True Knight

“Arise, Blood Knight of Silvermoon,” Lady Liadrin spoke as she gently tapped each of Keldren’s shoulders with her longsword. Keldren stood proudly and faced his commander.

Lady Liadrin smiled. “This is a glorious day. For today, Keldren Silverblade of House Aravel has received the full ranking of Blood Knight and will receive all the privileges and responsibilities that the title entails.” She sheathed her blade and placed her hand on Keldren’s shoulder. “Serve the Order with honor and glory, fellow knight.”

There was a roar of applause from the audience. Most of the audience were represented by the scores of adepts who dreamed of one day reaching this level of achievement. Some were veteran knights, now equal comrades who wanted to congratulate a new member of their Order. And of course, there was Keldren’s family, the remainder of House Aravel, a noble house that was decimated by the Third War. Matheus and Lhorynna, both great and respected paladins, cheered proudly for their son. Keldren’s uncle Rommir and his family were there as well.

Eventually the congratulations ended and the other elves returned to their work. Keldren was finally alone, eager to leave Silvermoon and begin his career as a blood knight. He was stopped by Lady Liadrin.

“I wanted to make sure before I left that you have received your mount,” Lady Liadrin said to Keldren. “Were you trained to summon your warhorse?”

“Yes, Lady Liadrin,” Keldren replied. “The trainers taught me the proper way to channel the Light to summon Aramis.”

“Aramis?” Lady Liadrin said. “Already named the horse?”

“Surprised?”

“Hardly,” she grinned. “I named my first warhorse when I started the Academy myself. It’s just good to see another elf so eager to be a knight.”

“It is what I am.”