Red Knight

Sunrise had not yet come when I woke up my new companions. It was a long trip to the Capital, and I wanted to avoid as many watching eyes as I could.

“Why are we up so early?” Kanae asked.

“It's a long trip to the Capital, and I also want to avoid as many watchers, and followers, as I can. There are still many who would love nothing more than to be rid of us. Being ambushed on the sometimes lonely road is not an adventure I want to experience,” I said.

“Makes sense,” Darby said.

We had breakfast, and everyone got dressed.

“Kiera, this is a suit of armor made of Rainbow Wyrm scales and adamantine. Everyone else in the party has a similar suit, as you can see. Also, here are a pair of adamantine knives, that should serve you well. This is an armlet loaded with darts. You should have the proper talent to make use of these. We will have time at the academy to train in the use of the knives and darts. I can assist you in some of your other native talents, but I am not an expert in those skills. You will have a chance to learn more at the Academy,” I said.

“Thank you, Deirdre. Why are you doing so much for me, a complete stranger who you have no reason to trust?” Kiera said.

“I never said I trusted you. Although I have revealed a few things that I shouldn't reveal except to a very trusted person. Trust is a delicate thing though, and complex with many layers. Trust is built layer by layer, but it can't begin, unless someone builds the first layer. Do not be mistaken though, I am prepared to do whatever is necessary to protect myself, and my companions. That includes killing if necessary. As many as is necessary,” I said.

“Well that makes sense,” Aoi said.

“However, I also plan to have as much fun as I possibly can in the time I have. Are we ready to go?” I said.

“Onward! To the Capital and the Academy of Magik!” Kanae said.

We stepped out of the rented house, and I pulled my self-propelled cart still modified as a carriage out of storage, and we climbed in.

“Cart forward.” I cast and we rolled to the East gate. Few eyes were up to see us depart. More than a few pairs of them were unfriendly eyes, but that was expected. After we cleared the East gate I cast,

“Gravity, Lighten. Wind lift! Wind propel!”

Then off we went flying down the road, hovering lightly off the ground at the speed of a hawk. Our followers left far behind. The several bands hiding in various spots to ambush us were all taken unaware as we sped past. Soon, we left all such petty annoyances behind. At one point several hours into our trip we passed a large group of people as we sped past them before they knew what was happening.

“What was that?” Kiera asked.

“That was a band of Highwaymen, waiting for the next unsuspecting carriage to rob. We caught them unawares,” I said.

“Wow, you had said that bandits sometimes appear on the road. I never expected to see any, though!” Kanae said.

“There is a large town, Queenscross, coming up soon. We will stop there and hire a carriage to ride into the Capital. We can use this chance to rid ourselves of the label of children from the slum. We need to buy you a few decent outfits Kiera. We can ride into the capital as rich commoners. It won't help much in the academy among the nobles, but there are also wealthy commoners in the academy. We will form a new party in the Capital. How does Resplendent Raiders sound?”

“That's fine with me,” Kanae said.

“I like it,” Aoi said.

“That's fine,” Darby said.

“I'm not sure if I should have a vote, since I don't know how long I will stay, but I like it also,” Kiera said.

“Great. Cart normal mode forward,” I cast, and the cart slowed, and landed and began traveling like any carriage would. We entered Queenscross a short while later. We enjoyed a meal in the pub and went shopping. Kiera bought almost all black clothing. Mostly pants outfits, but she would need at least one dress for socializing, so she picked out one of the simplest black gowns she could find. It was sure to be at least a little bit scandalous, but she cut a pretty, but petite, figure in it. She put one outfit on over her armor. We hired a carriage and continued our journey.

“Lesson time, Kiera,” I said.

“How will we have a lesson while riding in a carriage?” Kiera asked.

