The Name Of A Sorcerer

Forged Bonds

The first thing Armand heard was shouting.

"Laziness is the first step toward death!"

His eyes snapped open, and the cold stone ceiling of the underground barracks came into focus, lit only by rows of flickering lanterns hanging from iron hooks. Dozens of wooden bunk beds stretched across the enormous chamber, and every one was occupied by sleepy recruits rubbing the exhaustion from their eyes.

Heavy footsteps echoed through the room as Commander William marched between the rows like a storm given human form.

"If I have to wake you myself, then you've already failed!" His booming voice shook the walls, and several recruits scrambled out of bed so quickly that they stumbled onto the floor.

Armand pushed himself upright and looked around.

This wasn't the palace, and it wasn't the comfortable guest chamber where he had fallen asleep after the royal banquet.

This... this was the Red Keep.

His dream.

Right beside him, Colin was still fast asleep, hugging his blanket with a peaceful smile, and Armand couldn't help but chuckle. He nudged him.

"Colin."

No response.

He nudged him harder. "Colin!"

The young prince jolted upright, and his eyes widened as he spotted Commander William. "Oh no."

The two boys jumped from their beds and hurried after the other recruits. They rushed up the stone staircase leading out of the underground barracks and emerged into the crisp morning air, where hundreds of recruits were already forming neat rows in the training yard.

Commander William stood before them with his hands clasped behind his back, and his stern gaze swept across every face.

"I've seen sacks of potatoes with more discipline than this."

No one dared respond.

"You call yourselves future knights?" he scoffed. "I've seen village grandmothers swing axes harder than half of you."

A few recruits lowered their heads in embarrassment as William continued pacing.

"You are weak. You are slow. You are soft. And if a real battlefield welcomed you today... not one of you would survive until sunset."

The silence was suffocating, but Armand couldn't stop smiling. He wasn't listening to the insults because his eyes wandered across the training grounds — the towering crimson banners, the weapon racks, the knights already sparring in the distance, and the ancient walls of the Red Keep.

His heart swelled. I'm here... I'm really here... I'm finally training to become a knight.

After his father's hatred, the cursed forest, the journey to Ring, the arena, and the King, it had all led to this moment, and he couldn't stop smiling even if he tried.

Then every recruit suddenly turned toward him, and Armand blinked. Why was everyone staring?

A thunderous voice answered his question. "I'M TALKING TO YOU, BOY!"

Armand nearly jumped as Commander William's piercing gaze locked directly onto him, and he immediately straightened. "I-I'm sorry, sir!"

William slowly walked toward him while the recruits instinctively stepped aside and created a clear path. His boots stopped inches away.

"So..." His voice was dangerously calm. "You think you're better than everyone else?"

Armand's smile disappeared. "No, sir."

William leaned closer. "You saved Sir Cedric. You earned the King's favor. And now you stand there smiling while I address my recruits."

Armand lowered his head. "I didn't mean any disrespect."

William grabbed him by the collar, and with one powerful tug he dragged Armand out of formation and threw him to the front of the assembled recruits. Dust rose where he landed.

He turned toward the crowd and pointed. "You. Step forward."

The boy obeyed immediately. He had dark hair cropped short, sharp gray eyes, and the confident posture of someone who had trained with weapons his entire life.

"What is your name?"

"Samwell, sir."

William nodded once before releasing him and looking between the two boys. "Good." Then he addressed the entire training yard. "These two will duel."

A murmur spread through the recruits, but William's expression remained cold.

"I don't care if you use swords, fists, the elements, or magic. Everything is permitted."

He pointed toward the practice arena and looked directly into Armand's eyes. "You've impressed the King. You've impressed Sir Cedric. Now impress me. Or prove that they made a terrible mistake."

The entire training ground fell silent as every recruit turned their attention to Armand and Samwell. The first duel of Armand's life was about to begin.

The recruits formed a wide circle around the practice arena while Commander William stood at its edge with his arms folded. A training sword was tossed to Samwell, and another landed at Armand's feet.

"Begin."

The moment the command left William's mouth, Samwell sprang into action and thrust his hand forward. "Earth!"

The ground trembled as three jagged pillars of stone erupted from the earth and shot toward Armand. He instinctively reached out with his own hand. Come on... Come on... Please...

