into the sky, probably visible from far away. Then he saw the camp. He nearly screamed.
=== Chapter 4: A New Beginning ===
NO. My family! Why! Casimir couldn't move. He was too shocked to.
He got calm enough to hurry over to the blazing inferno, still scorching and hot as it's orange and red flames burned everything it touched. Then he saw a body. It wasn't burnt but instead blood spurted out of it. He came closer to see it was his mother. Her lifeless body was crumpled to the ground, her face frozen in fear when she died. Casimir tried to hold back tears because he knew there was more to come.
The next body he found was Rose. Burnt so badly that she was nearly black in color. It was difficult at first to make out the identity of the body. She was Casimir's favorite sibling, she was sweet and always thought positively and enthusiastically.
Tom was next. Like Rose he was burnt but not as bad. He died with the same fearful expression as his mother. Casimir couldn't hold back his tears well anymore. He was only five, he didn't deserve this! None of them did!
He found his other two siblings, Sam and Jennifer. They weren't burned, but crushed. Casimir imagined the dragon picking them up, one in each claw, and crushing them, letting them fall back to the ground. They were a little younger than him, and they shared the same responsibilities as him. They would go out cutting firewood or washing the laundry together. Casimir had tears running down his face. We never did anything to them...
But there was no sign of his father. Casimir wondered if he managed to run off or if he was eaten. He hoped it wasn't the latter. Casimir grieved over them a bit and dug shallow ditches to bury them in. He shoveled enough dirt to cover them so no animal would get to them. He made tombstones out of wood for each of them, inscribing their names in each.
After saying his final farewells and prayers, he collapsed into tears. He was alone now, no one to love or protect him. He didn't know what to do. He didn't know the way to the village like his father, who was certainly dead.
All of a sudden he heard a moan. "Oww. Is somebody there?" It was his father. He was still alive!
"Father! I'm coming!" yelled Casimir. He ran in the direction of more moans and he found him.
"Thank the moons, your alive! Casimir! Arg...oww..." said his father, with relief. "Come over here, hurry!"
Casimir's father was on the ground, inching towards him, a trail of blood formed when he moved. His legs were torn and were useless to him. He had lost a lot of blood, too much.
"Father, are you..." Casimir, in tears, asked his father, but he didn't finish.
"Yes I am." he said, knowing what Casimir wanted to ask. "I won't last too much longer. Oh, it was fortunate you weren't there. You can still live on. But I failed anyway. Not like your father..."
"Dad? What are you talking about like my father? I don't understand." asked Casimir, confused like he had never been before.
"Before I die, I should probably tell you. I am not your real father.... I never was."
"WHAT! What do you mean!?"
"I'm saying your father died many years ago. About thirteen, not long after you were born. Dragons attacked his town and he died fighting. He made sure you and your mother lived. About a year later she remarried and I became your stepfather. We had four children but you were our only child that didn't have the same father."
Casimir sat down, trying to understand and organize all he had just heard.
His father continued, "Your mother and I settled in a house in the woods, away from everything. We tried to keep you and your siblings safe. I was there when your father saved you. Before he rushed to defend I promised him to protect his son and wife. He was my best friend. But it seemed like I failed. He protected you because he saved your life and made sure someone else would continue. As you can see I can't." he said.
"But now what? What am I supposed to do now? Wander aimlessly and hope I don't die?" asked Casimir, shocked and worried.
"I have something for you." said the dying man, take the scroll out from my bag. Casimir went closer to his father and reached into his bag, taking out one scroll," That is for you. I was hoping to never give it to you. But I guess there would be no point in stopping you anymore."
Casimir unrolled the scroll and read it. He couldn't believe it.
His father continued to talk, his voice becoming rasp. "Your father wanted you to become a knight. He said the best way to protect you was to have you learn how to protect yourself. I didn't agree so I always kept it with me."
"So this is what you want me to do?"
"I don't see any good alternatives. I suppose you can go to the village we were heading to. It's about three miles west of here. But I don't know if they would welcome you."
"So this is what my father wanted me to do. Become a knight."
"Yes," replied his father, barely able to utter his words.
"Why didn't you tell me this before! Why did you keep this from me." he asked, getting a little angrier.
The man looked at him, and he moaned again before he responded. "Casimir....the knighthood would have been too much for you. I just wanted you to be safe with me at all times. It was for your own good."
Casimir didn't know what to say. After a few moments of silence, his father's groan got him back to figuring out more.
"I wish I knew my father better. Do you know anything else about him."
His father paused for a moment and nodded. "A little. His name was Jaroslav. And he had another son. I'm not sure this son of his is alive or not, but I never met him. Your father only mentioned him once."
Casimir found it hard to take all of this in. I had a different father. He died protecting me and this man took over his responsibility. I also have a brother, but no one knows where he is, or if he is even alive. My father wished that I became a knight. 
"Casimir, before I die, I just wanted to say I loved you. I'm sorry that I wasn't the best father, or that I picked on you because you weren't my own son. But I loved you like any of my children. You were my son."
Casimir was moved. He took his father's hand in his. "I loved you as well. You didn't fail because I will live on. Thank you for everything." His step-father cried tears of joy, knowing he can die in peace and a burden lifted from his shoulders.
Casimir's father took his final breath a few moments later. Casimir didn't cry, he had done that too much already. He buried his father and took time to make a proper burial. He then took his father's sword and sheath and took them as his own. He got a bag that wasn't that badly damaged. He placed the scroll and little of what he could find. Finally he put on the emerald his father wore on a chain on him, the one he took off before burying him.
He looked at the scroll inviting him to the knighthood.