“Rogues, thieves, and spy have many skills they can perform while in a carriage. Since this is your job class, you will have many skills useful in those trades. One such skill is in disguises. As a dragonborn such skills are innate to me. I can shapeshift. You may also someday be able to shapeshift. At a minimum you should be able to alter your image either physically, or with glamouries, or both. Observe, a spell to change your hair color is called 'hair shift'. As a rogue you will want to learn to mentally cast as many spells as you can. It is a vital skill for many situations. Picture in you head the action you want to happen. Then silently say the spell with the color you want. You can even try mouthing it, but please try not to rely on such a method. You can even run your hand over your hair as you do it. Again do not become dependent on such tools,” I said as I cast hair shift silver. I ran my fingers along my hair. My hair changed to silver.

“You can even change it as you go, like this,” I said as I cast hair shift black, now gold. My hair changed to black with golden edges.

“Wow, alright! Let me try,” Kiera said. After a moment she ran her hand over her hair, and it turned golden and shifted to red at the edges. I held up a mirror.

“Incredible!” She said. Then her hair shifted back to black, but now tongues of red like fire at the edges.

“That's fire!” Kiera said and left her hair like that.

“You can change your eye color using the equivalent spell. Be aware that golden eyes among humans is found only in nobles and the illegitimate children of nobles, Something that can come in useful, in certain situations as you might imagine,” I said.

We continued on as we rode as I taught her to shapeshift her nose, mouth, skin age, as well as basic glamoury spells. I taught her how to call up each element. She fired off a few spells out the carriage window, to the fright of the coachman. It was early evening when we arrived in the Capital

“Welcome to Shambyl, capital of the Kingdom of Dargon ruled by Queen Matilde VII. Also known as Matilde Anastazia Maria Kaede Éadána Lucia Ní h'Aedhan,” I said.

“Nobles have such cumbersome names,” Aoi said.

“Oh, I'm sure that's not her full name. The other names are probably a state secret that only other nobles, or royals, know,” I laughed.

Everyone laughed.

“It must take forever to exchange formal greetings!” Kanae said.

“But wouldn't, not knowing those be a problem for commoner spies working for or posing as nobles and royals?” Kiera said.

“I'm sure those spies are taught, or otherwise obtain that knowledge,” I said.

“Oh, yes, of course,” Kiera said.

We found an inn near the Imperial Academy, and registered. Then we settled in at a neighboring pub for dinner.

“This is really happening. We're in the Capital about to take the entrance exams for the Magik Academy. I don't know if it's my excitement, or the food here is just so good,” Kanae said.

“This is just a suggestion, Kanae, but I think it might be alright to undo your glamoury now, and live as you are. But I think it's fine to still keep it hidden from the public at large. The important thing is to prevent any situation where you might be suspected of being a spy. I personally hate the idea of you hiding your true identity, but I want you to be able to enjoy life in this kingdom. Know this, I will always be on your side, and if life in this kingdom ever becomes too difficult for you, I will go with you wherever you can find happiness,” I said.

“I've been thinking about that myself. I don't mind hiding my true self from the public, but I don't want to deceive those who become close to me either. I will keep it mind,” Kanae said.

“Why is Kanae hiding her true self,” Kiera asked.

“Tensions between her clan and others recently. People can hold grudges for a long time. I'll explain it later in more detail,” I said.

So we finished our meal, and explored the city for a while. After we had a final crash lesson for the entrance exam.

“So the Elves and Humans had a war that ended fifty years ago. They are now at peace, but there are still some who don't trust, or accept, elves. This is why Kanae is concealing her true identity, isn't it?” Kiera said.

“Yes, sadly, in smaller towns and communities there is still tension and ill-treatment of elves in the kingdom. But here in the Capital they make a strong effort to deal fairly with the elves. Elves are officially protected, but issues still crop up, and not everyone trust the elves who live or trade here. There are some in the Academy, and even a few professors,” I said.

If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

“This world sure has had a lot of wars. I don't understand why peace is so hard,” Aoi said.

“I know. Luckily, the dragons have stayed out of all the drama. But they haven't been unscathed either. Dragonkin and beastkin are treated more like lesser species, even though we have human-like forms,” I said.

