Chapter 4. A Heroes' graduation

The boy mastered the skills quickly, but there was always more to learn. For years the Guild was his home, his school and his life. But as the time pasts, his thoughts returned always to the world outside. The life he had lost, the family that was torn from him. At Last only the final day of test remained. Success would mark the end of his training. He would receive the Guild seal and be free to forge his own destiny. He would become a Hero.

I double check the straps of my quiver before shouldering it. Hanging both it and my bow over my shoulder, I rest both my hands on the hilt of my sword, I turn back to the Guildmaster.

"Before you graduate there is one final test you must complete. Enter the Woods and go to the log at the top of the hill. The test will be revealed to you there. Good luck." He says as we walk through the training grounds together. All my years of training have lead up to this. My final test, after this I will finally be able to make my mark. I nod at the Guildmaster and enter the Guildwoods. I suppose the final test is near the fallen tree, where the beetles nest. Slowly I take in my surroundings. It is spring and the birds are particularly loud today. The small stream has grown into a creek and the trees are once again green. A light breeze brings the smell of flowers with it. It is almost peaceful. Almost.

A soft glow is to my right and Maze's large form appears from a blue hueing light. He wears an expressionless mask as I turn towards him, my eyebrows raised in confusion.

"I suppose you're wondering how you'll pass your final test then, it's simple." Oh that can't be good.

"You'll have to defeat me." Say what now? I have to defeat Maze?

"We'll begin with your sword. Hit me if you can." He says with a neutral expression. I only now notice the staff in his right hand. So, this is really it then? I need to prove my worth against Maze. It seems fitting somehow. He was the one who brought me here in the first place. I take my stance in front of him and unsheathe my sword. I no longer carry the iron longsword I used in training. I have upgraded to an iron katana, conquered in some extra training exercise. I weigh it in my hand, making it an extended part of my arm. Shifting my weight I try to get a read on the man in front of me. Icy blue eyes stare back at me and it takes a lot of effort not to break eye contact. I try to take a step towards him but when I do, Maze teleports a few feet away from me. I groan as I make my way towards Maze. I take my time circling him. Trying to find a spot he cannot defend too easily. While I am circling him, he doesn't even look at me. He just stares ahead. Standing to his left side, I decide to strike. I aim for his shoulder but he easily blocks my attack. Swerving around him, I swing at his right kneecap. This blow is also halted with ease. With a quick roll I end up in front of my opponent and strike with a powerful blow towards his chest. But instead of striking true, I hit nothing but air. Maze has disappeared. I quickly surroundings but he is nowhere to be seen. He must have teleported to the other end of the woods. With a sigh, I make my way across the path to the stream, where I think Maze will be. Just when I round the corner, I spot him. He is standing near the small riverbed where Whisper and I offed those bandits a while ago. Maze seems to be admiring the wall carving on the other side of the river. I know better than to try and sneak up on him. It might look like he is ignoring me, but I know he is aware of my every move. For an older guy he is still very fast. And his mastery of the Will is very difficult to go up against. He has very keen skills of perception and is always highly aware of his surroundings. But I might still use my youth and agility to my advantage. He might be fast, but I'm faster. Or at least more flexible. Cautiously, I make my way towards Maze. Watching for tell-tale signs of his teleporter spell. I am now within striking range, but Maze pays me no heed. I pretend to strike to his left, then when he goes to block, I roll to his right and strike. Success! I've hit his right flank. Maze staggers back from my hit, I don't believe I have actually hurt him but I check for blood nonetheless. He grips his staff in both hands and once again teleports a few feet away. This time he looks at me, a small smile on his face. Alright let's finish this. I rush towards him. With a roll I strike at him and my katana grates across his staff. The power of my attack forces Maze back a step. I use this small moment of weak balance to turn and strike Maze again. This time I hit his shoulder. Without missing losing my streak, I use my flourish movement to continue my assault. My katana sings as it pierces the air. Unfortunately, instead of hitting Maze, air is the only thing it hits is more air. Damn his teleport spell.

"Very good." I hear Maze say. He is standing right behind me. Regarding me with his icy stare.

"Now shoot me with your bow." I nod to Maze, putting away my katana and taking out my longbow. But when I nock my arrow he hastily ads.

