A heavy, solemn silence settled over the palace courtyard as they arrived. Nothing could be heard except the measured footsteps of General Arald as he approached the center and dropped to one knee with a sharp, respectful motion. In a firm tone he presented the four teenagers to the assembled lords.
Arald: "I present to you these four youths."
Max, Matheo, Anthony and Rehann, despite the tightness in their chests, mirrored Arald. In perfect, almost forced synchrony they knelt, heads bowed, saluting the gathered nobility.
Unknown (deep, powerful, yet kind): "Very well, you may rise, noble heroes. Welcome to the Great Kingdom of Shaulkkia.
My name is Éldric Aurelius Pendragon, though you may call me Éldric. Thank you for answering our summons… these are grave times. I suppose you were given some information about the situation?"
All (in unison, respectfully): "Yes, my lord."
The king allowed a small, encouraging smile, expecting to see hardened warriors. Then he asked the question that mattered most to him:
Éldric: "Tell me—are you seasoned fighters?"
A brief, awkward pause. The four exchanged nervous glances.
Max (softly): "Rehann, go on… say it."
Anthony: "Yeah bro, you the leader, right?"
Matheo: "Come on, talk, don't play shy."
Éldric watched them with his chin propped on his hand, studying them closely, an amused spark in his gaze. He thought to himself: They hesitate… perhaps they hide a strength they don't want to show. Interesting.
At last Rehann, apparently chosen by the group, cleared his throat.
Rehann: "Well… how to put this… to tell the truth, my king… none of us have ever really handled a proper weapon."
The shock hit like a cold gust. The light murmur among the nobles died, as if swept away. A heavy, accusing hush fell over the courtyard.
Rillèsse (rising abruptly, voice sharp with contempt): "He DARES send us mere low-level children?!HOW are we supposed to defeat those creatures with… them?! This is a joke!"
A roar of indignation erupted across the courtyards noble voices raised, scoffs, mocking laughter, outraged whispers.
Unknown Noble: "A waste of time…"
Another: "They'll die on their first mission!"
The four youngsters lowered their eyes, humiliated and powerless to answer.
Éldric, however, raised a single hand and the sound snapped off.
Éldric (calmly): "…Silence."
The entire court stilled, frozen by the cold authority in his voice.
Éldric: "Are you truly all amateurs?"
Max answered with blunt honesty, voice steady despite the shame:
Max: "Yes, my lord."
Éldric's brow tightened, but his voice remained measured.
Éldric: "That is unfortunate… You will have to improve. Quickly."
Arald stepped forward, practical and respectful.
Arald: "My lord, perhaps grant them a small commission? Let them be equipped and begin training at once."
Éldric: "Hm… Very well. Give them what they need."
He paused; then his expression hardened. The warmth drained from his features and his gaze turned severe almost warning.
Éldric (with weight): "…But when you return here you had better have become formidable heroes."
The four replied in a single, determined shout, masking fear with resolve:
All: "YES, MY LORD!"
The king stood. Without another word he left the courtyard, each of his strides carrying a restrained impatience.
As he turned to go he called over his shoulder:
Éldric: "You are dismissed… Become legends."