Two days had passed since the ambush, and Frederick, Duke, Jack, and Vance were traveling to Bastionspire in a horse-drawn cart. The journey was long and tiring, but as the sun started to set, they finally saw the towering walls of Bastionspire in the distance.
As they got closer, they realized how huge the city was. Unlike the quiet towns and villages they had passed, Bastionspire was full of life. The streets were crowded with traders selling goods, blacksmiths hammering metal, and soldiers marching in formation. The air smelled of roasted meat, burning fires, and the energy of a kingdom always ready for battle. It was the strongest city in Stromspire, a place that no enemy had ever captured.
Duke and Jack looked around in amazement at the massive fortress standing over the city. Its stone walls had marks from many battles. "This place… it's huge," Duke said, watching the armored soldiers train and merchants calling out to sell their goods.
Vance smirked and crossed his arms. "Bastionspire is the strongest city in Stromspire. No army has ever taken it—not even once. Even during the Great Wars, when enemies attacked from all sides, these walls never fell."
Jack looked at him, surprised. "Is it because of the fortress?"
"Partly," Vance nodded. "But the real reason is the King of Stromspire. People say he almost conquered the whole continent before he was finally stopped at the Great Suryavansh Empire. His army was the strongest, and his war strategies were brutal. Some call him a tyrant, others call him a great warrior. But one thing is certain—he made Stromspire what it is today, a kingdom that cannot be defeated."
Duke listened carefully, clenching his fists. This was more than just a city; it was a symbol of strength. And now, they were about to enter its famous fortress, where warriors were trained.
For Jack and Duke, Bastionspire was unlike anything they had ever seen. But soon, they would be more than just visitors—they would be students, training within its mighty walls.
As they passed through the massive iron gates of Bastionspire, the city's energy surrounded them. Streets stretched endlessly, lined with stone buildings, market stalls, and banners bearing the crest of Stromspire. Soldiers patrolled in groups, their armor gleaming under the evening sun, while citizens bustled about, carrying supplies and tending to their daily work.
At some point, their cart came to a stop near a large outpost. A group of soldiers approached, their eyes immediately landing on Frederick. Without hesitation, they stood at attention and saluted.
"Sir Frederick," one of them said with deep respect. "Welcome back."
Frederick nodded. "We've brought supplies as requested. Take them to the storage houses."
The soldiers quickly moved to unload the luggage, efficiently carrying the crates filled with goods. Meanwhile, Frederick turned to Duke, Jack, and Vance.
"For now, you'll be staying here," he told them, gesturing toward a stone-built barracks near the outpost. "Tomorrow, you'll be moved to the fortress. Get some food, rest, and be ready by 9 in the morning. There will be an introduction before you're officially admitted to the ranks."
"Understood, Sir Frederick," Duke and Jack replied in unison.
As Frederick and Vance walked off to handle further duties, Duke and Jack settled into their temporary quarters. The barracks were simple—wooden beds, a few lanterns, and a common area with a fireplace.
After a short rest, Jack turned to Duke, excitement gleaming in his eyes. "Come on, let's explore the city!"
Duke sighed, shaking his head. "We should rest. Tomorrow is important."
"Oh, come on! This is Bastionspire! Who knows when we'll get another chance to see the city properly?" Jack pressed.
Duke hesitated but eventually gave in. "Fine. Just for a little while."
The two stepped back onto the lively streets, taking in the sights and sounds of the city. They passed by towering statues of past kings, training grounds where young warriors sparred, and bustling markets selling all kinds of weapons, armor, and enchanted trinkets. The air was filled with the aroma of sizzling meat and fresh-baked bread.
Jack eagerly dragged Duke toward a street vendor selling grilled skewers. "We have to try this!"
Duke took a bite, his eyes widening at the rich flavors. "Not bad," he admitted.
The two wandered for a while, enjoying the different foods and observing the unique culture of Bastionspire. As the night deepened, they finally returned to the barracks, exhaustion settling in.
Tomorrow, their journey at the fortress would begin.
The sun was just starting to rise when Jack slowly opened his eyes. He yawned and stretched, but then he heard a steady thumping sound. Blinking a few times, he turned his head and saw Duke already awake, doing push-ups on the wooden floor. Sweat dripped from his forehead, and his muscles tensed with every movement.
Jack groaned and rubbed his face. "Duke… it's too early for this."
Duke kept going. "You should get up. We have to be ready by nine."
Jack sighed and flopped back onto his bed. "You wake up before the sun just to work out? You're crazy."
Duke smirked. "And you're lazy."
Jack rolled his eyes but sat up anyway. "Since you're already up, we might as well get some food."
Before they could continue talking, the door opened, and Frederick stepped inside. His sharp eyes looked over both of them. "Get ready. We're leaving for the fortress."
