The morning air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of pine from Embervale's surrounding forests. Hundreds of children had gathered in the training grounds, eyes wide with anticipation and fear. Alexander Darius tightened the straps of his vest, feeling the weight of the day pressing down on him.
Fenrir had stayed behind in Embervale, as the rules forbade animals from accompanying candidates. Alexander gave a quiet whistle as he passed the castle gates, imagining his wolf's steady, golden gaze. "I'll make you proud, Fenrir," he whispered under his breath.
A commanding voice rang out across the courtyard. "Children of Elyndor! Today you prove yourselves worthy of the academies! The Test of Realms begins!"
The physical trial came first. The candidates were thrown into a series of grueling tasks: scaling slick walls, running obstacle courses, carrying weighted packs across uneven terrain, and sparring against moving targets. The overseers watched, tallying each misstep and moment of hesitation.
Alexander ran with every ounce of strength, muscles screaming, lungs burning. A boy from the northern villages, lanky but quick, darted past him on the climbing walls. Alexander gritted his teeth, pushing harder. Alone, without Fenrir's reassuring presence, every step felt heavier—but also more personal. He could only rely on himself.
When it came to the sparring segment, Alexander faced a girl named Maris, known for her speed and sharp tongue. She sneered as she stepped forward, wooden sword in hand.
"Don't think I'll go easy on you," she snapped, her eyes cold. "I hope you're not another weak Embervale brat."
Alexander blinked, taken aback. "I'm not weak," he said cautiously.
Maris laughed harshly. "We'll see about that. Try to keep up, won't you?"
They clashed swords, wood striking wood with a loud crack. Maris was aggressive, mocking Alexander at every move. "Pathetic! That's all you've got?" she jeered as he parried a swing.
Alexander gritted his teeth, forcing himself to stay calm. Ignore her, focus, he thought. Every strike, every dodge had to be precise. By the end of the sparring trial, though exhausted, Alexander had held his ground and completed the course successfully—but he knew others had been slightly faster or more precise in some tasks.
Next came the written trial. Tables stretched across the hall, parchment and quills waiting. Questions ranged from Elyndor's history and rival kingdoms to magic and the ancient ruins. Alexander's hands shook slightly as he wrote, recalling everything his mother had taught him, every lesson in strategy and lore.
Hours later, the test ended. The overseers collected the papers, dismissing the children to await their results. Alexander trudged back through the castle gates, each step heavy with anticipation. He thought of Fenrir, imagining him resting under the trees, waiting.
For two weeks, the kingdom buzzed with rumors of who had excelled and who had stumbled. Alexander couldn't stop wondering which academy he might be sent to. He had done very well, certainly among the top students—but he knew there were a few children whose scores were higher, whose physical prowess had impressed even more.
Finally, a royal messenger arrived at the Darius household. His polished boots echoed across the stone floors as he bowed.
"For Alexander Darius," he said, extending a sealed scroll bearing the crest of Elyndor.
Alexander's hands trembled as he broke the wax seal. The parchment inside shimmered in the sunlight.
"By the will of the Kingdom of Elyndor, Alexander Darius of Embervale is hereby admitted to the Crownspire Academy, having achieved high distinction in both physical and intellectual trials."
Alexander's mouth fell open. He looked at his father, Gareth, who allowed himself a rare smile.
"You've done it," Gareth said quietly. "Embervale's pride."
Elira's eyes glistened as she touched his shoulder. "I knew you could. You've worked so hard."
Alexander laughed, a mix of relief and joy. "Fenrir will be proud too," he whispered, picturing the silver wolf under the trees back home.
That evening, he gazed over Embervale's walls at the forests and mountains beyond. The world felt immense, full of possibilities, and he was ready to face it—all on his own.
The Test of Realms was over. Alexander's journey had truly begun.