Cheers erupted from the Knights and mages. Though only a small skirmish, casualties were enumerous. Lore wiped the blood from his swords and sheathed them. Then made his way over to Valorum and the other Knight Commanders.
"Sir, thank you for allowing me to participate," Lore said.
Valorum nodded his head and smiled warmly. "Thank you, Lore. I know we can count on you to protect our people."
Lore bowed his head slightly. "It is no problem sir, I look forward to serving under you once more."
"We're going to need every man we have out here. We don't want another attack so soon after today's debacle."
"Call all the men back, it's time to fall back. The enemy has retreated. We'll collect the dead soon. For now, get everyone home. Let's make sure they stay safe."
***
Another few days had passed, and everything was returning to normality. High King Kastor decides to hold a counsel on what the countries next steps should be. With the recent events, the council agreed after many hours of deliberation between young and old members. Screaming and bickering was nonstop, but finally they concluded. A hundred Knight's were to be selected and specially trained as the Knight King Elite Squad.
For the next month, respective Knight Lord's, Knight General's, and Knight King's nominated upward of five hundred Knights. Those five hundred warriors would be thinned and widdked down until one hundred of the strongest members remain.
**
After a week of traveling, Lore found himself in front of the city held by the Knight Order. The Blue Flame Fox City, the designated headquarters for the Knight Order. It was rumored that Knight King Bartholomew, and his Dragon lived at the highest peak of the mountains to the North.
Lore really wanted to search him out, but he decided he should get through the selection process. If he was lucky enough to be chosen, then he could always come back later. Besides, he needed to focus on training if he was to become a member of the elite squad.
He looked up at the massive castle towering over him. He couldn't imagine living in a place like this. Being surrounded by hundreds of soldiers, and having to live with them day in and out would be difficult for anyone to handle. Lore walked through tbe open gates, and made his way to the throne room. Once there, he was greeted by the sound of hushed speaking, and at the head of the crowd stood Knight King Radi. Radi had white hair down his back, jet black eyes, sharp features, and a stern expression. He wore full armor, and carried two swords strapped across his back. As he approached, he took notice of Lore and waved him over.
"You must be Lore. You've got quite the reputation around these parts. I'm quite good friends of your Master, Valorum. And I know he spoke highly of you. So I hope you bring us some luck," Radi said.
"Thank you, sir. Sir, may I ask you a few questions about the selection process?"
Radi nodded. "Of course. Go ahead."
"Sir, I heard that you select the best of the best to join your elite squad. Is that true?"
"Yes, we do. For the next six months, I will eliminate the strong from thr weak. Only those worthy of being part of our squad shall remain. Do not worry though, you'll make the cut. Your master has vouched for you, so that should give you a little boost."
"That brings me some peace of mind, but I don't wish for any special treatment. I should be selected on my potential and merit alone."
"Good answer! Hahaha" Radi laughed boisteriousky, and clapped his hands together. "Now, let's get started. We're going to start with a series of tests today. They will be designed specifically for the position you want to fill in our squad. There will be no need to train outside of these tests. The ones that pass will be allowed to continue until they reach their desired rank."
"Very well, sir. Thank you for taking the time to speak with me."
"Of course, now join the others. It's time I address everyone about selection exams."
***
It wasn't long after that Radi began to explain the first test. "This is where you will begin. In order to become a member of the Elite Squad, each candidate needs to demonstrate that he or she is capable of handling themselves against multiple opponents. Most of you are quite experienced, but I need to evaluate your capabilities. To that end, I will put you through a series of challenges. If you survive them all, then you will move on to the next round. Ready? Begin."
They were given a moment to prepare and gather their thoughts.
Each candidate was given a wooden sword and shield, and then were presented with five armed enemies who attacked simultaneously. Each opponent wore leather armor and wielded short swords. They came at the candidates in waves, attacking with quick strikes and feints. The goal was to defend oneself while striking back at the enemy.
There was a lot of dodging and weaving involved, and Lore was loving every second. He felt no greater joy than fighting with swords and shields. Fighting with his bare hands never held much appeal for him, and he always preferred weapons over fists.
He found himself surrounded by two opponents at once, one to his left, another right beside him. Both opponents were skilled fighters, and they quickly got the better of Lore. Before he knew it, his head was spinning from the blows they dealt to his face. One of the men swung his blade down hard on top of Lore's shield. A loud crack rang out across the field, and Lore staggered backward. As soon as he regained his balance, both opponents charged forward, swinging their blades wildly at him.
No blood was drawn, but welts formed all over Lore's body, and he returned just as many. With a swift kick to the stomach, Lore sent the taller man flying backwards, causing his sword to slip from his hand and clatter onto the ground. The other man stood frozen in place, staring wide eyed at Lore.