Chapter 1: 1
"Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom" said the voice for the millioneth time..
The loud smashing of sand had ended. The sun broke into the room through the gaps of the ragged curtains, directly onto Sven's room. He got off the bed, lazily shuffling his hair. He was toned with short black hair. He didn't bother to change. He wet his mouth and walked into the town. Ryn bordered both the forest and the mountains. Sven himself had never left the village, born and brought up here he fancied hearing the stories the traveling hermits told. They were the only visitors the town had on a normal day. Most wore negligible amounts of clothing and had a sling bag with all of their accessories and a stick that helped them walk. They called themselves 'Hermits' or 'The Enlightened'
Sven exited the shack and walked to the market. Being so close to the forest reduced the effort of foraging for food. He got himself a fruit which he slowly ate as he walked to the smithy. He got in, greeting Nelson who happened to be the owner. Nelson was the most composed among all the villagers... and the most father like for the foundling Sven. He let Sven eat sweets when he was a child, taught Sven how to defend himself with daggers, and now was helping Sven learn the way of spear. Nelson was a retired soldier who had seen the Great War and often told Sven tales of the dark days that most shyed away from. Nelson was never really a fan of swords, he found spears far better and more advantageous. They helped keep the enemy at bay and if they could never get closer, they could never harm you. He had developed his own style which made him an 'apostle'. He had never explained what an apostle was only that it was a useless title given to the accomplished.
Sven worked here as an apprentice. Sven put on the thick gloves and apron on and started working. Evening came swiftly as the sun went around to the west. Sven walked out full of grease, tired. He stared at the stars, slowly walking across the town. It was peaceful. The night sky was clear and about a million stars colored it. Sven made his way out of the village into the desert. His feet weren't bothered by the cold, hard-textured sand. Two trees came into view. There was an array of shrubs and herbs. At the center was a pond. He lowered himself into the cool, light water. He felt more than relaxed here. He had been coming here for quite some years. As far as he knew, only he and Nelson were aware of this place. He loosened his body. He relaxed until dawn came around. Removing himself from the bliss, he dressed and returned to the village.
Hooves sunk into the sand as a band of horses entered Ryn. The townsfolk gathered around, interested in the new and unaccustomed form of guests who trod the desert at twilight. The riders were suited in smooth leather and plate armor. "People of Ryn, I am here to relay the message of his Majesty Luther!!" announced the man in the lead. He was bulky, great-sword strapped to his back. If his purpose was to intimidate he had already succeeded."Due to the labyrinthine situation in the Capital, We are here to recruit able-bodied young men for the army!"