**The Village of Oakdale, Kingdom of Calonia - 1375**
In the rural village of Oakdale, surrounded by rolling hills and dense forests, a young boy named Lucas dreams of escaping poverty and becoming a noble.
Lucas's father was a poor farmer who died in battle fighting for Calonia's king. His mother works tirelessly, but their future remains bleak.
One day, Lucas overhears village elders talking:
"**Only two paths lead from poverty to nobility:
1. The Church - become a high-ranking cleric
2. Military Service - distinguish oneself in battle and receive land/titles from the king**"
Lucas's heart sets on the second path:
He wants to fight for Calonia's king, earn glory, and become a noble.
Lucas approaches Oakdale's village leader, Thorne:
"**Sir Thorne, I want to enlist in Calonia's army –
fight for our king and possibly earn nobility.
Is this path truly open to a poor village boy like me?**"
**Sir Thorne nods thoughtfully –
"Yes, Lucas, bravery in battle can elevate your station.
Report to Castle Calonia's barracks tomorrow –
Captain Ryker recruits new soldiers.
He's a fair man, looks for heart and strength, not birthright.
Tell him Thorne of Oakdale sent you – it may ease your entry."**
Lucas thanks Sir Thorne and barely sleeps that night, excitement coursing through his veins.
Next morning, he walks to Castle Calonia (a few hours from Oakdale) and finds the barracks:
A large stone building with swords clashing and men shouting inside.
Lucas enters, approaching a sturdy man with a scar above his left eyebrow:
"**Captain Ryker, sir? Thorne of Oakdale sent me –
I've come to enlist and fight for Calonia's king."**
Captain Ryker eyes Lucas keenly:
"**Another village boy seeking glory and fortune.
You're slender but look determined.
Let's see your strength – arm wrestle my sergeant, Grimjack.
If you win or impress him, you're in our ranks."**
**Lucas nods boldly – 'I'll beat him, Captain - my farm work has strengthened my arms!'**
Captain Ryker chuckles:
"**Confidence I like! Grimjack, test this village boy's mettle.**"
Grimjack, a massive sergeant with thick arms, grins menacingly:
"**You think farm work prepares you for battle, lad?
Let's crush your dreams – and your arm!**"
The arm wrestling match begins:
* Lucas digs his heels into the ground
* Grips Grimjack's massive hand tightly
* Strains with all his might
To everyone's surprise, Lucas holds his ground – Grimjack's arm barely budges!
Captain Ryker slaps Lucas on the back:
"**By the king's crown – you've impressed Grimjack and me!
You're enlisted, soldier.
Report to Sergeant Mara for training –
archery, swordplay, and battle tactics await!**"
**"Thank you, Captain – I won't disappoint you!
What's Sergeant Mara like – is she as tough as Grimjack?"**
Captain Ryker laughs:
"**Tougher, soldier – Sergeant Mara is former elite guard to Queen Lirien herself!
She's skilled in every weapon, ruthless in training, and beautiful enough to distract enemies...
before she kills them.
You'll address her as 'Sergeant' or 'Ma'am' – she tolerates no disrespect.**"
Lucas nods nervously, imagining this formidable instructor.
He reports to Sergeant Mara's training area – a large combat field with various weapon stations.
Sergeant Mara stands tall, piercing green eyes scanning Lucas:
"**Captain Ryker's new recruit – I see potential in your physique...
but battle worthiness is proven here, not predicted.
Let us begin with swordplay – draw the practice blade behind you.**"
As Lucas draws the blade, he notices Sergeant Mara wears a small pendant –
a symbol of Calonia's highest military honor:
"The Order of the Golden Sword."
**"Ma'am, if I may ask – how did you earn the Order of the Golden Sword pendant?"**
Sergeant Mara's expression turns solemn, eyes clouding slightly:
"**A question that delves into battle history, soldier...
I earned this honor during the Siege of Blackstone Castle –
five years ago, when Calonia fought against the dark sorcerer, Malakar.**
She pauses, collecting thoughts:
"**My squad and I infiltrated the castle, reached Malakar's throne room...
and I personally defeated his deadliest warrior, the Shadow Knight.
King Ryker himself awarded me the Golden Sword that day.**"
Lucas listens, awe-struck:
"**Ma'am, your bravery is legendary – I aspire to earn such honor!**"
Sergeant Mara's serious demeanor softens slightly into a hint of a smile:
"**Ambition like yours will be tested soon, soldier –
rumors spread that Malakar's remnants regroup near our eastern border.
Your training must accelerate –
shall we proceed with sword drills or would you like to know more about the coming battle?**"
**"Tell me about the coming battle, Ma'am – what do we know of the enemy forces?"**
Sergeant Mara's expression turns grave:
"**Intelligence suggests Malakar's remnants regroup under his former lieutenant,
Commander Vorgath – a ruthless warrior-mage.
Our scouts report:
* 500 dark infantry armed with black steel swords
* 200 archers wielding cursed arrows that poison wounds
* 50 cavalry mounted on twisted, nightmarish steeds
* Commander Vorgath himself casts devastating shadow magic
King Ryker mobilizes our entire army to crush this evil force.
We march out in 3 days – your training must conclude tomorrow.**"
Lucas feels his heart race with anticipation and fear:
"**Ma'am, tomorrow is barely enough time – will I be ready for battle?**"
Sergeant Mara places a firm hand on his shoulder:
"**You'll be ready, soldier – because you must be.
Tomorrow's training will focus on combat scenarios against Vorgath's forces.
Tonight, however...
I want you to visit Captain Ryker – he has a special task to discuss with you.**"
**"A special task from Captain Ryker – Ma'am, do you know what it entails?"**
Sergeant Mara's expression turns thoughtful:
"**Captain Ryker hinted at it being related to your... unusual background, soldier.
He mentioned something about 'utilizing your village roots' for reconnaissance purposes
against Commander Vorgath's forces.
It seems some of Vorgath's soldiers have been recruiting disgruntled villagers nearby –
Captain Ryker believes you might be able to infiltrate their efforts unnoticed.**"
Lucas's eyes widen as he grasps the plan:
"**I could pose as a disgruntled villager seeking revenge against King Ryker –
perfect cover!
Does Captain Ryker think this intel could change our battle strategy?**"
Sergeant Mara nods decisively:
"**Exactly what he hopes for, soldier.
Captain Ryker awaits you in his strategy room –
enter through the east tower door, knock twice and say 'Mara sent me'.
Go now – time is crucial for our battle plans.**"
Will Lucas be able to come back unscathed from the mission-now everyone survival depends on Lucas as he face his first mission as a soldier of the kingdom