An Unexpected Royal Offer
In a small village nestled in the heart of a vast forest, where the air was filled with the scents of wildflowers and the songs of birds, lived Tirel, a mischievous 14-year-old boy with a curious soul. He had grown up with his mother, a well-known seamstress loved by all, who, despite her short breath due to a lung disease, brightened the lives of those around her with her kindness. Tirel had never known his father, a knight named Arion, who died in battle, and whose stories had reached his son's ears like echoes of a glorious past.
The boy spent his days exploring the winding paths of the forest alongside his friend, a wood elf named Elanor Acornlake. Together, they devised pranks for unwary travelers, laughing at their surprise in the face of the innocent traps they concocted together. Tirel, though little educated, watched with fascination as the children studied in the village school, secretly nurturing the wish to learn and discover more about the world around him.
One day, while playing with Elanor, a clatter of metal echoed through the foliage. Intrigued, they crept closer and spotted a royal carriage escorted by guards. Excitement surged within them, but it was quickly replaced by terror when goblins, screaming and brandishing their weapons, appeared to attack the carriage. Inside, a young girl and her father seemed to be in danger.
"We must help them!" exclaimed Tirel, his heart racing. Elanor nodded, seeing the heroic spark in his friend's eyes. Using her nature-based powers, Elanor summoned golems made of leaves, frightening creatures that stood against the goblins. Startled by the magic, the creatures fled in an instant, leaving the carriage unharmed.
The king, grateful, invited Tirel and Elanor to the castle to thank them. When the young boy stood before the benevolent king, his heart raced. The king asked for his name and, curiously, listened to Tirel speak of his father, Arion, whom he had heard about as a hero, a victim of a mysterious curse after his death.
"Arion... I've heard rumors about him," the king said thoughtfully, "But it is not fair to let these tales obscure his legacy. You dream of becoming a knight, don’t you?"
Tirel nodded, his face illuminated by hope. "Yes, Your Majesty. I want to defend the oppressed, just like my father did."
The king smiled, touched by the child's determination. "Then I will give you a chance. Come to the castle every day. I will teach you the art of swordsmanship and heroism, and perhaps you will also discover the truth about the curse that weighs upon your father."
In the following days, Tirel trained under the watchful eye of the king, learning not only how to wield a sword but also how to be a leader, a protector, a true knight. Meanwhile, Elanor watched over him from the forest, sending encouragements and magical gifts to bolster his courage.
Moreover, to honor young Tirel and his mother for their bravery, the king, in his great kindness, invited them to stay at the castle. Thus, Tirel could fully embrace the learning of knighthood, and his mother would find care and comfort there, far from the hardships of their modest cottage.