The King's Guard

Chapter 3

Kael woke up much earlier than usual. He hadn’t slept much because he was thinking about the choosing ceremony. Today was really very important. He wanted to join the Shadow Corps. He felt ready but a little nervous.

“Kael, are you awake?” his dad called from outside his bedroom door.

“Yes, Dad, I’m packing,” Kael said. He put clothes in a bag. He had taken a bath and done his chores. He thought it might be the last time he did chores at home if he passed the ceremony tests.

“Okay. So, breakfast is ready.” his dad said, walking to the kitchen.

“I'll be right at the dining table in a jiffy, Dad.”

Kael closed his bag and put it over his shoulder. He looked around his room. It had a bed, a desk with papers, and a bookshelf with books. He liked his room but felt ready to leave. Today was a big day.

He walked to the living room and put his bag by the door. His dad was setting the table. The kitchen smelled like bread and porridge. A window was open, letting in cool air.

Kael’s dad was tall with gray hair. It was obvious Kael inherited his height from his father. He sat at the table. “Sit down, Kael.” he said.

Kael sat. His dad had made bread, cheese, and porridge. Kael ate a piece of bread. He thought this might be their last meal together for a while. He ate quietly.

They didn’t talk for a bit. Then his dad said, “Kael, I want you to remember something.”

Kael looked at his dad and put down his fork. His dad looked serious.

“You have a skill,” his dad said. “It’s strong, but it’s risky. Remember the scar on your eyebrow?”

Kael touched the small scar above his eye. He nodded.

“You’ve learned since then,” his dad said. “But you need to be careful. Not many people in the kingdom have your skill. Few can control it.”

Kael thought about when he got the scar. He was younger and tried to use his ability, called Temporal Rift. It let him slow time in a small area for a short time. The first time, he was in his dad’s workshop. He slowed time, and things moved slowly. He got excited but lost control. Time went back to normal, and pieces of wood and metal flew. One hit his eye, leaving a scar. His dad looked scared that day. Kael learned to be careful after that.

“It’s not just about the tests,” his dad said. “It’s about knowing your skill. Use it carefully. I’m proud of you, Kael. But promise me you’ll be careful.”

Kael nodded. “I promise, Dad.” he said.

His dad smiled and touched Kael’s hand. Someone knocked on the door. His dad stood to open it.

Sir Fred stood outside. He was tall with scars on his face. “Ready, Kael?” he asked.

Kael’s dad let Fred in. Fred nodded to Kael’s dad. “It’s a long trip to the city. We should go,” Fred said.

Kael picked up his bag and looked at his dad. “I’ll see you later, Dad,” he said.

His dad nodded. “Be careful, Kael,” he said.

Kael smiled and hugged his dad. Then he followed Fred outside. The morning was cool. The sun was coming up. A carriage waited on the road. Fred helped Kael put his bag in the carriage. They got inside, and the driver started the horses. The carriage moved along the dirt road.

Kael looked out the window. The village got smaller as they left. He saw fields and trees. The road was bumpy. He thought about his village. It was small and quiet. He liked it but wanted to see more. The ceremony was a chance to do that.

The Shadow Corps was a group that protected the kingdom. Kael knew the tests would be hard. They would test his body and mind. He wanted to pass to show he could handle his skill. He thought about his ability. It was rare, and he needed to use it well.

The carriage went through hills, then forests, then near the city. The city had big walls and many buildings. Kael had been there a few times. It was bigger than his village. He saw people walking, selling things, and working. Soldiers walked the streets in armor.

The carriage stopped near a large building. Fred said, “This is the King’s Academy. The ceremony is here.”

Kael looked at the building. It was big with stone walls and some designs. Soldiers stood at the entrance. They looked serious.

Fred got out of the carriage and helped Kael down. “Remember what your dad said,” Fred told him. “This is your chance.”

Kael nodded. He felt ready. He followed Fred to the entrance, thinking about the tests. He wanted to do well.

The building was tall. Kael saw banners on the walls. The soldiers watched him as he walked inside. He thought about his skill again. He knew it was important to control it. He remembered his dad’s words about being careful. He planned to follow that advice.

Inside, the building had stone floors and high ceilings. Kael saw other people waiting. They looked nervous too. He wondered if they had skills like his. He thought about the Shadow Corps. They worked in secret to keep the kingdom safe. Kael wanted to be part of that.

He stood with Fred near the entrance. The ceremony would start soon. Kael felt his bag on his shoulder. He thought about his village again. He missed it a little but was excited to be here. The city was loud with people and carts. He saw shops and houses outside.

Kael thought about his dad. He was glad his dad supported him. It made him feel stronger. He remembered the meal they had. The bread and porridge were good. He thought about his mom too. He didn’t remember her much, but he wanted to make her proud.

The ceremony was a big step. Kael knew it wouldn’t be easy. He thought about the tests. They might ask him to use his skill. He practiced it sometimes, but he was careful. He didn’t want to lose control again.

He looked at Fred. Fred was quiet but looked at Kael. “You’ll do fine,” Fred said.

Kael nodded. He felt nervous but ready. He thought about the Shadow Corps again. He wanted to join them and help the kingdom. He stood straighter, waiting for the ceremony to begin. This was his chance, and he would try his best.