The King's Gilded Warrior || Wattys 2023

CHAPTER NINETEEN

The training ground stretched out before them, a vast expanse of open terrain marked by well-worn paths and strategic training stations. The earth beneath their feet was compacted, evidence of countless hours spent in practice and preparation.

Tall wooden posts stood at regular intervals, each bearing the emblem of a different noble house. The banners flapped gently in the wind, displaying the colors and symbols that represented the pride and identity of each house. Soldiers clad in their respective house colors moved purposefully across the training ground, their loyalty evident in every step.

The ground was meticulously divided into sections, each dedicated to a specific house. In one corner, the House of Eldric displayed their banners, a wolf rampant on a field of blue. Nearby, the House of Valen proudly showcased their banner, a golden lion on a crimson backdrop. As Lyra surveyed the scene, she could see banners representing the Houses of Delmar, Wrenwood, and many others, each with their own unique designs.

The training stations within each house's designated area were tailored to their specific fighting style and preferences. In one section, archers lined up, honing their aim and precision. Their arrows whistled through the air, finding their marks with deadly accuracy. Nearby, warriors engaged in close-quarters combat, their blades clashing in a dance of skill and technique.

In the center of the training ground, a grand pavilion had been set up. It served as the focal point, where the lords and ladies of each house gathered to observe the training and offer guidance to their warriors. The pavilion was adorned with richly colored banners representing the kingdom as a whole, symbolizing the unity of the noble houses under the king's rule.

As Lyra continued her training alongside the soldiers, her attention was momentarily drawn to the grand pavilion in the center of the training ground. There, amidst the banners of the noble houses and the kingdom itself, she noticed a new addition—a banner that bore the colors and symbols of her homeland.

Her heart skipped a beat as she approached the pavilion, drawn to the sight of her homeland's banner unfurling proudly in the wind. The fabric displayed the vibrant hues of her homeland, depicting the majestic mountains, lush forests, and a phoenix rising in the center—the symbol of resilience and rebirth.

Rhadmanthus stood beside the banner, a warm smile on his face as he observed Lyra's reaction. He had commissioned the banner as a gesture of welcome and recognition, a symbol of his appreciation for Lyra's heritage and the strength it brought to their cause.

Lyra's eyes glistened with gratitude as she approached the king, her steps light but filled with purpose. She reached out to touch the fabric, feeling the softness beneath her fingertips. It was a poignant reminder of her roots, a connection to the land and people she had fought so fiercely to protect.

"Thank you," she whispered, her voice filled with emotion. "This means more to me than words can express. To see my homeland honored here, among the noble houses, is a profound gesture of acceptance and unity."

Rhadmanthus nodded, his eyes reflecting a deep understanding. "You are a vital part of this kingdom now, Lyra. Your strength, courage, and the bond you share with your homeland are cherished here. We stand united against the forces that threaten us, and your presence reminds us of the resilience we all possess."

Lyra descended from the pavilion and made her way toward the bustling training fields. The clang of metal filled the air as swords clashed and warriors sparred, honing their skills for the battles to come. Amongst the crowd, she caught sight of two men engaged in a spirited duel, their blades flashing in the sunlight.

Curiosity sparked within Lyra as she observed their graceful movements, their expertise evident in every strike and parry. She admired their dedication and skill, but a spark of challenge ignited within her. She longed to test her own abilities, to engage in a friendly bout and push herself further.