=== Chapter 5: The Scroll ===
It read:
Dear Jaroslav,
We are happy to inform you that we have accepted your request of enlisting your son, Casimir, into the knighthood. At the age of thirteen he will be able to come and learn the ways of becoming a knight and hopefully will be one by the age of twenty. We will be ready for his arrival and a lord will train him to become a proper man. We hope he will succeed and join our ranks. One day our people will be free and Pyrrhia will be ours once again. In twelve years he is to arrive at our castle and training grounds marked clearly on the map that came along with this letter. He will learn chivalry, horseback riding, archery, swordsmanship, reading, writing, and many skills needed in life.
- Captain Joseph Leah, Head of Knight Training, Order of Pyrrhia, Jade Division
So it was true. Casimir was to become a knight. He looked at the map that came with the letter. His best guess was that he was currently a little west of the Diamond Spray Delta. The location he needed to be at was a little south of Jade Mountain, which explained the 'Jade Division' part. Now all he had to do was get there.
But do I really want to become a knight? Will it be difficult and too overwhelming, He thought at first. Well it's better than being alone. There will be other people who can protect me. I will have shelter and food. I can survive there. Ok, I will go.
Casimir was ready to start his quest. His path he created would take him south along the mountains, past a large town, through the rainforest, and over some mountains. It would be difficult but he knew in his heart he could do it.
He gathered what he could and started off. He guessed it would take him a while, but had he nothing better to do.
Wait! How about that village? It's only what, three miles? I could go there first and think this through. Casimir changed his plans. He continued west toward the mountains to the location of the village his family was headed to. He looked back at the ruins of his deceased family's camp. One glance at the graves and he was off, under the cover of the night that just began.
=== Chapter 6: Rest Stop ===
The village was still sleeping when he arrived. The village was small and very well-hidden. When Casimir knocked on the door of a house he was surprised to see that someone answered nearly immediately.
"What do you want, kid?" asked a man. Blond with blue eyes, small but muscular.
"Sir, I just arrived. My family was killed and I have nowhere else to go." said Casimir.
The man thought. "Well, I'm sorry for your loss. You can come in for now, but please don't wake up my family." The man led Casimir into a room. The man left the room for a moment and came back with tea and biscuits.
"Sit down, son. Here, you must be hungry." said the man. Casimir sat in a chair as the man poured him a cup of tea and set it on the table in front of him. Casimir took the cup and a biscuit from a plate of them.
"What's your name, son?" asked the man, taking a sip of his own tea.
"Casimir," he said. "My family was coming to this village but a dragon attacked them. Only I'm left."
"Dragon?"
"I wasn't there when it happened. But when I came back after hunting they were all dead. So I came here."
"How unfortunate. Well, I don't know if you can stay here. Do you have no other place to go?"
"No," said Casimir, taking a bite of his biscuit."Well..."
"Well what?"
Casimir handed the man the piece of paper about his invitation. The man read it and handed it back to him.
"So, you can go there. Problem solved."
"Well, I'm not sure I want to go there."
"Not everyone is asked to be a knight. You should feel honored. In fact, most people never even heard of this Order." said the man, hoping to convince Casimir into leaving.
Casimir sighed. "Do I have any other choice?"
The man pondered and after a long silence he replied, "No, not really. Most settlements don't accept outsiders, especially orphans. No one would want the responsibility to raise you. But the knights would. They are the best choice for you."
Casimir sighed again. "Well, if I must."
"Tell you what, I could give you some things for your journey. I could spare you a horse and food. Some clothes and I can tell you the easiest route to the castle by Jade Mountain."
"Thank you." said Casimir.
So after the man got some things for him, Casimir began to travel to the castle. When the village was out of view he started to go faster and faster. After a day he reached the edge of the rainforest. So far his journey was easy. He managed to keep away from dragons and hid at their sight. When he reached the rainforest he rested until the next day. Soon, almost there.
=== Chapter 7: First Impressions ===
The trip was long but it was finished. The castle wall was in sight by the massive Jade Mountain. Only a short distance and he would be safe. He would live on.
The journey was a long and difficult one and many would agree with him. First his family was killed and then he traveled across the most perilous lands for a single person. Surprisingly he encountered very few dragons. The path he chose took him through marshes and rainforest and he was never caught once. Then he traversed over some mountains, taking a safer and faster route. Now he was only a few hundred yards from the gates of knighthood.
As he got closer he could make out the well hidden fortress. The mountain hid the castle really well and the fortress looked no more than a bunch of rocks. Even if you do spot it, it looked like it was abandoned. Now Casimir was worried if it actually was.
But it turned out it was not. He could hardly make out the shape of a person looking in one of the towers. Casimir waved but he saw no response. He continued to hurry over to the entrance of the fairly large castle. It was getting cold in the mountains and it would be night soon. Just as he was only a short distance away he saw and heard the gate open. Unexpectedly, two men on horseback rode over to his spot by a rock. He was cautiously edging closer and closer as he was moving ahead. Not surprisingly his cover was blown.
"Hy-ah, hy-ah!" the men shouted to their horses. They got closer and closer. Casimir was now afraid. He hoped they were the ones who asked questions first. Casimir could see the glint of shiny metal as they held swords over their heads, ready to strike at a second's notice. Casimir could no longer calm his nerves and ran. The two mounted men saw this and rode even faster.
"Hey! Stop! Get back here!" yelled one of the soldiers. He wore a shirt of chain mail and a crude helmet covering his head. He was pointing his sword at Casimir and kept riding.
The other soldier was smaller and didn't ride his horse as well as the other. It also seemed his sword was a tad too heavy and he had to keep it from dropping. He didn't say anything and kept riding.
Casimir had no hope of losing them. He only had one way to go and nowhere to hide. The horses were far faster so it was only a matter of time. Casimir realized his hopeless situation and did what he should have done before: stop. He stopped and put his hands up. The men saw this and stopped a few feet away from him.
"Don't hurt me! I only came here to join the knighthood, honest!" said Casimir, desperately trying to not end up dead.