Nothing. No wind, no strange force, no darkness. Nothing answered him, and his heart sank as the stone pillars came almost upon him. He rolled to the side, barely avoiding them, and the recruits laughed.

"Isn't he supposed to be special?" "I thought he had amazing magic."

Samwell smiled confidently. "So the rumors were exaggerated." He stomped his foot, and chunks of rock burst from the arena floor. Armand grabbed a discarded wooden shield lying nearby and barely managed to block the attack, but it splintered apart with a CRACK. He threw it aside, seized a broken spear shaft, and swung desperately as another barrage came flying. He knocked several away before one struck his shoulder, and pain exploded through his arm.

He stumbled backward, but Samwell didn't stop. A stone fist rose from the ground and slammed into Armand's stomach, and he crashed across the dirt with his lungs emptied. Commander William watched silently. No one intervened. This was a duel.

Armand struggled to stand with blood trickling from the corner of his mouth. Why... Why won't it work? It worked yesterday... Please... Answer me...

Nothing.

Samwell raised both hands, and the earth beneath Armand's feet cracked open as a massive stone hammer rose from the ground. "This ends now."

At that exact moment, something stirred inside him. His heartbeat slowed, the world became strangely quiet, and his eyes sharpened. Without thinking, he moved, and the stone hammer crashed into empty ground because Armand had already stepped aside.

Samwell's eyes widened. "What?"

Before he could react, Armand's fist slammed into his chest.

BOOOOM!

Samwell flew backward like an arrow and tore through the air before crashing straight through an archery target. The thick wooden stand shattered into pieces, and silence fell.

Every recruit froze, and even the instructors stopped what they were doing. Samwell groaned from the pile of broken wood as Commander William slowly walked toward Armand. His expression was unreadable.

"What... ...sort of sorcery is this?"

Armand looked down at his trembling hand. "I don't know, Commander."

William narrowed his eyes. "You don't know what sort of magic you possess?"

"...No, sir."

William turned toward the assembled recruits. "What are the magics and elements every House in Ring possesses?"

The boys answered together without hesitation. "Fire! Water! Earth! Wind! And the rare bloodline gifts!"

William nodded, and then his gaze returned to Armand. "Then who... ...the hell are you?"

Armand remained silent because he wanted the answer just as badly. William stared for another moment before turning away. "Out of the arena. The next duel."

The training continued as recruits clashed with swords, spears, fire, earth, water, and wind. Armand sat alone beneath a wooden shelter, quietly watching, when someone dropped beside him.

"You okay?"

It was Colin, with a small bruise on his cheek but grinning as always.

"I won."

Armand smiled. "Congratulations."

"You too."

"I almost lost."

"But you didn't."

Colin leaned back. "That punch... I've never seen anything like it."

Armand sighed. "Neither have I."

By midday the recruits gathered at the archery range with targets lined along the far wall. Commander William demonstrated proper stance before assigning everyone to practice, and hours later the instructors stepped away briefly to inspect another section of the grounds. The recruits were left unattended, and it didn't take long.

Podric — the enormous recruit Armand had fought on his first day — walked past Samwell, and their shoulders bumped.

"Watch where you're going."

Samwell shoved him. "You bumped into me."

Podric laughed. "Oh? You want to fight again?"

Before Samwell could answer, Podric punched him square across the face and the two crashed into the dirt as Podric's enormous fists rained down relentlessly.

"Enough!" Armand hurried over. "Stop!"

Podric looked up, and his expression darkened. "You. I haven't forgotten yesterday." He stood and walked straight toward Armand, then punched him across the jaw. Armand stumbled backward, and his own temper finally snapped as the two exchanged blows. Dust filled the air while the surrounding recruits immediately formed a circle.

"Come on, Podric!" "Break him!" "Finish him!"

Podric drove his shoulder into Armand and knocked him backward, and blood dripped from both of their noses. Breathing heavily, Podric suddenly reached toward his belt and pulled out a small throwing knife. Without warning he hurled it straight at Armand.

Time seemed to slow, and instinct took over as Armand raised one hand. The knife stopped, floating barely an inch from his palm, and gasps echoed around the training yard. Armand's eyes widened because he hadn't meant to do that. The invisible force shifted, and the knife shot sideways.

