Two days after the Iron Thorns' return, Alice found Adrian in the training yard reviewing demon behavior documentation.
"I want to go into demon territory," she said without preamble.
Adrian looked up sharply. "What?"
"Real experience. Mira and I have been training for weeks—theory, practice, simulations. But none of that compares to actual demon encounters in their territory. We need real combat experience, not just controlled sparring."
"Demon territory isn't training ground, Alice. It's hostile wilderness where demons actively hunt humans. The danger isn't comparable to anything you've faced."
"I know. That's exactly why we need to go." Alice sat beside him, expression serious. "The caravan attack taught us more in minutes than weeks of practice. Real threats, real stakes, real adaptation under pressure. We need more of that—controlled exposure to genuine danger."
Adrian was quiet, processing. Part of him—the protective part that cared deeply about her safety—wanted immediate refusal. But the tactical part recognized truth in her reasoning.
"You're right that real experience speeds up learning," he admitted reluctantly. "Combat under actual threat teaches lessons practice can't replicate. But demon territory operations are extremely dangerous. The Iron Thorns lost two warriors in five months. Elite veterans, not students in training."
"Which is why we wouldn't go alone. We'd need experienced guides, careful planning, routes that minimize risk while providing genuine exposure." Alice met his eyes. "Your uncle just spent five months mapping demon territory. He'd know safe approaches, cleared routes, where we could encounter demons without facing overwhelming force."
"You want Uncle Kael to guide an expedition specifically for training purposes."
"Yes. A week, maybe. Controlled insertion into demon lands, supervised encounters, extraction before risk builds up. Not full Iron Thorns operation—just enough real experience to transform our training from theoretical to practical."
Adrian considered carefully. "It's dangerous. More dangerous than I'm comfortable with. But..." he paused, choosing his words carefully, "I learned demon combat through real border encounters. Supervised patrols, controlled engagements, gradually increasing exposure. Denying you the same opportunity because I care about you wouldn't be fair."
"So you'll support this?"
"I'll support bringing it to my father and uncle. But if they refuse, we respect that decision. Agreed?"
"Agreed."
That evening, they gathered in Dorian's study—Adrian, Alice, Mira, Garrick, Dorian, and Kael. The Iron Thorns commander had rested, debriefed, and was reviewing expedition reports when the group arrived.
"We have a request," Adrian began. "Alice and Mira want real demon territory experience. Controlled expedition, short duration, supervised by experienced guides. They're asking if Uncle Kael and the Iron Thorns would consider leading such operation."
Dorian's expression shifted immediately to concern bordering on alarm. "Demon territory? That's extremely dangerous—"
"Manageable with proper planning," Alice interrupted respectfully. "Baron Blackthorn, I understand your concerns. But I came to Northwatch specifically for real combat experience, not just theoretical training. Weeks of practice have value, yes, but genuine demon encounters provide lessons that sparring can't replicate."
"The caravan attack was genuine demon encounter," Dorian pointed out. "You faced Imps and a General. That's more experience than most warriors ever receive."
"Which is exactly why we understand what we're asking for," Mira added. "The caravan taught us how different real combat is from practice. We want more of that education—controlled, supervised, but real."
Kael had been silent throughout, studying the group with tactical assessment. Now he spoke, his voice carrying the weight of someone who'd spent years operating in demon territory—the recent five-month expedition was merely his latest of many extended operations in the demon lands.
"Brother, I understand your concerns. But I also understand their purpose." He looked at Alice and Mira directly. "You're right that real experience teaches differently than practice. The question isn't whether demon territory exposure has value—it clearly does. The question is whether it can be done with acceptable risk."
"And can it?" Dorian asked.
"Yes. With proper planning and overwhelming force protecting them." Kael unrolled map on Dorian's desk, pointing to marked routes built up over years of expeditions. "The Iron Thorns have been mapping demon territory for years—multiple extended operations, some lasting months, others over a year. We've cleared several approach corridors during our most recent expedition, but our knowledge base comes from years of deep territory operations."
He traced a specific route with his finger. "Week-long expedition. We use this corridor, which we've thoroughly mapped and cleared. Controlled encounters with remaining Imp populations—dangerous enough to be real, manageable enough to be survivable with proper support. The full Iron Thorns complement accompanies, plus Adrian, Garrick, and myself providing instruction and protection."
"That's overwhelming force for training operation," Dorian observed.
"Exactly. We're not sending students into hostile territory hoping they survive. We're conducting controlled military operation where experienced warriors ensure safety while students gain real combat exposure." Kael's expression was serious. "I wouldn't propose this if I thought the risk was unacceptable. But with the Iron Thorns at full strength, in territory we've just cleared, teaching two extremely capable students who've already proven themselves against demons? The risk is manageable."