The two men looked at him and exchanged glances. They looked at him again and the talkative one said, "Join us, eh? You think if you just came here you can join. Ha! Not everyone joins, son." The other soldier nodded in agreement.
"B-but I have a scroll saying I can!" explained Casimir. He reached for his bag.
"Give me that!" yelled the man. Before Casimir could react the smaller soldier dismounted and grabbed the bag from him. He was young, only a few years older than Casimir. He then gave the bag to the other soldier.
The man went through the contents of the bag. He occasionally took something out and examined it. When he found the scroll he unraveled it. He read it and gave the rest of the bag back to the other soldier to give back to Casimir.
"So your telling the truth, hm." thought the man. He gave it to the unmounted soldier to look.
"It could be counterfeit, my lord." said the smaller soldier, the first words he had ever said at this point. His voice was not deep and he sounded younger than he looked.
"No. It's real. The stamp proves it. Besides it is written in our unique colored ink." explained the man. Casimir never noticed that. He turned to Casimir. "So you want to join the knighthood, son?"
"Well I don't have anything better to do." said Casimir quickly and nervously.
The man barked a laugh. "True. Why waste your time out there when you could be with us. Come. It'll be dark. Jeremy here is afraid of the dark." The man laughed again, playfully hitting his partner on the back. Jeremy, the smaller soldier, looked embarrassed.
The two men led Casimir to the gates. It opened and they went into the castle courtyard. Casimir assumed no one was awake at this time. Two moons shone brightly above. The gates closed behind him. Well I guess there's no turning back.
== Part 2: The Order ==
=== Chapter 8: Recruitment ===
The first night at the castle was very quiet. Casimir was led to a small room with a straw bed. Casimir was given a torch for light but it was put out right away when he got to the bed. It was cold but the blanket he was given helped a lot. It was a cold night. At least I'm indoors. Imagine if I was out there...
He did not have a great night sleep. He kept dreaming about dragons and his dead family. He was relieved when he finally woke up the next morning. The dim light allowed him to leave his room and go exploring a bit. When he looked out the door he saw a long hallway with many other doors on each side. Casimir guessed that in each room was a person sleeping.
But right before he took one step out of his room he was stopped by a man.
The man cleared his throat. "Ahem, I presume you are Casimir, yes?" The man speaking was tall, had a black beard, and looked to be quite elderly, since his hair was slightly graying.
Casimir nodded.
"Come with me boy." said the man, turning around and walking down the hall towards the end. Casimir followed him down the hall. The walls were stone while the windows were glass. They were dull and nothing caught Casimir's attention as he kept walking. The man opened the door which led them outside. At night Casimir could hardly have seen anything, but the sun now lit up everything. Casimir could see houses, the castle walls, training equipment, and the beautiful peak of Jade Mountain. The man led Casimir to another house on the other side of the courtyard. They passed stables, the blacksmith's shop, more houses, and an armory.
"In here," said the man. He held the door open while Casimir went inside. The room nearly shocked him. Inside were ornate tapestries, rugs, decorated chairs and tables, shelves of books, and a suit of armor in the corner.
"Wow," said Casimir.
"Quiet!" snapped the man. The man beckoned him to sit in one of the chairs. He sat down and waited for the next thing to happen. After what seemed like hours, something did something happen. Another person walked into the room. This one wore a lush robe and a fur hat. He was plump and had a shaven face. He glanced down at Casimir with disgust. Casimir did the same.
"What did they do now? I'm telling you these boys are nothing but troublemakers." said the fat man.
"Sire, this is Casimir. He is our newest recruit. He joined yesterday." said the tall man handing over a scroll to the other man. The man sat down and read the scroll.
"So your Jaroslav's son. You finally came."
Casimir nodded.
"How old are you?" asked the man.
Casimir said his age.
"Fourteen! Well your too old to join. Didn't your father know you join at thirteen. You're a year too old."
"My father's dead, sir." said Casimir glumly.
"Pftt. I don't care. That man is dead so it doesn't matter." said the man. "You're not joining."
Casimir felt as if his heart was in his stomach. His chances of becoming a knight were ruined because of one year. He couldn't believe it. Casimir got up from his seat and began to head towards the door.
"Wait!" said the tall man.
Casimir quickly turned around. So did the fatter man.
"You can't just kick him out my lord. So what if he's a year older. We need as many men as we can get. Please, sire, let him stay."
The other man stared at the tall man. Finally he spoke.
"Ughhh. You always were the soft type, Sergeant. Fine. Casimir, was it? I guess you can join."
Casimir couldn't believe it. The man he hardly knew had saved him
"Casimir I hereby name you a squire. By the time you finish you will be a man and a knight. You will learn not only fighting, but chivalry and knowledge as well. Lord Daryn will be your new master. I hope you meet our requirements. By the way, I'm Captain Joseph, leader of this Division." he said, rather hurriedly and not enthusiastically at all.
Casimir smiled and nodded. "Yes, sir, you can count on it, sir."
"Dismissed."
The sergeant and Casimir walked out of the house.
"Thank you, Mr......" thanked Casimir.
The tall man stopped and looked at Casimir. "I am Sergeant Dire. Learn it because you will be hearing it very often for the next few years.
=== Chapter 9: New Master ===
Casimir and Dire walked over to one of the houses near them. Dire walked up to the door and knocked. After a few moments a short man the same height as Casimir walked out. He had a blazing red beard and hair and he had small eyes that looked with puzzlement at them both.
"Eh?" said the man, confused.
"Sorry to bother you, Lord Daryn. But it seems you are going back to training knights again."
"What! On whose authority?"
"Captain's," shrugged Dire.
The man snorted. From the looks of it he wasn't exactly thrilled. He wrinkled his face at Casimir. Casimir flinched as he moved towards him.
"Who are you supposed to be?" You don't look impressive at all." Daryn spat.