SLASH!

A nearby recruit screamed as the blade sliced across his cheek before embedding itself into a wooden post. Blood poured from the wound, and everyone froze.

Heavy footsteps thundered toward them as Commander William emerged from the training hall. "What is the meaning of this?" His eyes immediately found the injured recruit, and he hurried over. "Who did this?"

Silence. No one answered.

William slowly turned, and his gaze settled on Podric and Armand. Both boys were bruised, covered in dirt, and faces bloodied.

"Did either of you do this?"

Before Armand could speak, Podric pointed directly at him. "He did! He used magic to throw the knife!"

Armand's eyes widened. "That's a lie! You threw the knife at me! You redirected it! You attacked me first! You punched Samwell! You were trying to kill me!"

The argument grew louder as both boys shouted over one another.

"Enough!" Commander William's roar silenced the entire training ground, and his face burned with anger. "You call yourselves future knights? You are supposed to be brothers. Brothers protect one another. They don't throw blame like frightened children."

His eyes moved between them. "You have disgraced the Red Keep."

There was a long silence, and then William made his decision. "Both of you. You will report to the Border of Warkh by dusk. You are assigned to border patrol until I decide otherwise."

Podric's face lost all color. "No... Commander, please! Not Warkh! I'll do extra training! I'll clean every stable!"

William didn't even look at him. "My decision is final." He pointed toward the gate. "Report there before sunset." Then he turned and walked away.

Podric stood frozen with tears welling in his eyes. Slowly he turned toward Armand, and his voice shook with anger. "This is your fault."

Before Armand could answer, Colin stepped between them. "No. It isn't. You threw the knife."

Podric glared at the young prince but said nothing, and simply stormed away.

The rest of the day passed beneath the scorching sun with sword drills, shield formations, running, archery, and endless exercises until every recruit's muscles burned with exhaustion. Yet one thought remained in Armand's mind throughout it all: by dusk he would be leaving the safety of the Red Keep for the dangerous frontier of Warkh.

The last rays of sunlight disappeared beyond the walls of Ring, and the evening bell echoed across the Capital. Training was over.

Armand stood outside the gates of the Red Keep with a small pack slung over his shoulder, and beside him stood Podric. The giant recruit hadn't spoken a single word since the punishment, and his arms were folded tightly with his face dark with resentment.

The massive gates slowly creaked open.

"So..." Podric muttered. "I guess this is happening."

Before either of them could take a step, "Wait!"

Armand turned as Colin came jogging toward them, carrying a travel pack over one shoulder, and beside him was Samwell.

"What are you two doing?" Armand asked.

Colin smiled. "What does it look like? We're coming with you."

Podric frowned. "You weren't punished."

Samwell shrugged. "No. But we're not letting you two patrol Warkh alone."

Armand blinked. "You'd risk getting in trouble?"

Colin laughed. "If Commander William asks... we got lost."

Even Podric couldn't stop a small smile. "You're both idiots."

"And good friends," Colin replied.

Together, the four recruits left the Capital behind as the stone roads slowly gave way to dirt paths. The farmland disappeared, and dense woodland stretched across the eastern horizon. For a long while no one spoke.

Finally, Armand broke the silence. "Colin... where exactly are we going?"

The young prince's cheerful expression faded. "We're heading to the Forest of Warkh."

Armand noticed even Samwell had become serious. "What is Warkh?"

Colin looked toward the distant black trees. "It isn't just a forest. It's a scar. A place the kingdom has feared for centuries."

He continued walking. "Long before Ring existed, the stories say an ancient battle was fought there. So much blood was spilled that the land itself became cursed. They say spirits wander between the trees, and creatures that shouldn't exist hunt beneath its branches. Evil things."

"The strongest knights of the Red Keep guard its borders day and night. They aren't there to protect the forest. They're there to make sure... ...nothing inside ever comes out."

Armand instinctively looked toward the growing darkness ahead, and a chill ran down his spine. No one spoke after that.

Night fell completely, and hours later the forest finally came into view. Its trees were unnaturally tall, and twisted branches blocked out even the moonlight. A thick mist clung to the ground, and the air itself felt wrong — cold, heavy, watching.

Torches burned along a wooden watch post erected just outside the tree line, and several veteran knights stood guard. Among them was Sir Cedric.