“Have you met any beastkin? I noticed some tonight when we were exploring the city,” Darby said.

“The Basilli Kingdom to the west is a Beastkin kingdom. There are beastkin settlements within this kingdom, and you will find many beastkin in the ports and larger cities. Some are bound to be found in the Academy. However, they mostly keep to themselves. They are also heavily targeted by slavers. Sadly this kingdom hasn't yet outlawed slave-trading, or slave-holding. There are still more kingdoms that allow it, than don't. Slavers work in the shadows in those realms that have outlawed it. At least in this realm slaves have rights that are strongly protected. But that only means that some slavers simply export the slaves they forcefully take, and there is corruption and rampant bribes in the system. Still there are some respectable slavetraders in the country. Society changes slowly,” I said.

“The whole idea of slaves is foreign to me,” Kiera said.

“Me too. It was something that was erased long ago in the world I came from. Not that there was not a very small black-market in my world. But it was a serious crime,” Kanae said.

“Yes,” Aoi said.

“Indeed,” Darby said.

“Did you all come from the same world, then?” I asked.

“Yes, but not all the same part of it,” Kanae said.

“But you're an elf!” Kiera said.

“The Goddess transformed me. But she was very pissed off about granting my request. He he he,” Kanae said.

“That's cheating!” Kiera said, and made a face like a chipmunk.

“I agree. She's guilty!” Aoi said.

“Guilty!” Darby said.

“He he he. Not my fault none of you thought to negotiate your terms,” Kanae said.

“Well, you know it is unfair how the Goddess gave you all those wonderful powers. But I don't mind. I'm happy to be surrounded by such talented and fun people,” I said.

“You don't get to talk about fairness, Miss Dragon Overlord,” Kiera said.

“True!” Aoi said.

“Indeed!” Darby agreed.

“Guilty!” Kanae said.

“Hey! He he he,” I said.

“Well it is getting late. We should sleep so we are well rested for the exam,” I said.

We rose in the morning and headed to the Academy after a hearty breakfast.

“Halt! Who come here?” asked the lead guard at the entrance of the Academy.

“We have been summoned by Her Majesty the Queen to take the entrance exam for the Academy, and to attend the Academy, should we pass. I am the leader of our party, Deirdre the Foundling,” I said handing the summons and letter from the guildmaster, which the Queen's Knight Commander approved yesterday for Kiera.

“Your papers are in order. Your escort is waiting. You may proceed.”

We then followed the escort while we were all distracted by the students coming and going who were likewise curious about us, although none dared approach. Even so, I could not miss the dark expressions of a few sent my way. Even here I stood out.

We entered a large administrative building from the looks of it, and were led to a large room clearly used solely for examinations.

“You will take the designated seats, and prepare to take the exam. I am Professor Bertilde, your proctor,” Professor Bertilde said.

“If you finish before the time expires remain seated, and be still and quiet. Do not look around. You may begin.”

It was a long exam, but there was nothing in the exam that was difficult for me. It covered history, math, reading comprehension, and magik knowledge. I finished it with ease, but I could tell the others were having a harder time. Kanae finished before the time expired, but the other three were still working on the exam at the end of four hours.

“Stop. Put down your quills,” Professor Bertilde said. She had been watching me closely for the past two hours, and had also observed Kanae. Did she suspect I had trained Kanae? Did she suspect, the others as well? Did I screw up somewhere and tip our hand? I needed to remain calm, and not reveal any clues. I was prepared to teleport us all away if it came to that. I wanted desperately to avoid that. I had cast a tracing spell on my friends before waking them this morning, out of caution. Perhaps I was too paranoid.

“You will each approach, and have you abilities examined.”

“You, Red Knight. You are first. Speak your name and put your hand on the sphere chrystal,” Bertilde said.

“Red Knight?” We said together.

“You! Dragonkin,” Bertilde said.

