The sun began to peek over the stone walls of the well protected castle. The castle bustled with life as the groomer tended to the horses and the staff prepared for the king's day before it even began. The training grounds echoed with life with the neighing of horses, the clashing of swords, and the clanking of armor as the knights and their apprentices began their early morning training.

Eren panted slightly as he gulped, his sweat drenched skin rubbed against his under armor which slightly limited his movement. He clutched his double-edged sword in his trembling hands as he continued to block the attacks of the other armored figure fighting him.

"Come on boy. If you attack first you have a great advantage in battle."

The brunette boy was snapped from his thoughts when his instructor shouted at him.

"Y-Yes sir." He answered before swinging his sword at the tall, dark armored knight before him. He was caught by surprise when his teacher caught this sword with his own and swiped it out of his grip. His blade went flying as Eren fell back, landing on his butt. He froze as his instructor pointed the tip of his sword to his neck. The older man gave a hardy laugh as he removed his helmet and lowered his blade. His short, undercut black hair was plastered to his sweat drenched face. He extended his hand to his apprentice, who gladly took it, and pulled Eren to his feet.

"You're getting much better. We just need to touch up on those swordsmanship skills of yours." He said, "Then you'll be ready for your knighthood quest."

Eren gave a wide smile and nodded.

"You should rest now, Eren." the man said just before a tall, young man upon a bay colored steed came bounding up to them.

"Jean! What's wrong?" Eren asked as he noticed the concerned look on the other apprentice's face.

"It's the king... h-he's falling ill." Jean answered as he swallowed hard.

"King Pyxis!" Eren's eyes widened in shock.

Nile mounted the steed that Jean had rode in on, snapping the reins and took off at full speed back to the castle.

"How did this happen?" Eren asked once his mentor disappeared over the hill. Jean simply shrugged.

"I don't know. He's old though and if he does pass... Erwin will take over for sure."

"Yeah... that's for sure." Eren said as he bit his lower lip.

Meanwhile, Nile hoped off his mount and raced to the king's corridors. Two knights standing watch at the double doors leading to the king's sleeping chambers saluted Nile's as he let himself in.

"Your highness... I came as soon as I heard." He said as he bowed by the old king's bedside.

"I'm g-glad you're h-here Nile." The old, bald king croaked as his eyes became slits, "I fear I-I have li-little time left which is w-why Erwin shall takeover in m-my absents..."

Nile glanced over at the opposite side of the bed, where a tall, strong looking man with short blond hair and piercing blue eyes stood. He cleared his throat and nodded.

"Of course sir." He said.

"W-What of your apprentice?" Pyxis asked as he looked over at the black armored knight.

"Eren? He's doing fine." Nile answered.

Erwin glanced back at Nile before returning his gaze back on the sickly king.

"My lord... if it isn't too much trouble... I would like to grant Eren permission for his quest." He asked.

Nile blinked in surprise.

"Just what sort of quest are you implying?" Nile asked, raising an eyebrow at the blond man.

"To find a cure for the king's illness." Erwin plainly stated.

"How would he know? He's just a boy." Nile argued.

"I believe that he can find it. He's a smart, talented boy. Wouldn't you agree, Nile?" Erwin asked as he glanced back at the knight.

Nile nodded solemnly and met Erwin's gaze once again.

"Indeed I do." He stated.

"Then it's settled. Eren will set out immediately." He said.

... * ...

"R-really?! Y-you want me? Why me?" Eren asked before his mouth stood agape in both shock and surprise at the news he had just received from his mentor.

Nile simply nodded as he walked into the stables with the young brunette close behind.

"Yes. Erwin, I, and even the king himself thinks you're ready for this." He answered his apprentice as he tightened the girth to one of the steeds, "Now then... the supplies in that pack should last enough for you to make it through the Sina Forest trail. Stock back up on supply when you reach the small village of Trost." He pointed to the saddle bag that rested on the horse's rump.

Eren nodded as he listened carefully to his mentor as he continued to give instructions.

"It's a 2 days ride on horseback from here to Trost if you stop often. Which is why you'll be taking Nightrider here." Nile said as he stroked the black stallion's sleek neck, "He's a fast and experienced horse. He's trended on the forest trail at least a thousand times before."

Eren nodded as he was given a leg up into the saddle.

"Good luck, my young apprentice. I pray for your protection and a safe, successful journey back home." Nile said as he gave a warm smile to the brunette.

Eren's gloved hands gripped the leather reins tightly, suddenly feeling a mix of excitement and worry overcome him as the gate started to slowly open. Nile was counting on him. No. The whole kingdom was counting on him.

"I mustn't let them down. I can't let them down!" He thought as he squeezed his legs tightly around the horse's sides.

The stallion reared up on his hind legs before taking off at a full gallop. Eren peered from under his shoulder as he looked back at the castle. He saw his mentor waving at him until he became nothing but a faraway speck. He turned his head forward again and looked on ahead.