The famous knight smiled as the boys approached. "I wondered when you'd arrive."

The recruits saluted, and Cedric returned the gesture casually. "So... I hear Commander William decided to teach you boys responsibility."

Podric groaned. "He calls this responsibility? I call it exile."

Cedric laughed. "You'll survive." He pointed toward the campfire. "Eat while you can."

The boys gladly accepted, and around the fire Cedric shared stories from his early years as a recruit. Even Podric found himself laughing, and for a while the cursed forest almost felt ordinary.

As midnight approached, Cedric stood. "I'll patrol the northern line." He looked at the recruits. "One of you stays awake at all times."

Podric immediately volunteered. "I'll take first watch."

Cedric nodded approvingly, and the others rolled into their blankets. One by one they fell asleep.

Armand didn't know what woke him. Perhaps it was the silence — too much silence. He slowly opened his eyes, and the campfire had burned low while the forest was completely still.

Then he noticed Podric. The giant recruit was standing several paces away, completely motionless, with his spear trembling violently in his hands and his eyes fixed ahead, wide with terror.

"Podric?"

No response.

Armand stood and followed Podric's gaze, and his blood turned cold.

Something stood between the trees. It was nearly twelve feet tall, and its body resembled a twisted mixture of wolf and man, covered in black fur streaked with glowing crimson veins. Its arms hung so low that its claws scraped across the earth, and its eyes burned like molten fire. When it smiled, rows of jagged teeth gleamed in the darkness.

It sniffed the air, then slowly looked directly at Armand, and a deep growl rolled from its chest. The sound alone made the ground tremble.

Colin woke instantly. "What..." His voice caught in his throat.

Samwell scrambled to his feet. "By the Elements..."

The creature suddenly lunged. "Move!"

Armand shoved Colin aside just as one enormous claw crashed into the ground, and the impact shattered the earth. Cedric came running from the darkness. "Swords!"

The veteran knight drew his blade and struck first. His enchanted sword flashed toward the creature's neck.

CLANG!

The blade bounced harmlessly away.

"What?" Cedric's eyes widened, and the creature backhanded him. The famous knight crashed through a tree.

Samwell raised both hands, and stone spikes erupted from the earth, but the beast smashed through them without slowing. Colin unleashed a powerful blast of wind, and it barely ruffled the creature's fur. Podric roared and charged with his spear, but the monster caught him by the throat and then hurled him across the campsite.

Armand rushed forward, and his sword struck the creature's arm. It snapped in half. The beast punched him square in the chest, and pain exploded through his body as he rolled across the ground, barely able to breathe.

Everything was falling apart. Cedric struggled to stand, Podric was unconscious, Samwell's magic was exhausted, and Colin could barely remain on his feet.

The creature slowly walked toward them, smiling, and it raised one massive claw, ready to finish them.

Armand forced himself up, and his body screamed in protest. "No..." he whispered.

The creature ignored him and reached toward Colin.

"NO!"

Something deep inside Armand shattered, and the strange power awakened once again. Dark energy spread like black lightning beneath his skin, his eyes blazed with unnatural light, the wind around him howled, and the ground cracked beneath his feet.

The creature finally turned toward him, and for the first time fear appeared in its burning eyes.

Armand vanished.

A deafening explosion shook the forest as he reappeared directly before the creature. His fist drove into its chest with overwhelming force, and the monster's ribs shattered. It was launched hundreds of feet backward, crashing through dozens of ancient trees before disappearing into the darkness.

Silence. The forest became still once more, and the dark aura surrounding Armand slowly faded. His legs gave out beneath him, and he collapsed onto one knee, breathing heavily.

No one spoke. Cedric stared at him, Colin stared at him, Samwell stared at him, and even the veteran knights along the border had witnessed what had happened. None of them had ever seen power like that before.

And in that moment, every man present realized the same terrifying truth: whatever Armand possessed, it was not one of the four elements.

Darkness. It was all Armand knew.

The battle in Warkh replayed through his mind in scattered flashes — the creature's burning eyes, Cedric being thrown aside, Colin in danger... and then the overwhelming power that had erupted from within him. Everything after that was a blur.

A sharp ache pulsed through his body, and Armand groaned. Slowly he opened his eyes to a marble ceiling above him that looked strangely familiar.

