1. First Day

The day that Braedin entered the Royal University was not a pleasant day. The mist hung heavy around the fortress, water dripped from the trees around the fortified structure, guards marched unhappily along the battlements, watching the new students. They were examining the new entrants, looking for those with high potential, hoping to spot the promising few where they could.

Braedin had been waiting impatiently for this day for weeks. The letter had come almost a month ago, instilling excitement that had built day by day until it was too much to handle. But the time had come, and he was finally moving in.

Finally the first pieces of his plan were falling into place. Now he merely had to survive the training, an easy accomplishment. It was simple, impossibly so. In a short time, he would be taking classes, claiming the top spot, and graduating as a fully fledged Knight with honors. At least, that was his plan. Braedin was smart enough to realize that he would have to work for such an achievement, and it would not be terribly easy.

A few moments of confusion, a question to a valet, and several flights of stairs later, Braedin entered his room, realizing for the first time what leaving home meant. The wood here was dark, the furniture heavy, not like the light, airy stuff of his bedroom at home. This place was unfamiliar, different, and yet, not entirely unwelcoming. The beds looked downright luxurious with fluffy pillows and warm comforters. Tall windows let light filter through, promising warm brilliance on a sunny day.

The school's uniform hung in the wardrobe, sized perfectly for Braedin; he'd sent his measurements ahead to be sure. He was allowed to bring one formal outfit and one casual to supplement, but everything else, from socks and underwear to pants and jackets were provided. They would want for nothing while they were attending this school.

Cheerfully, Braedin dropped his bookbag on the bed and went to explore the other amenities around the University.