22 Open the Chest, Haelan

Ottis breathe deeply and wiped his tears. Unsure if he still worthy, he took his time before he faced the challenge of opening the chest. Then, he lifted up the cover and tightened his face. Covering his mouth in disbelief, Ottis picked up the sword as he hold back more of his lamentations.

"You are of Brandenburg, but you have to change. There's something good in you that the magic of the chest sees", Lord Harlan said. Ottis turned red as he drop the sword on the solid floor.

"There, there. We are truly and deeply sorry for your loss", Lord Harlan sent his condolences to the grieving participant as he comfort Ottis in a warm embrace.

"I am.. sorry, my Lord. I.. was clouded with.. grief and anger", Ottis said as he stutter. Due to Ottis' unexpected ballistic behavior. He was placed in the infirmary for observation and mind control.

"This batch of squires are very emotional", Lord Callaghan said as he hold back his tear.

The night is young as it falls down to the last participant. Haelan was called as she was fidgety, for the last test is very tricky. The first two passed, the third one failed, and Ottis almost never made it due to a grudge he kept holding in. Possibly, and undeniably, she is next to be eliminated for she doesn't belong in this place in all aspects. She is a healer soul traveler, and certainly not a fighter. A woman of great substance, and not a killer.

If only she could just soul travel back, she'll won't have go through all these. If she gets busted at this time, she might get beheaded, tortured or kept as a slave. Drawing near the chest, she felt like she's walking to her death sentence. Haelan stood before the anticipating Lords, who's standing so close to the chest with eyes flickering with so much interest.

Smiling fiddly, Haelan opened the small chest so she can peek a little. Wondering if she sees a real thing or she might just have been mistaken. She looked at the lords who were waiting, before staring back to take a look again on what's inside the small container. "Should I give this to you?", she was so confused at the moment. She thought it was only supposed to be either a sword or a bow to be precise.

"Do you see something?", Lord Callaghan asked as he squinted his eyes.

Haelan picked up the only weapon she sees inside the chest. The Lords were shock to see what Haelan just pulled out. "Does this mean I am a Knight?", Haelan asked because a staff is better than nothing else. The antiquated wooden staff was made of twisted vines, with the top appearing like it should have a something in it like a stone, gem or a crystal. It was long and light, and easy to hold. Haelan wondered if it is meant for someone like her, or the lords just placed it in there.

Lord Callaghan could hardly believe that today, he have been witnessing a long time prophecy actually taking place. He almost lost his footing in disbelief and all he can say is, "Congratulations Haelan of Greco. You are bound to make difficult yet wonderful things". He looked nervous at the possible Paladin, appearing with powers that are stronger and exemplary.

"That staff is not often pulled out from the chest. It has been years since someone did the same thing", Lord Harlan said. "Congratulations and welcome to the chivalry. For now, no one should know what you pulled this from this chest. Do you understand?", he reminded.

"Uh.. Of course, yes", Haelan agreed. The Lords seemed to be a little excited, yet, Haelan couldn't help but notice their agitation.

"Do you have questions?", Lord Harlan asked.

"No, my Lord", she answered, wondering who could be the first to pull out such a priced staff, and what does it means to pull out a staff from the chest.

"Very well, You can now go on. I'll keep this staff for you for the meantime", Lord Callaghan assured as they watch Haelan walk out the door. "What do we do to him?", he worriedly asked.

HELENA POV

Atrius, Jac and I were brought to our quarters in the warriors' hall. It has six single beds, six wooden chests and a fireplace to keep us warm. In actual, the warriors hall is a long corridor of quarters for squires in training. We will occupy the first quarters in the left by the stairs, overlooking the forest.

Sharing a room with men? It is not a very good idea for a woman with secrets like me. I chose the bed near the window far away from everyone else. Gladly, my chest and chaneries were already there.

"Ottis should have been here", Jac said as he sniff on his doll, a bunny. He occupied the bed near the entrance because from there, he can smell bread and honey.

"He's lucky he wasn't killed on the spot.", Atrius replied as he sat on the bed beside mine. "He did have so much courage to do that, though. Like letting go of Haelan in the river", he added as he lay his cross on his bed.

I don't like Ottis that much. He may have so much affection toward his brother that we all admire, but, he'll always be the man who let go of my hand in the river that almost drown the life out of me. I saved his life in the forest out of my conscience. He may not be a good friend to me, but, I'll always be a better person than he is. I wouldn't want to work with him, for it would be very tiring to watch your back all the time.

"I got a bow", Jacomus said as he position himself in a bow and arrow stance.

"I thought you wanted to be a Knight", Atrius said as he show the sword he took from the chest.

Jacomus gaped at Atrius' silver blade. He locked his bow in his arms as he pout his thick mouth.

"What did you get, Haelan?", Atrius asked.

"I got uh.. a..", I couldn't really say.

"Oh a sword too?", Atrius said as he notice my hilt.

I neither confirmed it or denied his assumption. I just smiled, sat down, and keep the hilt in my tabard. We started to feel cozy in the room, unpacking our clothes and fixing our stuff on the chest they provided. Then, I saw my chaneries full of apple tarts and berries on my bed. Grabbing the bag, it felt lighter than expected. Moments later, someone knocked three times on the door. A man wearing a black sleeveless tabard came in carrying some scrolls.

"Men of Honor, you are all Invited to bathe in the healing spring. Everyone are expected to join in. Thereafter, a welcoming fete will be held for the squires to be", he said as he bow before he left.