"...Again?"

His arms were being held on either side by two royal guards, who were dragging him through one of the palace's grand hallways. Nobles and servants stepped aside as they passed, whispering among themselves.

"He's awake."

A cheerful voice came from beside him.

Armand turned his head, and Colin was walking alongside the guards, smiling as if this had become a normal routine.

"Morning."

Armand blinked. "Colin... what happened?"

"You passed out."

"I noticed." Armand sighed. "But why am I back in the palace?"

Colin grinned. "Because Father wants to honor you. For what you did last night."

Armand looked confused. "Honor me?"

"You saved all of us. You saved Sir Cedric. You saved me." Colin smiled warmly. "I'd say that's worth a reward."

Armand rubbed the back of his neck. "I... only did what anyone would've done."

Colin laughed. "No. You did what only you could do."

The guards finally stopped before the enormous doors of the Royal Court, and one struck the floor twice with the butt of his spear. The herald's voice echoed through the chamber. "Presenting... Armand of Ring."

The great doors slowly opened, and the guards released him. Armand and Colin stepped inside together.

The throne room was overflowing with lords, ladies, knights of the Red Keep, merchants, scholars, royal officials, and even several foreign ambassadors. Hundreds of eyes turned toward the young recruit, and Armand suddenly wished he were back fighting monsters.

King MacGil sat upon the golden throne, smiling proudly, while beside him stood Ashake, silent as ever. Princess Liora watched with quiet curiosity, Prince George leaned lazily against a pillar looking half-asleep, and Prince Phillip observed Armand without a hint of emotion.

The King rose to his feet. "Armand. You have once again shown courage beyond your years. You risked your own life to save my son... ...and your fellow recruits. For that... ...this kingdom owes you its gratitude."

The King raised his hand, and the entire court erupted into applause. The sound echoed through the hall.

Armand lowered his head, overwhelmed. "You honor me too greatly, Your Majesty."

King MacGil smiled. "I disagree." He nodded toward one of the attendants.

The attendant stepped forward carrying a small wooden perch, and resting upon it was a magnificent black crow. Its feathers shimmered with hints of deep blue beneath the sunlight, and its bright silver eyes studied Armand with surprising intelligence.

The King gently lifted the bird. "This is no ordinary crow. It has served the royal household for many years. Today... I gift it to you."

The King held out his arm, and the crow hopped onto Armand's shoulder without hesitation.

The young recruit smiled in amazement. "It likes you already."

The King chuckled. "Every companion deserves a name."

Armand looked into the bird's clever eyes for a moment, then smiled. "I'll call him... ...Shade."

The crow gave a loud, approving caw. "Caw!"

The court laughed softly.

Without warning, Shade spread his wings and launched from Armand's shoulder, flying straight through one of the open palace windows.

Armand's smile vanished. "He left..."

King MacGil laughed. "Do not worry. He knows who his master is. He will always find his way back to you."

Armand looked toward the open sky, and for some reason he believed him. He bowed deeply. "Thank you, Your Majesty. You have my gratitude."

The King nodded. "You are dismissed."

Armand bowed once more before leaving the throne room with Colin. Outside the palace gates, two familiar figures were waiting: Samwell and Podric.

The giant recruit awkwardly scratched the back of his neck, and the confident bully from only yesterday seemed strangely nervous. When Armand approached, Podric suddenly bowed his head.

"I'm sorry."

Armand blinked. "...What?"

"I treated you badly. I judged you before I knew you. You still saved my life." Podric looked him in the eyes. "I don't deserve it... but... can we start over? Can we be friends?"

For a moment Armand simply smiled, then he held out his hand. "I'd like that."

Podric grinned broadly and shook it.

Samwell stepped forward next. "I owe you an apology as well. I thought you were all talk. I was wrong."

Colin laughed. "There. Now everyone likes everyone."

Podric snorted. "Don't push your luck, Prince."

The four boys burst into laughter, and together they left the palace behind and made their way back toward the towering walls of the Red Keep.

The morning sun shone brightly above them, and for the first time since arriving in the Capital, Armand no longer walked alone. He walked beside friends.

And though none of them realized it yet, the bonds forged on that road would one day shape the fate of kingdoms.