Garrick had been listening carefully, now speaking up. "From a tactical standpoint, High Knight Kael's assessment is sound. With proper precautions and overwhelming support, controlled demon territory exposure would significantly speed up their development." He paused, his expression turning more serious. "However, I must emphasize that my primary duty—above all tactical considerations, above training value, above any other concern—is the safety of Princess Alice. I approve of this plan only if the precautions are absolute. Should anything go wrong, my priority will be getting the princess to safety, regardless of mission objectives or training goals. I am bound to protect the royal family first and foremost."
Kael's eyes sharpened slightly at the formal title, a knowing smile crossing his face. "High Knight Garrick of the royal guard. I'd heard you were here. Your reputation in monster hunting is well-known."
"As is yours in demon hunting," Garrick replied with respect. "The Iron Thorns' success rate is exceptional. Most elite units suffer higher casualty rates for lesser results."
"We're good at what we do," Kael said simply. Then he reached into his armor, withdrawing a medallion—the unmistakable High Knight seal, worn and weathered from years of use. He held it up for Adrian, Alice, and Mira to see clearly. "Though I suspect Garrick has already assessed that my rank matches his. I simply don't advertise it openly—prefer that demons underestimate rather than recognize the threat level."
Alice, Adrian, and Mira all reacted with visible shock.
"You're a High Knight?" Adrian asked his uncle, staring at the seal. "How did I not know this?"
Dorian exchanged amused glances with the air—clearly he'd known all along.
"I knew," Dorian said to his son. "Your mother and I have known for years. You never asked, and your uncle prefers not to advertise."
"How long?" Adrian pressed, still processing.
"Over a decade now," Kael replied, tucking the seal back into his armor. "Earned it through extended demon territory operations—similar to how Garrick earned his through monster hunting excellence." He gestured at the Iron Thorns' roster. "Most of my team are approaching that level themselves. The eighteen who returned are all elite warriors on the edge of High Knight qualification. We're one of several specialized demon hunting forces operating from various border fortresses across the kingdom—we just happen to be based at Northwatch."
"A decade," Adrian repeated, slightly stunned. "You've been High Knight for over a decade and I never knew."
"You've been gone most of my life," Adrian continued, the realization settling. "Years-long expeditions in demon territory. We've barely spent time together—you leave before I truly get to know you, return when I've grown, then leave again. I never thought to ask about your rank."
Kael's expression softened slightly. "That's the reality of deep territory operations. We deploy for years at a time, return briefly to resupply and rest, then deploy again. It's not good for family relationships." He looked at his nephew with something approaching regret. "I've missed watching you grow up, Adrian. Heard about your achievements secondhand—the trials, the crimson flame, tournament victory. But I wasn't here to see any of it."
"You were fighting demons," Adrian said simply. "That matters."
"It does. But so does family." Kael smiled slightly. "Perhaps this expedition will give us time together we've never had. Fighting alongside each other rather than me hearing stories after the fact."
"I don't announce it because the title attracts attention I don't need. Better to let enemies think I'm just another skilled warrior until it's too late." Kael's expression turned serious. "But for this discussion, it matters—shows that the force protecting your students isn't just competent. We're among the kingdom's elite warriors, specifically specialized in demon combat. And I understand High Knight Garrick's position completely—princess protection comes before all other considerations. That priority aligns with my own assessment."
Dorian was quiet for a long moment, weighing everything he'd heard. The tactical assessment was sound. The precautions were as complete as possible. Two High Knights committed to protecting his students. Twenty elite warriors in cleared territory.
And most importantly—this was what Princess Alice wanted. What she'd come to Northwatch seeking.
"I'm feeling more confident than I was when this conversation started," Dorian admitted finally. He looked at Alice seriously. "You're certain this is what you want? Real demon territory, genuine danger, no guarantee of perfect safety?"
"I'm certain," Alice said without hesitation. "This is exactly why I came here."
Dorian nodded slowly, decision made. "Then I agree to the plan. Twenty elite warriors—eighteen Iron Thorns, both High Knights—protecting two students in cleared territory. The precautions are as complete as we can make them. And ultimately, this is what the princess came to Northwatch to experience."
"You're sure?" Kael asked. "No need to request royal approval first?"
"King Aldric sent his daughter here for real training, trusting Northwatch's judgment on what that entails. I'm exercising that trust." Dorian's expression was firm. "Besides, with the precautions you've outlined, this is as safe as demon territory operations can be. I'm comfortable with that risk assessment."
Alice felt relief and excitement bloom. "Thank you, Baron Blackthorn."
"Don't thank me yet. Thank me when you return safely." Dorian looked at his brother. "How soon can you be ready?"
"Two days," Kael said immediately. "The Iron Thorns need minimal preparation—we just returned from five months in demon territory. Route's already planned, supplies are available, warriors are rested. Two days to brief everyone, finalize equipment, and ensure the students are mentally prepared."
