Senhor_do_gamer

You are lucky to have seen that ad on the market. "Learn at Home! Full Battle Mage Qualification by Mail!" he said. Now, your first battle mage mission is finally here! Finally, you can master the magical arts of elementalism, illusion, healing and necromancy.
Yesterday you were just a squire, but today you are an aspiring battle mage! But Sir Kelton says squires aren't allowed to practice magic, so you'll need to act like you really want to be a knight, at least for now.
With the powers you unlock, maybe you can win a tournament or two, or be fine with the royal family - you might even try your luck at the game of court politics. Or if you really want to be on Kelton's good side, prove your worth on the battlefield by defeating the mysterious invaders that threaten the borders of his kingdom.

SKAR OF WAR THE WAR

You stand there, waving. Kelton doesn't look happy, but the Queen's guards seem to find it amusing.


Then you see her—Queen Wu Xiao, emerging from the carriage and descending the steps like a stag observing its territory. She's confident and elegant. So powerful you don't even want to meet her eyes but not overbearing in the least. Her dark brown hair is simple, not put up in ornate jeweled combs like the paintings but falling naturally around her neck. You can tell she is about as old as Kelton, old enough to be your grandmother, but her age doesn't show in webbed wrinkles or grey hairs. She simply looks distinguished and experienced, with a soft and reassuring face.


"Are these your squires?" the Queen asks Sir Kelton. Kelton's face glows with a smile as he looks at her.


"My name is Fizza Knight," Fizza says proudly. "I serve the Queen and Jubai with my life."


"Okay, that'll do, Fizza," Kelton says like an amused father. "And this is my other squire, Kirk."


"Hello," you manage to say in front of the most powerful woman in the kingdom.


"Well, it's a pleasure to meet you both. Unfortunately, I do not have a lot of time, but I felt I should come and personally speak to my knights."


"We can speak in the comfort of my estate home, if you wish, my Queen," Kelton says, motioning down the drive.


"That won't be necessary; I need to get back on the road as soon as possible so I can get to everyone."


"What is so urgent, my Queen?" Kelton asks. He seems concerned.


"Nothing yet, Siegfried." Siegfried. You realize you hadn't ever heard Sir Kelton's proper name until now. She says it so casually, like he's a family member. You figure Kelton would probably have you executed if you addressed him like that.


The Queen continues, "There have been some strange things happening on the border of Illan. Some patrols have gone missing. I need all of my knights to be ready."


"Will there be war with Illan?" Fizza cries, clearly excited.


The Queen looks at her with a slight smile. "If there is war, will you be ready?"


"I will, my Queen! I'll fight against those brutes till my last breath!"


Then the Queen turns her gaze on you, and you feel the full weight of it. "What about you, Kirk? What do you think of the Illanites?"


You think about this for a moment. All you know about the Illanites is people from Jubai don't much like them, but usually in a joking way. Nobody you know has spoken violence against them. You suppose you'd have a clearer image if you'd ever met an Illanite, but you haven't.


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