With his father's blessing, Kaelith quickly assembled his chosen company. Elion and Lysaro stood at his side in full armor, Hale behind him with supplies already packed. The ten knights assigned by the King bowed low, ready and silent.
Kaelith addressed them in the palace courtyard, the sky above them dimming into a cool golden hue. "We leave in one hours.
The road to Khasidar will not be easy. Stay alert, trust no one we do not know, and guard each other with your lives.
Orders were shouted. Horses readied. The House stirred into action.
The sun had barely crested the horizon when Kaelith and his companions rode out from the eastern gates of Zarethrone.
The early light painted the land gold, glinting off armor and steel, while the air still held the cool breath of morning dew. Behind them, the kingdom lay restless, heavy with whispers, fear, and questions yet unanswered.
