The Oath of the Protector

A Summons from the Warrior Queen

Five years of training had shaped Tlandar into something unrecognizable from the boy who once fled to New Asemeri. He had mastered the Xothek Formicrons, the art of diplomacy, war tactics, spacecraft command, and the wisdom inscribed in the ancient Asemeri symbols of knowledge and instruction. He had learned to lead, to endure, to fight—not just with weapons, but with his mind and his will.

Yet, his mission remained unclear.

That changed the evening a royal envoy came for him.

Chieftain Salgar had summoned him to her palace.

This was no ordinary call. Salgar did not summon warriors lightly. Her presence alone meant that something greater was in motion.

As Tlandar walked through the Grand Hall of the Warrior Queens, he reflected on what had brought him here. Five years of training, five years of silence about the war outside, five years of questions unanswered.

But Salgar's summons could only mean one thing.

The time for training had ended.

---

The Words of a Queen

The Celestial Chamber was unlike any other hall in the Sanctum of Orchids. Open to the night sky, its vast marble pillars stretched high above, framing the violet moons of Astashica. Ancient Asemeri symbols of wisdom and balance glowed faintly on the floor beneath his feet, pulsing with unseen energy.

Salgar stood at its center, clad in her full ceremonial armor—polished golden plate over a flowing princess gown of deep crimson and black, her golden tiara gleaming under the celestial light.

She studied him in silence as he approached, her golden eyes measuring him, not as a student, but as something more.

"You have endured much, Tlandar," she said at last. "You have become more than you once were."

Tlandar met her gaze. "It was necessary."

A smirk touched her lips. "And do you understand now why it was necessary?"

He hesitated. "I know I was prepared for something. But I still do not know what."

Salgar exhaled, stepping forward. "And that is why you are ready. Those who believe they know their path before they walk it are slaves to arrogance. Those who remain open to what is to come are masters of destiny."

Her voice softened, but the power in it remained.

"The Ancient Archons have whispered of you. The Siluran Kingdom has spoken of you. And both have declared the same truth."

She placed a hand on his shoulder.

"You are the Protector of Astashica."

The words struck him like a blow.

---

The Oath of the Protector

A procession of Salgaran warriors, their ornate armor reflecting the celestial glow, emerged from the shadows. Each carried a ceremonial staff adorned with Asemeri symbols of knowledge and duty. These warriors were not just soldiers—they were the guardians of the balance, the keepers of Astashica's destiny.

Among them stood Akashma, silent and watchful.

Salgar extended her right hand, palm facing upward.

"Kneel, Tlandar."

He did.

She lifted a ceremonial blade—forged from the last remains of Old Asemeri's core metals, a weapon of pure heritage and power. She pressed it against his shoulder.

"In the name of the Eternal Balance, I name you Tlandar Vel'karas—the Protector of Astashica."

The warriors struck their staffs against the marble. A deep, resonant boom echoed through the chamber.

Salgar lifted the blade to his other shoulder.

"You shall stand between this world and its destruction. You shall walk among rulers and warriors, yet belong to neither. You shall command the storm, but never succumb to it."

Another boom echoed.

"You are bound by no kingdom, no banner, and no throne."

Salgar's voice rose in power, her golden eyes gleaming.

"You are Protector—and with that, you are the last line of defense between Astashica and those who would see it undone!"

The final boom reverberated through the chamber.

Tlandar rose to his feet.

And at that moment, something within him shifted.

The prophecy was no longer words spoken by others.

It had become reality.

---

The Path Ahead

As the warriors dispersed, only Salgar and Akashma remained.

"You are no longer just a warrior, Tlandar," Salgar said. "From this moment forward, every step you take will decide the fate of this world."

He nodded, feeling the weight of the title settle onto his shoulders.

Protector of Astashica.

It was no longer a prophecy.

It was his destiny.

Akashma finally spoke. "Your training is complete."

Tlandar turned to her. "Then what comes next?"

Salgar's gaze darkened.

"Now," she said, "you go where the war is waiting for you."

Boulderkeep Stockade.

The Valiant Contest.

The battlefield that would forge his name in history.

It was time.