Casimir looked at the man. He's supposed to train me! Of all the people in the world I get this old man. 
The old man looked at Dire. "Not the talkative type is he."
"His name is Casimir, the late Jaroslav's boy. He's thirteen and his family was killed only a few days ago."
"Ha. So he comes to us in his time of need. Great, another worthless brat."
"I'll guess I will let you get acquainted." said Dire as he turned to leave.
Casimir wished Dire didn't leave him with this man. He'd rather have the sergeant train him. Casimir sighed.
"Oh, shut up! Your mine now even if I don't want you. I am going to straighten you out son, just like the others."
Casimir was beginning to regret stepping foot in the castle. I should have stayed in the wild and took my chances.
Daryn strutted back inside his house. Casimir went to follow him but Daryn, without warning, screamed at him.
"This is MY home, you ungrateful wretch! Only I go in!" yelled the older man. Casimir nearly toppled over in surprise. Daryn looked at him disapprovingly. After a few minutes Daryn stepped out again and ordered Casimir to follow him. They were headed back to the dormitory. He opened the door on the lock with a key. He walked in but did not hold the door for his student. Casimir had to lunge for the door to keep it from closing on him. Casimir quickly walked back to Daryn who had stopped at one of the doors.
"This is your room. There is one empty bed. The three others are already taken. Here they come now." said Daryn. Casimir turned to see three other figures walking towards them. One was huge, nearly as tall as two Casimirs stacked on top of each other. He was bald. He had muscles so huge Casimir wondered how much he can lift. The next boy was blonde, a little taller than Casimir. He had his hair standing up in points as if they were spikes. He wore a necklace with a tooth around his neck. The next boy had black hair and barely any sign of facial hair. He stood awkwardly as if trying to avoid the other two.
"These will be your roommates. Don't get into trouble. That goes for all of you. Especially you three." said Daryn. The blonde boy merely grinned, the muscular one yawned, and the black-haired one just stood there, trying not to make eye contact with either of them.
Daryn looked in disgust. After seeing they all went into the room, he left. Casimir looked at the three boys, studying them intently. But before he could continue one of them, the blonde one, unexpectedly punched him in the jaw.
"Listen, pipsqueak, we are in charge when we're alone. We make the rules, our rules. You would be smart to follow them." he spat. The muscular one just looked, smiling in satisfaction. The other one looked as if he was sympathetic, but was reluctant. The blonde boy looked at him in disgust and the black haired boy forced a smile. The blonde boy seemed satisfied.
So these are the troublemakers. The blonde one is the leader, the strong one is a follower, but the other one... Casimir thought as he sat in his bed, holding his jaw as it sent pain throughout him.
=== Chapter 10: First Day ===
So that was how Casimir spent his first day as a squire. He went to the medic who looked as his jaw. Luckily for him it would heal soon, but his master was not as sympathetic.
"Bloody useless. Tomorrow you will learn how to properly defend yourself." said Lord Daryn.
That night Casimir slept in his bed with the rest of the boys. He was relieved that they didn't do anything but sleep. In fact once they came back they just collapsed onto their beds and went straight to sleep. So that is how hard training is, thought Casimir. The only one not asleep was the black-haired one. They managed to have a conversation while the other two slept. Neither said their name or who they were, but a topic concerning dragons arose. Casimir said he had no quarrel with dragons, but flashbacks of the gruesome deaths of his family came back. The other boy, however, was stunned. The conversation ended then.
Despite all the bad things the dragon had done to him, he couldn't come to hate them. He remembered once when his step-father came home with a bloody face. A robber took his belongings. Whenever he thought badly of dragons, Casimir thought of the robber, who was not dragon, but human.
Casimir woke up the next morning to find that two of the boys were gone. The black-haired one was still snoozing in his bed. Casimir got up and changed into a pair of clothes Lord Daryn had given him. Though he was mean at times, it was his responsibility to see that Casimir was taken care of. He left the room and walked down the hallway out of the dormitory.
He was stopped by Daryn the few moment he left the building. He was casually talking to some other knights and their own squires. In his hands was a basket full of eggs the small group was eating.
"So you finally woke up. Told ya mine would beat yours, Jensen." said Daryn triumphantly. The one called Jensen sighed and went into the dormitory.
"Here, have an egg." offered Daryn, handing the basket to Casimir. Casimir took one and ate it. His first breakfast as a squire. Casimir normally didn't like raw egg but he didn't complain. At least it was something.
Just then Jensen stormed out of the dormitory pulling the black-haired boy behind him. "No breakfast for you today. You're late again! Even the new kid beat you! You cost me FIVE DUCATS! MY five ducats!" screamed Jensen, red as a beet. The boy just followed, with a tear dripping down his cheek. Jensen handed Daryn a small pouch with coins clinking together as he threw it on the ground. "Double training time for you, Alexei!"
Daryn finally spoke. "You better not end up like him, Casimir. Or else..."
And so began Casimir's training. Daryn lectured Casimir on fighting and defensive techniques and tactics for nearly half the day. Whenever Casimir seemed to fall asleep Daryn would scream his name and continue his lecture with a wide awake Casimir. After that he began training with swords. Daryn grabbed two wooden practice swords and gave one to him.
"Come at me," taunted Daryn. Casimir charged at his master but, to his surprise, he soon found himself disarmed. Again he tried again but with the same results. "Fool, don't be so reckless." advised Daryn. This time Casimir waited for Daryn to make the first move. Daryn remained hesitant, but then unexpectedly lunged. Casimir managed to deflect the blow but Daryn quickly swung his sword again. It hit Casimir hard in the chest. He collapsed onto the dirt floor with his sword feet away from him. When he went to reach for it Daryn stomped on his hand. Casimir yelped.
"Is that the best you can do!?" bellowed Daryn. He pointed his sword at Casimir. "Failure. Today's training is done. Go to the library and wait for me there." Daryn cleaned up the weapons as Casimir went to the library.
