Chapter 12

In the heart of the royal court, Ser Ywain and Ser Caelan, two sun knights known for their unwavering loyalty and responsibility to their houses and the kingdom, were deep in discussion about the kingdom's affairs. The mention of the newcomer knight weighed heavily on their minds, and Ser Ywain voiced his concerns with a furrowed brow. "That house thinks they can do as they will," he muttered, frustration evident in his voice. "They couldn't produce a sun-marked knight, and now, magically, one appears, claiming he is from the future."

It was a crisp morning when Lucius, the enigmatic representative, made his way to the training grounds. As he walked past the noble spectators, Lady Lysa, a knightly figure of grace and authority, couldn't help but remark, "Is House Ironclad now sending two of their representatives as knights?"

Ser Caelan, his loyalty to his House running deep, responded with a hint of sarcasm, "Seems like a house confused about its own allegiance. A sun-marked knight from the future, what an audacious claim."

Lucius, who had come to the training grounds for the sole purpose of honing his skills, bristled at their insinuations. His voice held an edge of irritation as he retorted, "I came here for training, not for ill discussions about my house."

Ser Caelan, unable to contain his anger, made a reckless move. He swung his training sword at Lucius in a fit of rage. However, Lucius, quick as lightning, dodged the attack and countered with a precise strike. Ser Caelan's back hit the ground with a thud, leaving him stunned and humiliated.

Enraged, Ser Caelan struggled to his feet, his face flushed with anger. He lunged at Lucius once more, intent on revenge, but the clang of metal and shouts of guards intervened. They separated the combatants, preventing further escalation.

Amidst the chaos, Ser Caelan seethed with resentment, his voice dripping with venom as he hissed at Lucius, "You'll never be one of us, you and your stupid knight and your house."

Lucius, his resolve unshaken, looked back at the noble knight with a calm determination. He knew that his arrival had sparked tensions and skepticism, but he was determined to prove his worth. The fate of House Ironclad and the entire kingdom now hung in the balance, as the clash of old loyalties and new alliances threatened to reshape the course of history.

In the days to come, secrets would be unveiled, alliances tested, and the true nature of Lucius's mysterious origins would come to light. Eldoria, a kingdom on the brink of change, braced itself for the tumultuous events that lay ahead, where honor and ambition would collide in a battle that would determine the kingdom's destiny.