Duke and Jack quickly grabbed their belongings, strapping their bags and weapons onto their backs. Outside, a cart was already packed with supplies, and Vance was waiting for them. Without wasting time, they climbed on, and the horses pulled them toward the fortress.
The ride was mostly quiet, but as they got closer, the fortress of Bastionspire came into full view. Its massive stone walls stretched high into the sky, guarded by soldiers at every corner. The entrance was huge, with statues of legendary warriors standing tall beside it.
The cart stopped at the big gates. Frederick looked at Duke and Jack. He seemed a little sad.
"This is where I leave you," he said. His voice sounded a bit rough. "You're on your own now. Maybe we'll see each other again when you're soldiers."
Duke and Jack felt sad. Frederick had kept them safe and helped them. It felt strange that he wouldn't be with them anymore.
"So, this is goodbye?" Jack asked. He didn't sound happy like usual. He remembered how Frederick had fought to protect them.
Frederick gave a small smile, but his eyes looked serious. "Not forever, I hope. Only until you show everyone what you can do. Until you become good soldiers."
He put his hand on Duke's shoulder and then on Jack's. It was a quick but strong touch.
Duke felt his throat get tight. He wanted to thank Frederick for everything. "Thank you, Frederick," he said, his voice a little shaky.
Frederick nodded and looked at them for a moment longer. Then he turned to Vance. "Let's go."
Frederick and Vance rode away. Duke and Jack watched them until they couldn't see them anymore.
It felt quiet and empty without Frederick.
Jack took a deep breath. "I guess this is really it." He felt a bit lonely without Frederick.
Duke kept looking where Frederick went. He felt like he had to do well now. "Yeah," he said. "Our real journey starts now.
We have to make him proud."
Then they turned and walked towards the big gates, ready to become soldiers.
With that, they turned toward the gates, stepping forward into their future as warriors of Bastionspire.
As Duke and Jack stepped through the massive gates of the fortress, a wave of excitement and nervousness washed over them. The sheer scale of the place was overwhelming—towering stone walls, countless training grounds, and hundreds of young warriors gathered in formation. The air buzzed with tension and anticipation.
Jack glanced around, his eyes wide. "Duke… this place is insane. There are so many of them!"
Duke took a deep breath, his gaze sweeping over the rows of strong, battle-hardened recruits. "Yeah… and they all passed the physical training. That means every single one of them is strong."
Jack swallowed hard, gripping the strap of his bag. "I'm starting to feel nervous, man."
Duke smirked slightly. "Same here. But at least we're in this together."
Before they could say more, a sharp voice cut through the crowd.
"All of you, put your luggage down and stand in line!" a soldier barked, his presence commanding. "The Headmaster is arriving. Stand straight and show respect. He does not tolerate weakness."
The energy in the air shifted instantly. The recruits stiffened, exchanging uneasy glances. Even Jack and Duke felt the weight of those words. Whoever the Headmaster was, he was someone not to be taken lightly.
Duke and Jack stood in formation, their backs straight as the heavy silence settled over the fortress courtyard. Then, the ground seemed to tremble slightly with each step as the Head Instructor approached.
He was terrifying. A towering figure with broad shoulders and a body packed with muscle, his sheer presence was enough to make the recruits uneasy. His head was completely bald, but a deep, jagged scar ran across his scalp, a mark of countless battles. His sharp, cold eyes scanned the recruits like a predator sizing up its prey.
As he walked up the stone steps to the stage, the tension grew thicker. The murmurs among the new recruits died down instantly. Even Jack, who was usually chatty, swallowed nervously. "Duke… that guy looks like he eats soldiers for breakfast," he whispered.
Duke didn't respond. His eyes were locked on the Head Instructor, feeling the weight of his authority pressing down on them all.
All around them, the other recruits stood stiff, their hands clenched into fists. Some avoided eye contact, while others straightened their posture in an attempt to hide their fear.
Then, the Head Instructor stopped at the center of the stage and turned to face them. His expression was unreadable, but the intensity in his gaze made it clear—this was not a man to be underestimated.
As the recruits stood in stiff formation, the Head Instructor finally spoke. His voice was deep and commanding, carrying through the courtyard with absolute authority.
"My name is **Arthur Cladwill**," he announced, his sharp gaze sweeping over the gathered recruits. "I am the Head Instructor of Bastionspire Fortress. From this moment forward, you are no longer ordinary men and women. You are warriors in training—soldiers of Stromspire. And in this fortress, **weakness is not tolerated.**"
His words hit like a hammer, sending a ripple of tension through the recruits. Some straightened their backs even further, while others swallowed nervously.
Jack let out a shaky breath. "Yep… definitely eats soldiers for breakfast," he whispered under his breath.
Duke didn't respond. His eyes remained locked on Arthur Cladwill, fully aware that this was only the beginning of their trials.
End of chapter 10