"Don't get too close!" I smirk at him while correctly nocking my arrow. He is aware that archery what I really excel in. Maze once again teleports a few feet away from me. However, this only makes my shot easier. I take aim and wait for the perfect moment. I notice Maze watching me more carefully now than with my melee test. Knowing he is searching for when I release my arrow, I feign a release and look for the blue hue where Maze will reappear. Two foot to the right. I release my arrow just as Maze materialises on the spot and hit him on his left shoulder. It bounces off him. A strong shield spell. Good, no I won't have to hold back on my shots. MY archery test takes very little time, and before I know it I have hit him 4 out of the 5 times I took aim.

"Excellent!" Maze Exclaims.

"And finally, cast lightning at me!" Oh great. With a sigh, I sling my bow back on my shoulder and return the arrow to my quiver. I take another deep breath to clear my head. Though my Will power has greatly improved, it still is my weakest skill. Taking a more relaxed stance, I spread my hands and summon the lighting to my hands. With a burst I aim for Maze, but he deflects my lightning strike easily. A frustrated sigh escapes my lips. How will I impress the master of Will with this weak display? I need to do better if I want to pass. Once again I try to summon lightning, but this time I remember what Whisper told me. Every time I let my anger get the better of me, my Will power increases, although it does become rather difficult to control. I try to recall all the taunting of Thunder, Whispers boasting older brother. He truly gets on my nerves. Always on his high horse pretending like he is so much better than everyone else. The air starts to crackly and grows heavy with static. I am ready. With a powerful thrust, I strike my attack at Maze and hit him dead centre. He seems to be taken aback only the slightest little bit. I continue my assault on him before I lose control or my anger dies out. Two more strikes find their way towards Maze and are just as easily deflected as the next. I am no match for Maze on the ways of the Will.

"That's enough!" Maze proclaims. Good timing too. I am exhausted and halt my spell, collapsing on my knees.

"Yes quit impressive for a novice." He says. "You'll find real battles rather more fatal then this. But you have past your final test and you're ready to receive your Guild seal from the Guildmaster." Maze helps me up with a rare smile on his face. The news takes a few seconds to really sink in. I passed. I passed! I passed my final test! I am going to graduate and finally become a Hero! Maze slaps me on the back and disappears before my eyes. Well so far for sharing a moment with the big guy. A great big grin appears on my face and I pump my fist into the air. I have to tell Whisper. We have to celebrate this! I smile to myself as I walk back to the Guild Grounds.

As I walk up to the Maproom I find the Guildmaster waiting for me. His large moustache bristles as he smiles at me.

"Well this is the day lad. I remember the first night you came to us. And look at you now." My chest swells with pride. It feels good to have this man's approval. This old wizened man, who has taught me all that I know.

"Maze's fate in you was well placed. Now come along. The graduation ceremony will take in the Chamber of Fate. The oldest part of the Guild." He turns and starts walking towards the library. I have never been to the Chamber of Fate before. It is off limits for just mere novices and only ever used for ceremonies. Once we reach the far side of the library we halt in front of two grant bookcases that take up the whole wall. The Guildmaster takes a moment to study the books a little above his head.

"Ah, there it is." He exclaims as he retracts a red tome. A grating sound is heard as the bookcases open up to reveal a door. Anxious, I follow the old man into the corridor. A long bridge lies before us and when I glance over the edge I feel my face grow white. The abyss is so deep I cannot even see the bottom. Just a big black emptiness.

"Come along now lad." The Guildmaster calls. I retract from the edge and hurry after him. The less time I spent on this bridge the better. When we reach the end I can hear voices through the door.

"You just go wait next to Whisper until you are called, alright lad?" I nod to him and hurry next to Whisper. I'm really glad we get to graduate together. Through the years she has become my best friend and I wouldn't have want to do this without her. I take her hand and give it a gentle squeeze. She shoots me a sideways grin, before her gaze shoots straight back to one spot in front of us. I follow her gaze and my eyes fall on Thunder, complete in his golden armour and lion helmet he does look intimidating. But I can only imagine the pride he must feel for his little sister. Next to him are Maze and the Guildmaster, who has just joined them. The exchange a few words and finally signal for everyone to settle down. The room is filled with other apprentices and graduates from earlier this year. Once everyone has calmed down, the ceremony starts.

"Let the apprentices approach." The Guildmaster calls. Whisper and I move as one. I keep my pace the same as hers while not taking my eyes off the three man in front of us. Whisper has only eyes for her brother, but keeps a steady pace.