"Two days," Dorian confirmed. "Use them well."
The next morning, Adrian was reviewing demon territory maps with Alice when his mother appeared in the training yard, holding a leather courier satchel.
"Adrian," Elara called. "These just arrived for you."
He approached, curious. The satchel bore the royal courier seal—official kingdom correspondence. Elara handed it over with knowing smile.
"Open it," she encouraged.
Adrian unbuckled the satchel, withdrawing six sealed letters. Each bore different academy crest stamped in wax.
His heart stopped.
"The academies," he breathed.
Alice appeared at his side, eyes widening. "All six?"
"All six," Elara confirmed, pride evident in her voice. "They arrived together this morning. The courier said they'd been held at the capital until all responses were collected, then sent as group."
Adrian laid them out on the training yard table:
Dawnspire Academy - Headmaster Theron's seal in white and gold wax 2. Ironfang Academy - Headmistress Kara's seal in black iron 3. Stormwatch Academy - Master Valen's seal in storm-blue 4. Ashbourne Academy - Mistress Elara's seal in ash-gray 5. Silverkeep Academy - Lord Cassius's seal in gleaming silver 6. Stonewall Academy - Commander Brynn's seal in granite-gray
"You're not going to open them?" Elara asked gently.
Adrian stared at the letters, heart pounding. These represented decisions he'd never thought he'd have to make. Choices about futures he'd assumed were predetermined.
"I..." he started, then stopped.
Alice took his hand, squeezing gently. "Together, remember? Whatever these say, we'll figure it out together."
Adrian took a breath, then broke the first seal. Dawnspire Academy.
The letter was formal, written in elegant script on fine parchment:
Adrian Blackthorn,
Your performance at the Royal Tournament has brought you to the attention of Dawnspire Academy. We are pleased to offer you full admission to our three-year advanced combat program, beginning with the next academic term.
Dawnspire specializes in faith, discipline, and divine combat—training the kingdom's Holy Knights. Your demonstrated excellence and character align well with our values.
Should you accept, report to Dawnspire by the first of next month.
Headmaster Theron
"Acceptance," Adrian said quietly. He opened the second. Ironfang Academy.
Blackthorn,
You fight like someone who understands what real combat means. Ironfang doesn't waste time with ceremony—you're in if you want to be.
We forge Combat Knights through brutal training and actual warfare. Your brother Lucien speaks highly of you. Don't disappoint.
First of next month. Don't be late.
Headmistress Kara
Adrian couldn't help a slight smile at Kara's blunt style. He continued through the remaining four.
All acceptances. All offering immediate admission.
Six elite academies. Six different paths. Six futures he could choose.
"They all want you," Alice said softly, reading over his shoulder.
"They all want the tournament champion," Adrian corrected. "The crimson flame display. The victory."
"They want the warrior who earned those things," Elara said firmly. "Your skill, your dedication, your character. That's what these letters recognize."
Adrian looked at the six letters spread before him—each representing completely different direction his life could take. Dawnspire's Holy Knights. Ironfang's brutal combat training. Stormwatch's cavalry and scouts. Ashbourne's demon hunters. Silverkeep's political connections. Stonewall's defensive specialists.
Three years at any of them. Three years away from Northwatch. Three years of growth and education and becoming someone new.
And Alice would be... where?
"You don't have to decide now," Elara said gently. "The deadline is weeks away. And there are many factors to consider."
She glanced meaningfully at Alice, then withdrew to give them privacy.
Adrian stared at the letters, mind spinning. A week ago, these would have represented impossible choices. Now, with everything that had changed—with Alice, with his father's conversation about freedom, with Azrael's revenge mattering less than Adrian's future—they represented something else.
Possibilities. Real possibilities. Not obligations or predetermined paths, but actual choices about who he wanted to become.
"Six academies," he said quietly. "I never expected all six."
"You're tournament champion," Alice pointed out. "Of course all six want you."
"What do I do with this?"
Alice squeezed his hand. "You take time. Consider your options. Figure out what you actually want rather than what you think you should want. And..." she paused, "you remember that whatever you choose, we'll figure it out together."
Adrian looked at her, seeing the certainty in her expression. She meant it. Whatever academy he chose, whatever path he took, she'd be part of that future.
The thought was both terrifying and comforting.
"Two days until demon territory," he said. "Then a week in hostile lands. Then I'll have to decide."
"That's a timeline," Alice agreed. "But for now, we have more immediate concerns."
She was right. Six academy letters could wait. Right now, they had demon territory expedition to prepare for.
Adrian gathered the letters carefully, tucking them back into the satchel. Decisions for later. For now, survival and training took priority.
But the weight of those six seals pressed against his mind—six futures, six choices, six paths that all led away from the simple certainty of Northwatch.
And for the first time in his life, that didn't feel like loss.
It felt like freedom.