Lying in bed, Alchred was deep in thought, eventually he groaned out loud and jumped out of bed. He sneaked over to his window and looked out, he could see the small village, the one he was supposed to run in the future, the one he was supposed to protect and ensure that it continues to prosper. But he could also see the copper forest beyond the village, teeming with dangerous monsters that he would never want to face. But in-between the village and the forest stood a small garrison, with a singular lantern lit on the top of the tower. The brave soldiers who swore an oath to lay their life down fighting monsters of the copper forest to protect those living in Cawic. Alchred couldn't see himself in those shoes, being the lord of this village and laying his life down for those living in the village. He was supposed to have a lavish lifestyle, where he was rich, could sleep in and have to do nothing. However, destiny sent him elsewhere he was born into this family where he has no choice but to become their lord. After all, the destiny was absolute, that was one of the fundamental laws. No one can break their destiny, not even a person given an Etheral tier.
He remembered his father's words about being left behind by the world due to his laziness. Times are changing, he said, war is coming, blah blah blah. He is probably just trying to scare me into doing what he wants me to do. If there was a war coming, wouldn't the whole world be in a state of panic? Why haven't I seen any caravans head to the frontline through Cawic. But Alchred knew there was something coming, he had heard rumors that tension were rising and his father no loner received visits from his neighboring lords. Not only were there these signs, but he also felt some sort of premonition, a feeling that something bad is going to happen. It wasn't just a gut feeling, it was almost like his blood was on edge, flowing weirdly. He had assumed it was signs of his magic slowly awakening, however after reading some books on awakening that Herbeorht gave him, that wasn't a symptom. In fact, there were supposed to be no symptoms at all. It was like a blood feeling instead of a gut feeling.
Just because a war was coming didn't necessarily mean that he would have to change himself. He knew plenty of lazy bastards sitting in the capital drinking wine and getting fat while they send their soldiers off to die even though they probably have a higher tier assigned to them. But deep down Alchred knew that as a son of a small lord he had no chance of ever getting a cushy position in the capital. His destiny was set from when he was born, he was to become a lord that served as a warrior. No matter how much Alchred wanted to resist this fact and fight destiny, no one could break the chains of destiny.
On top of that, going to the magical school in pafeld would not be bad, after all it was the most prestigious school in Nevriene. He would probably learn actual important things, not just get a beat down by Herbeorht just for making a small mistake on his slash. Not only that, but apparently the girls in... never mind, I shouldn't even think about that.
But he did end up thinking about that as he fell asleep, his decision made he would become what his father wanted him to become even though it pained him to make such a decision.
As crimson red blades of sunlight cut through the open window, Alchred shot up. He scrambled out of bed and started putting on his tunic and pants. But eventually his realization hit, he wasn't up late like usual, he was actually awake on time today. The sun was just rising, he still had some time before his class. Alchred started doubting his decision to become a warrior as he looked at his bed. It was warm and comfortable, inviting him to go back to bed. But before he could give into temptation, the sound of hooves outside his windows broke him out of his trance.
It was his father preparing to leave for Minas Sula, Alchred begrudgingly left his room and headed downstairs to say goodbye to his father. Once he left the house and went to the horse pen, he was 3 soldiers who he recognized as Gery, Reder and Beorhtio. Gery and Reder were swordhands and both of the iron tier, whereas Beorhtio was a Warden of the steel tier. They were his father's highest ranking soldiers and also his most trusted ones. It was no surprise that they were going to Minas Sula with him as his escort and to represent Cawic. Of course that left the garrison weakened, however the remaining soldiers would manage, and it was more important to bring stronger soldiers to represent the village of Cawic especially if it means his father could receive a promotion.
As Alchred approached, the soldiers waved at him, these 3 knew him as a child and sometimes acted as a babysitter when his father was away or hunting when he was much younger. Alchred waved back, "you guys are already leaving?".
"Yes Lord Ethelm wanted use to leave right away so that we are not late." replied Beorhtio
"How come you're up so early Alchred, that is very unusual of you, especially during summer" said Gery.
"I have a lesson with Herbeorht early in the morning, so I need to be on my best behavior if I don't want to only do sparring today." responded Alchred
Before anyone could reply to Alchred his father came around the corner of the house, "I'm glad to see you woke up this morning Alchred, I'm assuming this means you have decided to go to Pafeld."
"Yes, I have decided to follow your boring legacy, and become what you want me to become" said Alchred sarcastically.
"I'm glad to hear that, you made the right choice." said his father.
"I just wanted to say goodbye to you as I woke up early enough, don't let me keep you guys"
With that, his father and his soldiers rode off to Minas Sula, and Alchred got prepared to train with Herbeorht.