A long time ago, Luxene's dark skies loomed over its silent residents. No children made merry on the streets and businesses were reduced to a handful of shops. A castle sat at the very end of this country, weeping in isolation.
Luxene wasn't always like this. People used to bask under the gentle sun of this lone island. It sat at the center of Netherware—a vast blue ocean surrounding its sandy borders.
Rumors spread among the residents about the missing princess which caused the blue sky to darken, but nothing was proven as the castle remained closed and quiet.
“Well... it's time to sleep, my child," a well-built man decorated with white armor and gold badges kissed his five-year-old boy's forehead after telling the story.
The cheeky amber-haired boy complained, “But dad, I want to know what the sun looked like and how you got your armor and sword."
“I will tell you when the time comes. Hush now or the Dark Wizard will whisk you away from bed." He tucked his child and went for the door.
“Hmph! I'm not afraid of no wizard!" The boy mumbled to himself. “I'll show him who's the boss."
Thunder struck followed by howling wind from his wooden window and the boy covered himself from head to toe with his patched up blanket. He closed his eyes, wishing for the storm to go away.
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Seventeen years passed with the country drenched in black light.
The day had come when the castle announced a vacant position for young knights. Most of its residents still closed their doors, but hopeful young men of Luxene kept their hearts open for this day.
A kilometer away from the castle outskirts, Larson Wolfe, a young amber-haired boy in his teens, had been training for this highly prestigious position.
He waited for the day when the castle would open its doors once more to the people of Luxene, training since the age of five with the sword his late father, a retired knight of the castle, passed down to him. Together, they sparred until his final days.
“Father, I won't disappoint you!" He swore to him after burying his remains.
Larson's mother went for another man after that, but the boy managed to live on his own.
In the middle of his morning sword training, thunder struck a nearby tree. It fell on his wooden house, crumbling it down to its foundation.
“Well, it's time to build a new one, I guess." Exasperated, he dropped his sword and gathered his tools and building materials as if it was another regular day.
Sometime between sawing and hammering, a knight straddling on his tall gray horse stopped before him. His blazing red armor reminded its people what the sun looked like before darkness claimed the clear blue sky.
He pointed his steel sword at Larson. “You there! What on earth are you doing?"
Larson dropped his tools and ran toward him. “Are you one of the castle's knights?"
“So what if I am?" His orange iron helmet masked his irritation.
Larson's black eyes fixed with amazement on the full-armored knight. “What brings you here, Sir Knight?"
“I have been searching around town for those who are capable to join our ranks."
The knight eyed him from head to toe. The wind rustled with Larson's loose shirt, having no sleeves, showed his lean arms, and his cotton shorts were well worn out. Only a paper-thin flip flop protected his feet from the jagged road. Larson had the face of an innocent boy in a man's body.
He continued with condescendence. “With that toned physique of yours, I think you will do."
“Really?" Stars sparkled in Larson's eyes.
“This isn't the time to stare at me dumb. Hop on!" He ordered.
The boy rushed into his crumbled home. “Just let me gather my stuff."
“There is no need." The knight steered his horse, exposing its rear. “The castle will provide you your things."
“But my house!"
“Let the castle worry about it." His words stopped the boy from gathering his tools. “Come on! We can't spend the day dallying."
Larson reluctantly climbed onto the calm stallion. He stared at his fallen home for the last time. “I will be back, father. I promise."
Through silent houses, dark trees, and hallowed plains, they galloped. He could not fathom how hard his heart stammered against his chest. Half of his heart longed for adventure, while the other half trembled on what awaited him there.
Upon reaching the castle, a blazing open gate stood before them. The castle's exterior glistened with rubies, providing a spark of hope to its people, a promise of prestige and honor in Larson's eyes. His heart pounded harder as the knight led him inside. He dropped Larson behind the castle and sped off.
When Larson opened the silver door, axes, swords and shields displayed on the browning brick interior of the Knight's Hall. Boys of different build and height formed rank and file before a man in clad platinum armor. Their eyes fixed miles away from where they stood.
Larson joined the line at the back. He tried asking the other boys what's going on, but unfriendly stares met him. What a feisty bunch! he thought.
The armored man ran the tip of his sword across the ground, grating their ears. The line straightened up and their focus returned to the person gazing at them with burning intensity on the raised platform.
The deep-voiced man with a silver saber in hand removed his pristine helmet. “I am Alcanor, Head Knight of this castle. We gathered you here today from different parts of Luxene, hoping to find one true knight amongst all of you."
His ashen eyes gazed through the crowd as if looking directly into their souls. Larson wanted to raise his hand, but figured it was best to keep his mouth shut.
“The castle gate is wide open for those who have weak hearts. Do it while you still can. Once we start, there is no turning back."
Fifty boys filled the room, including Larson. Five of them quivered in their soles from the pressure emitted by the Head Knight. Half remained steady on their legs, hiding the sickness in their stomach. The other half deflected it well. Larson, on the other hand, had determination filling his eyes.