“Oh. Deirdre the Foundling,” I said and put my hand on the chrystal.

“Recorder, begin. Deirdre, Red Knight. All natural elements. Level 91, masked as 59. Race: Half-Dragon. Status: Royal. Job class: Melee Mageknight. Age: 15.”

I blinked.

“How!? What status?”

“You are clever. But you are not the first clever person to have lived, little knight. You should probably boost that fake 59 quite a bit. You are dragonborn after all. Don't worry we won't out your stats. Not even your true Job class,” Bertilde said.

“Wait! What do you mean status Royal?” I asked.

“Well, obviously you are descended from a Dragon Queen. Duh,” Bertilde said.

“No way!”

“Yes way. Next. You, the little thief,” Bertilde said.

Kiera swallowed and step up to the chrystal.

“Kiera Mulryan.”

“Strange surname, where are you from?” Bertilde asked.

“I was born in Nirvan as far as I know. My parents would know, but they are no longer in this world,” Kiera said.

“So, that is your story? So be it. Recorder. Kiera Mulryan. All natural elements and the dark element. Level 92, masked as 49. Race: Human. Job class: Thief, potential Spymaster. Age 15.”

“Next, you boy.”

“Diarmuid Ó Neill, but I go by Darby.”

“Where are you from descendant of Niall?”

“I am from Nirvan. I don't know where in this world I could have been born. My parents are also not in this world now.”

“Same story for all of you then? Very well, we'll go with that. Recorder. Diarmuid Ó Neill called Darby. All natural elements and Light element. Level 69, masked as level 40. Race: Human. Job class: Holy Knight. Age 15.”

“Now you Alchemist.”

“I am Takanaka Aoi. Aoi is my given name.”

“One of the Island people? How do you come to be here?”

“I don't know.”

“Very well. Recorder. Aoi Takanaka. All natural elements. Level 74, marked as 40. Race: Human. Job class: Spellsmith. Age 16.”

“You might want to change that level. Might be suspicious having two people at level 40, in your party. Don't forget to update them once in a while. You'll want to edge them closer to your real levels over time,” Bertilde said.

“Now you little mana monster elf.”

“Hunh?” Kanae said.

“I can see your aura, and your glamoury is pitiful. We'll teach you how to make it better,” Bertilde said.

“Kanae Dreamweaver.”

“Also from Nirvan?”

“From an unnamed human settlement in the Eastern forest. I don't know where my parents are. I was raised by humans.”

“Good cover. Recorder. Kanae Dreamweaver. Level 104, masked as 39. Race: Dark Elf. Status: Noble. Job Class: Let's just go with Mage. Age 17.”

“Your escort will now take you to the exam arena for your practical exam. Go show us what Miss dragon has taught you. Also, you will have a private audience with the Queen tomorrow. You will be joining the Knights program Deirdre the Red Knight, and mister Holy Knight. Try not to destroy the arena grounds,” Bertilde said.

So we were escorted to the arena.

“Miss Takanaka come forward.” A monitor said.

“Please shoot at the targets with each of your elements. Do not hold back. The arena is shielded,” the monitor said.

“Mana Wall! Go ahead Aoi. Fire away,” I cast.

“Please don't interfere!” The proctor said.

“We were told not to destroy the arena. No way your weak ass shields are strong enough,” I said.

Aoi obliterated each of the four natural elemental targets. The monitor looked like he was going to shit his pants. The crew repaired the damage to the arena, and placed new targets.

“Miss Mulryan, your turn.”

Kiera likewise obliterated her targets, and the monitor's face was turning a sickly shade of green.

After we all had a turn at the targets. We were guided to a different part of the arena.

“We will now move on to actual battle situations. Darby the Holy Knight will go first.”

One of the Queen's elite knights from the Royal Brigade came on to the arena. He was easily twice my human form size and his aura was immense. This was no ordinary rank and file knight. We were definitely in for some serious battles.