The library was an elegant stone building right next to the dormitory. Inside were shelves upon shelves of hundreds of books. A desk was up in front with an old man sorting papers behind the desk. The windows had beautiful red embroidered curtains covering them. Wooden tables and chairs were found in an area together. Some adults were busy reading or sorting books, while some knight-squire duos were together studying.
Before Casimir could enjoy the view anymore, Daryn came in.
"How is your reading?" he asked.
"My reading? I believe I am very good. I have read many books before I came here."
"Good. Then I don't have to teach you. We can skip right ahead." he said, looking relieved at the fact Casimir wasn't illiterate.
Daryn led Casimir to a section at the back of the library. He went to a shelf labeled History and pulled out a thick, red hard-covered book. It was titled, History of the Order of Pyrrhia.
Daryn then handed the book to Casimir. "I want you to read the first ten chapters of this book. You will see how this knighthood started and what happened in its early years." he assigned.
After that he droned on the basics of chivalry for the rest of the afternoon. He only took a break to bring lunch for them both. They ate sausage and bread, drank water from the well, and washed their hands. After the chivalry lessons it was dinner time. But this time Casimir was lead to the largest building in the castle. He was lead to a dining hall with, by Casimir's estimates, over a hundred seats. Most were filled with boys and young men. All squires I presume, thought Casimir. Daryn went into another room and ate with the other lords.
Some waiters and waitresses served food once the room was filled. Casimir noticed the boys sat in a group together while a smaller group of girls sat together. Only a few mingled with each other.
A soup was served first. It had vegetables, meat, and some spices in it along with bread. There wasn't a lot to go around so whatever you got was it. Plates of vegetables, chicken, and other foods came next. This time it was first come first serve. Due to chivalry, the boys waited for the girls to pick first. Whatever was left went to the lucky few who got it in time.
After dinner Casimir went to bed. He was tired after the first day. But before he got a chance to pull the cover over himself a figure walked in. It was the black-haired kid. He was not in a good mood.
Before Casimir could sit up in bed the boy lunged at him. He swung a heavy practice sword at him. Casimir dodged his attack and quickly tripped him up. Casimir kicked him in the stomach and he crumpled onto the ground. Just then his other two roommates barged in. They both attacked and Casimir screamed as one held a dagger in his hand.
His scream must have been loud since he heard a large number of footsteps coming his way. This time Casimir saw a group of five armed knights and Daryn rush in. They were just in time as the blonde boy held the dagger at Casimir's throat. One of the knights swung a club at the boy and he fell unconscious.
=== Chapter 11: One Year ===
After the boy was sent to the infirmary, Daryn relocated the three boys to another room. Casimir needed to take a few moments to bring his senses back. After that his life changed forever. He could not trust anyone anymore. To him, everyone was against him.
One year later...
Casimir was now fifteen years old. But he felt like he wasted a whole year of his life. Casimir's life was terrible.
After the incident with the three boys, Daryn became much more stricter and abusive than before. Casimir would be punished for even the tiniest mistake. Daryn fought with great anger and rage which made Casimir cower away. But even when he was on the ground crying out for mercy he didn't stop stomping and kicking him. When he finally stopped it wasn't over yet. When he was at the library, Daryn assigned him ridiculously large amounts of studying and reading to do. When Casimir explained the next day that he didn't finish, Daryn would explode into a rage of curses and screams. After that Casimir's chivalry lessons did not go well either. After months of learning, Casimir asked one of the female students out for a stroll, but she just laughed and walked away. Even when he was trying to be chivalrous, everyone just looked and didn't care. Or didn't even look.
It wasn't just Daryn who was bad. His fellow students were as well. They constantly teased and picked on him whenever they crossed paths. Casimir at first would go to his room and cry, he had nothing else to do. One time he was caught crying by Daryn. He didn't even ask why and he immediately went on to punish him. He made sure he was never caught again.
The most painful thing though was when he was called a "dragon-lover." Ever since word got out that he wasn't aggressive or hateful towards them the whole castle exploded into a ball of rage. Every time someone looked at him they would just remember who he was. Casimir didn't love dragons per say, but no explanation would change anything. They would mock him occasionally, but usually they would look at him with scorn.
Somehow the pain of losing his loved ones went away. He didn't hate all dragons, but whenever he explained he had a great hatred for the one who killed his family, they would just say he was lying. Casimir believed, just like humans, dragons could be the most friendliest beings, or the most monstrous.
One year of this and Casimir wanted to leave. He tried to leave once but was caught by the night guard. When he was escorted back to his master, he was punished so badly he had to be sent to the infirmary. After that Casimir got used to it. Only the fact everyone thought he loved dragons hurt him. Pain came when he was hurt, but he didn't care as much. Words went through one ear and out the other. No matter how much trouble he got into he simply took the punishment. But every once in a while he would go to his room alone and a tear or two would flow down his cheek.
Everyday was the same, even if he learned different things. But one day he received word a visitor was coming. An inspector. Apparently he was arriving to check the squires who were of twenty years of age and supposedly ready to be knighted. All Casimir knew was that he was from the Winged Division and he had nothing to do with him.
=== Chapter 12: Secret Meeting ===
About a week later the inspector arrived. Casimir woke up in the middle of the night to hear footstep and horses. He looked out a window to look down into the courtyard. One of the moons offered a little light but Casimir could easily see the light shining off armor. Despite the dim light he could see at least fifteen soldiers in formation in the courtyard. To the right of them, outside the captain's house, stood Captain Joseph, Daryn, Dire, Sergeant Wolfe, a quiet, no-nonsense soldier, Lieutenant Hal, head of the night watchmen, and an unknown man. The unknown man talked with the others for a brief time until he went to the captain's quarters.