"For many years now, you have worked hard to earn yourselves the tile of hero. Today that apprenticeship end and you go out into the world to do great deeds. Deeds that will bring you the gratitude of thousands." I straighten my back once more. Finally I will become a Hero.

"Or strike fear into their hearts." The only fear I want to cause is in the murderers who slaughtered Oakvale. I will make them pay for what they did.

"These are dark times, the shadows of Albion are stirring and strange winds are blowing. Your choices, whether they lead you on the path of good or evil, will change the face of the world." Whisper and I share a look with each other. Way to be dramatic old man. Both Thunder and the Guildmaster hold out a round seal.

"Now take your Guild seals and venture forth as heroes." I take my Guild seal from the Guildmaster as Whisper takes hers from Thunder. I suppose he wanted to give hers himself. We turn as one again and the room erupts in cheers for us.

I feel at peace, the sun is warm on my face and the grass feels soft on my back. I roll on my side to look at my sister who lies next to me. Her eyes closed, with a small smile on her face. She looks so serene, so calm. I reach out to her, to wake her, but when I touch her, she screams. Her eyes fly open, yet instead of crystal blue eyes, bloodshot red orbs look in horror at me. I try to roll away, but I roll too far and go straight over the edge of a cliff. *Thud* Auw! Slowly I try to open my eyes and strangely enough, instead of the bottom of a cliff, I can see a hardwood floor. I try to get up but my feet are trapped. Once again I find myself face first on the floor. Looking to my feet I find them all tangled up in my blanket. Right, that hasn't happened in a while, luckily no one around to see me fall out of bed. I hurry to get my bed back in order and get dressed. Today for the first time in 10 years I do not put on my apprentice robes. The Guildmaster has left me some normal trousers and a cream colored blouse. I grab my bag and hurry down the stairs. I was supposed to meet the Guildmaster at the break of dawn. And of course I am late again. Trotting down the stairs I can see the Guildmaster smiling. Of course he knew I would be late. Sly bastard.

"It's time for you to leave us now, but your still very much part of the guild. On the map table you will find details of quests people of Albion wish Heroes to perform." He gestures to the Maptable, where a few quest cards still lie.

"And you'll need to return often to focus all your gained experience into new skills. Only by doing this recurrently will you advance as a Hero." He walks towards a niche next to the double doors.

"Step into the light and I'll show you how to do this." With a nod I step into the green lit area and immediately I am overwhelmed by memories of my training. The images flash so fast I can hardly make sense of them.

"Close your eye lad and try to clear your head, you'll make sense of what you see." I follow his advice, close my eyes and take a deep breath. The images slow, but I still can't get a hold of one.

"Try to pick out one skill to focus on, Strength, Skill or Will. This is an easy way to sort your memories and experience." I take another deep breath and try to focus on my melee training. Many fights with Whisper flash before my eyes, and this time I can make sense of them. I can see when I used my strength to my advantage, or my speed.

"Good, now you can focus your experience on speed, strength or endurance. By focussing on one particular skill, you will be able to train better and grow faster in this particular skill." Sounds easy enough. For now I try to focus on my strength and endurance, and I can feel my backpack growing lighter. Or am I just getting stronger? A tap on my arm breaks my concentration and I step out of the light to stop the memories from blinding my view. The sudden clarity in my head has me swaying on my feet but the Guildmaster's hand on my shoulder helps me get steady.

"There is little else for me to teach you. But I'll be always here to offer you guidance." I smile at him, it is nice to know he will always be there when I need his help.

"Your Guild seal will allow me to communicate with you at all time. You will also notice it flashing when you have enough experience to spend."

"I have given you a basic pack of supplies. It will be enough for a while. Now there is a whole world for you to explore." He hands me a sack and walks away smiling. I wait until he has left the room before I ransack the contents of the bag he handed me. Oh great! Some health potions. There is also a lamp which I tie to my backpack. Let's see, a will potion, some leftover apple pie, and… Wait. Are those resurrection phials? Those are very expensive and rare! According to the scroll I read about them they will bring you back from the brink of dead. How did they get these? Crafty old bastard. I smile to myself and pack everything in my bag. I suppose there is nothing left for me to do but check if there are any quest cards and be on my way. I walk over to the Maptable. There are a few cards, let's see. Snow Trolls. That might be a bit too much to start with. Oh the picnic area has been overrun by wasps. I've done pest control before. This I can do! I grab the card and make my way to the door. With one deep breath, I open the doors and walk into the world. It's Hero time.