The knight stopped, and drew a sword. So this was to be a sword battle. Darby would be at a serious disadvantage here. I, too, was nothing more than a novice with a sword. This was a weapon of nobility for dueling. This was not a battlefield weapon.

“Darby, don't be drawn into his game. He is obviously a skilled swordsman. Use your halberd to hold him off as long as you can. Keep him at distance if you can. Only resort to your sword if he penetrates your battle zone. You probably won't last long in a sword to sword contest. Don't let him goad you into a battle you have not yet been trained for. That time will come. He is almost certainly beyond my own level with a sword. This is one of the Queen's elite fighters. We can't compete on training and experience. Fight smart,” I said.

“Don't worry, you have already shown me I am not skilled enough yet with a sword,” Darby said and then charged in to battle.

It was a short battle, but for the brief time that Darby could hold the knight off at a distance he got in a number of good, strong blows. More than once he sent the knight flying or sprawling. But this knight had too many advantages. The finish was inevitable.

“The Holy Knight loses. Deirdre the Red Knight come forward,” The monitor said.

A knight clad all in black entered the arena. He was comparable in size to the previous knight, but his mana was even more intense. I could sense dark magik coming from him. Being dragonborn, I was weak to dark magik. This was my worst possible match up.

The knight stopped, drew his sword, and covered it in dark magik. Another swordsman. I drew my sword.

“Fireblade,” I cast. I launched myself at him, but used my wings slide to his right.

He had positioned himself to strike from his right side, and thus I planned to slide past him and strike as I passed. However, he saw through my scheme and compensated, moving out of position, and he landed a blow across my back as I passed him. I spun, and struck back, but he simply leapt backward, out of range. We were now locked in battle blocking each other's strikes, predicting positions. He kept landing blows on me, while I had yet to land a single blow.

Then I gave up defense and launched my self inward and struck with one hand on the blade. I struck at his chest. He blocked, but my arms were in close to my body. I threw them forward against his blade and launched him into the arena wall, crumbling it. He was up in no time. While it was flashy, I had actually not done any real damage here. The fight went on for almost five minutes. His honed craft shining against my brute force. I had no chance of winning in an ordinary duel as this. But they already knew this.

“The Black Knight wins. Next up, Miss Kanae,” the Monitor announced. They were using her preferred name rather than reveal her elven name. So they were going to allow her to attend as a human.

Kanae walked on to the field. Then a Rainbow Wyrm materialized.

“Dark Spear! Armbow! Armbow! Dark Arrow! Dark Arrow!” Kanae cast. She double cast armbows and cast arrows in the bows simultaneously. It was absolutely brilliant! The Rainbow Wyrm was defeated.

The examiners were equally devious with the others. Then after Kiera stepped on to the field a Basilisk materialized. There was no way Kiera was equipped for such a contest!

“Blink!” I cast and blinked onto the field. I drew my sword. Limit break! Mana blade, I silently cast. I poured my mana into my blade, and it grew to three times its size. I swung down at the towering basilisk and sliced its head clean off.

“What's the meaning of this!? Come, Kiera, and everyone, on we're out of here!” I said.

“Wait! That was a test for you and your teammates. Here is the real test for Miss Kiera,” One of the examiners said, as a maze grew up from the arena.

“Miss Kiera must make it to the center of the maze and locate the secret within,” The examiner said.

“Beware of traps, Kiera. Looks like you are getting a spy skill test. We haven't had time to train. Believe in your skills. Reach in and activate your magik and senses. I believe in you,” I said.

“Alright, I'll do my best,” Kiera said drawing her knives as she headed in to the maze.

It went slowly as Kiera became used to using her untrained skills. Fifteen minutes later she had avoided many traps and deceptions. She struggled in finding out the secret.

“Time's ...” the monitor began to say at the same time Kiera activated a spell, then turned a key and the maze disappeared.

“Miss Mulryan has succeeded, in the nick of time,” The examiner said.

Thus ended our entrance exam.