The next morning it was training as usual. Like every day Casimir fought one-on-one with Daryn, only to be beaten yet again. But over the span of one year, Casimir managed to stay up longer than ever before. But today it seemed like Daryn was slacking off. Casimir wondered why.
After training Daryn had to go to a meeting which left Casimir free to do what he liked. He started to walk to the library, but stopped to see the twelve new visitors and their leader ride by. Casimir noted their appearance in his mind. Each soldier wore shiny armor, some even embedded with jewels. They also had with them swords and one had a baton instead. The most striking thing was their 'wings'. Each had a pair of them attached to the back of their armor which were raised above their heads. They were wooden arcs with feathers sticking out of them. However, one was different. The one who had a mace also had a leopard pelt over his shoulder, his helmet had a crest, and he led the others. Casimir was amazed at their appearance, wondering what the wings were for.
The soldiers galloped over to the captain's house and only the leader walked in. The others merely found a place to sit or stand and casually talked or inspected their weapons. Casimir continued on to the library.
He studied for a few hours, surprised at how long the meeting between the lords took. It was evening before Daryn came to get him. He looked worn out, and after leading Casimir to the dining hall he went straight to his quarters. During dinner Casimir could not help but notice the proud faces of the oldest students, probably because they received word that they were going to be knighted. Casimir ate his dinner quietly and rushed to his quarters in the dormitory. He got a book that he borrowed from the library and began to read it.
In secret, Casimir had learned much about the dragon tribes of Pyrrhia. He had read tons of books about the different kinds of them, their behavior, and their history. He also realized that humans and dragons have much in common. He grew tired after reading a few chapters and fell asleep, book in his arms.
=== Chapter 13: Rescue ===
Casimir woke up to the sound of men whispering outside his door.
"Is it really true?" said a voice Casimir never heard before.
"It is, my lord. According to these papers and scrolls, it is." said a voice Casimir recognized as the captain's.
"I didn't know he had another son. I guess when I left is when they had him. But still, I am surprised. He never said a word..." said the voice, now trailing off.
"You'll get to see him later, but he will probably be shocked as well. He's not doing so....." the voice trailed off as the two people conversing left the building. Casimir wondered what or who they were talking about. Probably something about one of the new knights or someone else. But that wasn't Casimir's problem, today it was training as usual, and no doubt Daryn will be as angry as ever. He just hoped no one will put him in a bad mood, like nearly every day.
Unfortunately, that was not the case. Daryn had to attend yet another meeting that morning, in fact all the lords did. The squires were all told to wait in the courtyard for it to end. Casimir found a spot at the back of the crowd. He went there, trying to seem smaller, for he did not really have any friends at all. In fact, he hardly knew anyone in general, except the three boys whom he avoided ever since he joined the knighthood one year ago. The group of three saw him and smirked as they approached him. The blonde boy now had the beginning of a beard, the strong one seemed even more muscular, and the dark haired one appeared silent as ever. Every time they walked closer, Casimir braced himself even more. What would they do one year later? "I wish they would leave me alone. Maybe they have changed? No, probably not, no one has and no one will. I'm pathetic, I mean, NOT hating dragons? What kind of a human am I?
"Hey there ,dragon-lover!" bellowed the blonde boy. Casimir never learned who he was, and he particularly didn't want to learn that dog's name. They continued to taunt him.
"What, you don't want to talk, boy? Dragon got your tongue? Ha!" he mocked, laughing. The rest of the crowd looked at Casimir at amusement. They pointed fingers at him and taunted him even more. Casimir never felt so alone. A few individuals he could handle, but not the whole castle at once. Just then the blonde boy whacked Casimir across the face. Taken off guard, he fell onto the dirt ground.
"What, you need a dragon to save you? Guess where that dragon is?" continued the boy comically. Casimir didn't say a word. The boy pulled out what appeared to be a dragon's scale. "Here's your dragon, killed it about a month ago with my master. This is my trophy."
Casimir looked at the scale intently. He couldn't believe that the boy did that. Where did he have the time to do that? He heard of a sport that included that, but who would actually participate? Casimir returned his gaze to the boy towering over him.
"Well I guess you would prefer to play with the dragons. You know what Casimir, I don't like you. Your not human, more like a dragon."
Those words stung Casimir.
Casimir responded sharply. "You're hardly human, either. More of a dog!" The blonde boy clenched his fist and some in the crowd laughed at the boy.
The crowd continued to roar. Eventually one pointed at them, and the crowd began to holler "Fight! Fight!" Casimir got up.
"You heard them, to the death this time. We don't need some weakling like you ruining our bloodline and such." he said fiercely as he delivered a blow.
Casimir fell again to the ground. This time his nose was bleeding. The boy preceded to kicking him in the stomach and groin. He screamed in pain and agony. He begged him to stop but to no avail. He was kicked in the head and he curled up into a ball. The other boys laughed at Casimir as he continued to deliver the blows. The crowd laughed and laughed. Casimir had tears in his eyes soaking the ground. He was hurt, humiliated, helpless, and bleeding. He didn't think the boy was telling the truth about ending it all for him, but when he got a knife from one of the spectators he was sure. Casimir just laid there as his almost lifeless body ached. He couldn't move, it was over, he was beat. My father would be so ashamed of me. 
But as the boy gripped the knife closer and closer to his throat the crowd died down. In fact, when Casimir opened his closed eyes he saw they were looking at someone with rage in his eyes. The lords were rushing outside to see what was happening. Daryn immediately saw Casimir and rushed over with anger, no sympathy in his eyes.
"Get away you dog!" yelled Daryn. He had a whip in his hands. The blonde boy immediately got off of Casimir. But Casimir wasn't saved. Daryn looked at Casimir, disgusted. "Pathetic wretch! Have I taught you nothing! You can't even win a bloody fight and you expect me to save you each time. Why did I even agree to train you in the first place. No one has ever steeped so low as you. Even the peasants can fight better than you" roared Daryn. Never had he been so angry. Even the crowd looked shocked. "I should have done what I had planned many months ago." He drew out his sword. "Failure!" he said as he began to thrust his sword at the fallen Casimir. But the blow did not come.
