One Week Later.
The training grounds were a blur of motion. Rune gathered his ether, his blade whistling through a wide arc as he executed three consecutive slashes, each one superimposing onto the last in a shimmering wave of force.
Without breaking momentum, he dashed across the yard, his boots kicking up dust as he dropped into a solid stance to catch a crushing blow from Erik's practice sword.
The morning was a relentless symphony of clashing steel and heavy breathing. Just as Rune prepared for another sparring set, a voice cut through the din.
"Young Master! A letter for you!"
Hilda shouted, waving a cream-colored envelope.
Rune wiped the sweat from his brow and broke the seal. It was an invitation—a banquet at Amery's estate. After confirming the time, he turned back to the racks.
"Hilda, please prepare a gift suitable for a noble house. A bottle of the ten-year vintage from the cellar should suffice."
Erik stepped back, sheathing his sword.
"That's enough for today, Rune. You have a social battlefield to prepare for. Don't go to a party with trembling hands."
"Thanks for the guidance, Erik,"
Rune panted, offering a respectful bow.
The Gathering by the Lake.
By evening, Rune had traded his training leathers for a crisp white tunic and a fur-lined cape. He waited at the edge of the lake, the vintage wine cradled under his arm.
"Yo, Rune! You look... actually decent for once,"
Tove called out, jogging up in his own formal attire.
"Thanks. Where are Siggy and Thora?"
Rune asked.
"Thora is already at the estate helping his father. As for Siggy..."
Tove trailed off, his jaw dropping as a figure approached through the trees.
Siggy walked toward them, her usual simple clothes replaced by a delicate gown that caught the moonlight. Tove stood frozen, staring in mute astonishment. Rune glanced at his lovestruck friend and let out a pointed, theatrical cough.
"You look wonderful, Siggy,"
Rune said with a smile.
"Shall we go?"
"Thank you, Rune,"
Siggy replied, a blush deepening on her cheeks as she caught Tove's lingering gaze.
"Let's go."
"Hey! Wait for me!"
Tove finally barked, his face turning bright red as he scrambled to catch up, embarrassed by his own pathetic display.
The Claw House Banquet.
The trio entered the Claw estate to a roar of cheers. The banquet was in full swing, celebrating Amery's tenth birthday. At the center of the room stood Amery, radiant in a dress of flame-red silk, her blonde hair intricately braided with fresh flower adornments. Nearby, Thora moved through the crowd in a formal suit, expertly guiding guests to their tables.
"Thora? Your father works for the Claw family?"
Tove whispered as his friend passed by with a tray.
"Yeah," Thora muttered, checking his shoulder for his father.
"Amery hates it when I call her 'Lady,' so we're just friends, but officially, my clan serves hers."
"That sounds like her,"
Siggy giggled.
"So, is this just a birthday party?"
Rune asked, sipping his fruit juice.
"Or is there something else in the air?"
Thora's expression flickered.
"Better ask her later. My dad will kill me if he sees me slacking. Talk soon!"
The Sudden Horizon.
Hours later, the festivities were interrupted by the sharp cling-cling-cling of a silver spoon against a glass. Amery's father stood at the head of the hall.
"Thank you all for celebrating my daughter's tenth year,"
he announced, his voice booming.
"But I must also take this moment to share a significant change. Due to the shifting tides of the War of Realms, the House of Claw has been ordered to the Central District. Furthermore, I am proud to announce Amery's acceptance into the prestigious Mjolnir Academy."
The room erupted in applause, but for Rune and his circle, the world went silent. All eyes turned to Amery.
"I'm sorry, guys,"
Amery whispered as they huddled together afterward.
"My dad only told me this morning. It was a sudden order from the High Council."
Siggy's eyes welled with tears, but Rune stepped forward, placing a steady hand on Amery's shoulder. "We're still friends, Amery. Distance doesn't change that. We'll write letters. And when we're older, we'll all meet you at the Mjolnir Academy. We'll join you there."
"Yeah!"
Tove shouted, his voice cracking as he tried to mask his sadness with bravado.
"Just you wait! I'll get into that school and show them who's boss!"
As they made a pact to reunite in the capital, Thora let out a long, exaggerated sigh from the side.
"Yeah, yeah. Let's all miss Amery. Never mind that I'm moving with her, but who cares about stupid Thora, right? Pass me a fruit cake."
The group burst into laughter, the tension breaking.
They spent the rest of the night tucked in a corner of the hall, making every second count, knowing that when the sun rose, the golden days of their childhood in Norgke County would be changed forever.