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

The dinner feast that night has a confused atmosphere.


"I was going to win," Fizza says bitterly.


"But you did well regardless," Kelton says.


His words aren't as convincing considering his gloomy mood. He's clearly not happy about his loss today.


"We did our best," Kelton agrees. He raises his glass, and you and Fizza follow suit for a subdued toast.


"And you won your joust, Kirk! That is something to celebrate," Kelton says. Fizza has to make a visible attempt not to roll her eyes at this.


"Yes, I suppose I did," you say, fighting not to smile too broadly. Despite the way the tournament ended, you can't help but feel proud of yourself. You take a drink from your goblet to hide your face.


The three of you are quiet for a while, then Fizza says, "You think the birds were really sent by an enemy?"


"It wasn't natural, whatever that was," Kelton says.


Then you say the thing that's on everyone's mind. "Do you think it was Illan?"


The three of you feast, and the end of the evening eventually sees all of you telling jokes and laughing. But the uneasy ending to the tournament never really leaves the room. It hangs there over your little group.


1