Chapter Three__Part:1

When I woke the following day, the sun was beginning to rise, casting a golden glow over the room. For a moment, I lay there, feeling the softness of the bed beneath me and the unfamiliar weight of the amulet on the nightstand beside me. The previous day's events rushed back, and I sat up, rubbing my eyes. This wasn't a dream—I was in a different realm.

A knock on the door startled me. "Come in," I called, my voice still groggy from sleep.

The door opened, and a young woman entered, carrying a tray with breakfast. "Good morning, Astrid," she said with a warm smile. "My name is Elaine. I'm here to assist you during your stay."

"Thank you, Elaine," I replied, appreciating the gesture. "Everything looks wonderful."

Elaine set the tray down on a small table by the window. "The king has asked me to inform you that he will meet you in the courtyard after breakfast. He wants to begin your orientation to our world."

I nodded, feeling a mix of excitement and apprehension. "Thank you. I'll be ready shortly."

Elaine left, and I quickly got ready, eating the delicious breakfast she had brought. As I got dressed, I couldn't help but admire the clothes that had been provided—soft, flowing, practical, and elegant fabrics. They made me feel more at home in this strange new world.

Once I was ready, I made my way down to the courtyard. With its towering walls and beautifully tended gardens, the fortress was even more impressive in the daylight. I found Kaden standing near a fountain, speaking with one of his advisors. When he saw me, he excused himself and walked over.

"Good morning, Astrid," he said, his tone warm and welcoming. "I trust you slept well?"

"I did, thank you. Everything here is incredible. It's hard to believe this is real."

Kaden chuckled. "I can imagine. But there is much for you to see and learn. Come, let's walk."

We strolled through the courtyard, the scent of blooming flowers filling the air. "Tell me more about this realm," I said, eager to understand the world I had been thrust into.

"Our realm, Rathguard, is one of many hidden from the eyes of your world," Kaden began. "It is a place of magic and ancient traditions, where various factions vie for power and balance. The Crimson Order, led by Grand Inquisitor Marcus, seeks to eradicate all supernatural beings and magic. They believe it is the only way to purify the land. The Iron Claw Consortium, led by Commander Thorne, once noble protectors, have turned to extreme measures to impose order, disillusioned by the chaos they've witnessed."

"And you?" I asked, curious about his role in this complex tapestry.

"My people, the Lycans, have long been the guardians of this land," Kaden explained. "We seek to maintain balance and protect our realm from those who would see it destroyed. Your arrival, Astrid, is a sign that the time has come to unite our forces and confront the threats we face."

We reached the training grounds where warriors were sparring and practicing their skills. "These are our warriors," Kaden said, gesturing to the scene before us. "They train every day to defend our kingdom. And you, Astrid, will also need to learn some of our ways."

"Me? Train as a warrior?" I asked, taken aback by the suggestion.

"Not as a warrior, but you will need to understand our world and its dangers," Kaden clarified. "You have a unique role, and being prepared is essential."

I nodded, feeling the weight of responsibility settle over me. "I understand. I'll do whatever it takes to help."

Kaden smiled, a look of approval in his eyes. "Good. We will start with basic training and move on to more specific tasks. You are not alone in this, Astrid. We will guide you every step of the way."

I watched the warriors train for the rest of the morning, absorbing their techniques and the discipline they embodied. Elaine joined us, providing insights and explanations about the different forms of combat and their history. It was a lot to take in, but I was determined to learn as much as possible.

Kaden then introduced me to Torin, one of his most skilled trainers. Torin was a towering figure with a stern expression, but his eyes held a hint of kindness. "Astrid, this is Torin. He will oversee your training," Kaden explained.

Torin nodded in greeting. "We will start with basic self-defense and build from there. Follow me."

We moved to a quieter part of the training ground. Torin handed me a wooden staff, and I felt the weight of it in my hands. "First, let's see how you handle this," he said.

He demonstrated a few basic moves—how to hold the staff, block, and parry. I watched closely and then mimicked his movements. At first, my actions were clumsy, but Torin was patient, correcting my stance and guiding my movements.

"Good, Astrid. Keep your feet planted firmly and your eyes on your opponent," Torin instructed. "Now, try to block my strikes."

He moved slowly at first, letting me get used to the rhythm. Gradually, he increased the speed, and I focused intently, my body responding to the challenge. The training was physically demanding, but I felt a sense of exhilaration. For the first time, I was actively participating in this world.

"Excellent," Torin said after a while, lowering his staff. "You have a natural aptitude. With practice, you will improve quickly."

I wiped the sweat from my brow, feeling a sense of accomplishment. "Thank you, Torin. This is new to me, but I want to learn."

He nodded approvingly. "Your determination will serve you well. Remember, it's not just about physical strength but also about understanding your surroundings and your abilities."

Kaden, who had been observing from the sidelines, approached us. "You did well, Astrid. There is much to learn, but you are off to a good start."

For the next few hours, Torin continued to teach me various techniques, from self-defense to understanding the basics of swordsmanship. We practiced until my muscles ached, and my mind was filled with new knowledge.

As the sun began to set, Kaden called for a break. "That's enough for today. You've made great progress, Astrid. Let's return to the library and continue our studies."

"Thank you again, Torin," I say, trying to catch my breath. I turn to walk with Kaden; his eyes show me that he is in deep thought.

I broke the awkward silence, "Before we start studying, can I have thirty minutes?"

"Uh, sure, everything alright?" His eyes fixed on me.

"Yeah, I just would love a shower," I said with a slight cringe.

"It takes you thirty minutes?" He teased.

"Uh, sir, my hair does not look this good. It takes time, patience, and care to ensure it is how I like it," I laughed.

He put his hands up in defeat. "Okay, sorry," he said as he smiled. "Oh, and one more thing," our eyes met. "You call me Kaden, no sir."

I nodded in silence, feeling warmth reach my cheeks. He walked me to my room. I thanked him as I closed the door behind me and headed towards the bathroom.