July, Year 792

“This is it, huh,” Clark said as he surveyed the entrance of Deikon, the small town of about 1,000 they had been tasked to protect. In front of them was the Town Hall, which split the road they were currently on into two smaller paths, with houses lining both sides. In front of the Town Hall stood 10 soldiers, wearing the grey and red mixed armor signifying they were soldiers of the Kingdom of Galsendorn. The only one with an Elementalist patch on the left shoulder was the one standing in front.

“Pleased to meet you, I am Stefen Gamthor, the head of the guard of Deikon, and a Fire Elementalist Rank 2. We are greatly humbled and overjoyed that Holy Knights of your level came to defend our village.” It was early in the morning, the sun just beginning to show itself over the horizon. The six visitors to Deikon tiredly rode their horses, having already been up for several hours with little sleep in order to make it to their destination as soon as possible.

“A Rank 2? I’m surprised that you’re stationed out here,” Oliver said as he dismounted from his horse, the other five following his lead.

“When I graduated from the Academy 6 years ago, I requested to be placed here since it’s my hometown. Since nothing about me was that exceptional, I guess they allowed it and have overlooked placing me elsewhere since,” Stefen shrugged, brushing some of his shoulder length black hair out of his face.

“Even so, with the growing tensions with the Baltor Empire, it’s shocking you haven’t been transferred elsewhere yet,” Alec remarked as he moved to stand next to Nina, who was busy tying her blonde hair into a ponytail.

“Well, whatever, let’s talk inside,” Oliver said, glancing to his right as Sarah gingerly stepped beside him.

“Sounds good,” Stefen beckoned to the Town Hall and started moving in its direction, “Gabriel, come with me, the rest of you stay outside, and lead their horses to the stable.”