Someone in the crowd ran at Daryn. In fact he charged right at him. It was the inspector. With his wings fluttering with the wind, his armor shining in the sun, he looked like an angel coming to save him.
The man threw him self at Daryn. He slammed him to the wall and pulled out a weapon Casimir recognized as a flintlock pistol. "No one hurts him. NO ONE! You hear that, no one!!"
=== Chapter 14: Family ===
At the infirmary, as the doctor nursed his wounds, Casimir could not help but stare at the inspector. Casimir was on the verge of death and he was saved by this man who could care less. Casimir understood why, being inspector and all, but his attitude and the way he defended him astounded him and confused his mind. Unlike everyone else, whenever something wrong happened to him it seemed to end up with his punishment. But this time there were no harsh words or disgusted looks. This man only had worry, sympathy, and determination.
"How's he doing?" asked the man. He looked at Casimir with worry.
"He'll be fine, but he will be unable to do much for a few weeks. That boy did quite a number on him." said the doctor applying bandages to bleeding wounds.
"Good," said the other man with relief. He then asked the doctor if they could be in private. The doctor left leaving the two alone.
"How are you feeling, son?" asked the man. Casimir quickly responded.
"Frankly, I've been better." Casimir could see the beginning of a smile on him.
"So you're Casimir? I hear you're the boy whom everyone hates I guess. And today they wanted to give rid of you once and for all."
Casimir nodded. A throbbing pain in his neck prevented him from moving much. His ribs ached and it felt as if something was broken.
"Don't worry, you'll be up and running in no time. And you'll never have to feel this way for some time, I promise."
"What now. What about the blonde boy and Daryn. What of them. What if they harm me again." Casimir's mind was full of worried thoughts of him being beat again and his body laying lifeless on the ground.
"That boy will be expelled from the knighthood. He will go back to his family and he will not bother you again. As for Daryn, he was arrested and is awaiting trial. He is no longer your master and will most likely be demoted or even kicked out."
"Then who will be my teacher? Daryn was the only available one."
"Well, since we will have many graduates leaving for other divisions, lets just say there are many choices."
"Oh."
"By the way, I am Grand Hetman Wladyslaw Nowak of Nurogow Castle, Winged Division. I was here to inspect the young men who were going to be knighted. I am happy to say all of them passed and will be sent to train elsewhere if they want."
"I am honored to be in your presence, sire. Excuse me, but what is a Grand Hetman? Is it a rank or something?"
Wladyslaw did not seem to mind answering his question as if it was common for someone not to know what his title meant. "The Grand Hetman is the second highest rank in this order of knights. I was able to keep it when I left my former army to join the Order. First comes the Grand Master, then me, then the generals, admirals, commanders, and so on. So basically I am the second most important person you'll ever meet."
"Woah. I met someone famous today. That's quite a change for once."
"What do you mean 'for a change?'"
Casimir explained everything that has happened to him over the last year. Of how Daryn mistreated him and no one liked him. Of how bad his training was and the fact that he actually thought of leaving. Wladyslaw looked at him with shock. His face was blank. "And no one said anything?"
"I think not. See, they hate me so much they don't even care what my reports say. I'm pretty sure you didn't even know I was here until today." Wladyslaw nodded in agreement. He never even knew that a child named Casimir was even here at this castle until today. After Casimir finished the Grand Hetman took some time to think. He left for a moment to take care of some business and came back a few hours later.
"Well, Daryn's trial went well. In the end he was sentenced to ten years and all his property becomes the Order's. He'll be old when he finally becomes a free man again. It also seems few want to take you as their apprentice."
Casimir interrupted him, he wanted to ask a question ever since he met him. "Sir?"
"Yes, Casimir?" asked Wladyslaw.
"Why do you care?"
He blinked his eyes. "What do you mean. Of course I care, your a student and I need to make sure you're ok."
"No, I mean, you care like no other. I doubt even the most caring person is nothing like you. Tell me, why do like me?"
Wladyslaw sighed. He waited a little while to answer. "Casimir, I wanted to tell you later after you recovered but now there is no point in waiting. Your father was Jaroslav, right?"
Casimir nodded. "But I was raised by someone else."
"You were?"
"His name was Johan Meckleburg. He raised me after Jaroslav died when I was young. So that makes me Casimir Meckleburg, son of Johan and Sarah."
"No, that's not it."
"What do you mean? Do you think I don't know my own name."
"Your full and official name is...Casimir Nowak-Meckleburg. Our father was Jaroslav Nowak"
"What! B-bu-but. How?" Casimir was greatly confused. Our?This doesn't make sense. Does this mean, is it true, how could it be?
Wladyslaw read his mind. "Yes Casimir, you are my brother. My beloved brother."
=== Chapter 15: Third Year ===
Two years later...
Today was his big day. After two years of hard training and learning he was finally going to be knighted. Wladyslaw trained much better than Daryn had. Wladyslaw was almost the complete opposite of him. Unless Casimir did something completely wrong, Wlad hardly ever yelled at him. Wlad trained him in swordsmanship and he could attack and block with any sword. He also received cavalry training from Wlad, who happily took the time to train him the best he could. Thanks to the Hetman, Casimir was the best squire in the whole castle, maybe the best they ever had. Casimir also took joy in reading with his brother. They both loved the same stories and much more. Wladyslaw assigned homework as well, but he actually helped him if he needed it unlike his former master. Casimir also was better at chivalry then the rest of the male students. In fact he managed to ask a special someone out for an evening ride. As an added bonus, no one dared hurt Casimir since he was the Grand Hetman's apprentice. Casimir even managed to make some friends with people he thought hated him. Maybe it wasn't all them, maybe Daryn and some of the teachers wanted me to feel horrible. Maybe some actually wanted to be my friends years ago...
In conclusion, Casimir's life was far better now. Now eighteen, he was now going to be knighted and choose a new division to train with. Three years and he excelled at nearly every type of training. Though the typical age for someone to be knighted was twenty, Casimir managed to be ahead two years early. And he wasn't alone.
"You ready, Casimir?" asked a voice outside his room. It turned out the dark-haired boy he thought was his enemy turned out to be his friend. His name turned out to be Alexei, son of a fairly rich man who lived near the castle. The muscular boy, Ivan, also was a friendly person in his own way.
"Coming," hollered back Casimir. He had his white robe and a shield barring his family's coat of arms, a mix of the Nowak and Meckleburg families. He walked out of his dorm, shield in hand, sword in scabbard, smile on his face.
The whole castle was decorated beautifully. Flags and banners fluttered with the wind, windows clear as crystal, and even the walkway looked unusually nicer. The three soon-to-be knights walked over to where the ceremony would take place. It was an elevated wooden platform in the middle of the courtyard. Once everyone was there, twenty-five young men and women would be knighted.
"Aren't you excited?!" said Alexei sounding anxious.
"I sure am. I'm so happy we three are being knighted at the same time. I can't believe we are all going to the Evergreen Division. I'm going to train in cavalry tactics and join the Winged Division like my brother. What about you?"
"Ranged tactics. I love the whir of arrows."
They both laughed. Ivan merely grunted.
"How about you Ivan? Surely you have something to say. Just because you're the strong silent time doesn't mean you can't have a conversation."
"Infantry. I'll also stay with the Evergreen Division afterwards." said Ivan, not enthusiastically.
"Hey, we managed to get him to say a few words for a change." chuckled Alexei. Casimir could see a small smile emerging on Ivan's face.
Once each squire arrived the ceremony began. A procession headed by Wladyslaw escorted the Order's Grand Master to the new knights. Grand Master Joachim Antile dismounted from his horse. He wore a white surcoat over his chain mail light armor. He was fairly old, his beard and hair where nearly white and he needed assistance getting off his horse. He walked with a cane to the first squire he would knight. With her master standing by the squire's side, the Grand Master took out his bejeweled sword and placed the blade on her shoulders. She swore an oath to him and then the next new knight would come. The knight's master embraced her and they both were in tears.
When it was Casimir's turn, Wlad was to his left side, a smile on his face. He wore his winged armor, shiny and polished. His wings made him look large and protective. The Grand Master took his sword and knighted him.
"I proclaim you, Casimir Nowak-Meckleburg, squire of Grand Hetman Wladylsaw Nowak, a knight. From this day forth you are sworn to protect this order of knights, all people of Pyrrhia, our honor, our teachings, our beliefs, and the Grand Master of the Order of Pyrrhia as well as all the generals, admirals, commanders , officers, and their legitimate heirs." he said. His sword went from one shoulder to the next.
"I, Casimir Nowak-Meckleburg, swear my loyalty and life to you and to the entire order. I will serve as your humble servant. May you long live."
After he swore the oath the Grand Master officially named Casimir a knight. He was no longer a squire. At the reception afterwards, the new knight and his former master had a talk.
"I'm so proud of you." said Wladyslaw, munching on a tart he took from the dessert table.
"I couldn't have done it without you. Thank you so much. Not just the training, but life in general. Before I was alone, now I have friends and people care." said Casimir gleefully.
"So now you're off to the next division. I hope your training goes well, as well as your friends'. I'm going to miss you, well back to life at my division."
"Don't worry, I'll do fine. And you can count on it that I'll go to the Winged Division, so I'll be with you in a few years."
Wladyslaw chuckled, "I'm counting on it. Be careful and take care my brother." The two embraced for what seemed forever.
"You too, Wladyslaw."
=== Epilogue ===
On the path to the location of the Evergreen Division...
Casimir, Alexei, Ivan, and six other new knights were on their way to their next level of training. At Evergreen Division, they will learn to fight in the forest and survive one of the most dangerous places in Pyrrhia. This division is known to train knights to sharpen their skills enough so they might have a chance to survive an encounter with dragons. But the path there is difficult enough with only one experienced guide to lead their way to the hidden fortress.
Casimir conversed with Alexei while Ivan just listened as usual, only answering with nods or shaking his head. The group kept walking through the dense forest hoping their destination was close. But wing beats froze them in their tracks. Casimir looked up nervously at the sky. A crimson colored dragon, who was looking down searching for something, started to dive down.
"RUN!" yelled the guide. Casimir stopped stunned as the guide was swooped up and taken away by the dragon. The whole group burst into panic. Some were running away like they had their heads cut off, other tried to hide under shrubs or behind trees. Some brave others took out their swords and waited for the dragon to come back. And it did.
The second time around the dragon spread fire all around them setting much of the surrounding forest on fire. Three of the knights crumpled unto the forest floor in flames, while two others stood their ground.
"Come on!" screamed Casimir to his friends. Alexei and Ivan didn't need any more instructions. They ran towards a denser part of the forest. When he looked back he saw one of the knights go down, then the other. Just then Casimir realized there were four of them, his friends, himself, and someone else. A young woman with black hair was running alongside them.
After reaching a safe distance away the four fell down in exhaustion. Before anyone else asked anything, Casimir was the first. "Who are you?" he asked. Ivan and Alexei looked at her, noticing her for the first time.
She answered, "My name is Cecilia. And what in the three moons was that!" she said in shock.
The End
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Category:Content (Armored Scavenger)
Category:Fanfictions (Completed)
Category:Fanfictions
Category:Fanfictions (Semi-Canon)