“Alright this is your chance. And forget the other Sponsors, aim for the ones that came with the Governor.” Were the words left behind by Tristan. With that the small group of friends separated hoping to find a glimpse of the path destined for them.

  Damon scanned the nearly dozen individuals that came with the Governor only for his eyes to find its way to the Knight in pristine white armor with an unsullied cloak. A staple for the White Cloaks. The Knight stood surrounded by dozens of other Awakeners hoping to catch his attention. Damon held the same hopes as he watched the Knight in admiration.

  Damon imagined himself in place of the Knight, with nobles fighting to get his attention and hoping to get on his good side without a care for his background. The image brought a smile to Damon’s face. With the image still in his head, Damon took a step towards the knight only to pause after hearing someone behind him.

  “Don’t even think about it” Damon whirled around to set his eyes on the arrogant face of Kesh who stood with a glass in hand and a sneer on his face. “Someone like you wouldn’t even make it past the front doors.”

  With a frown, Damon challenged the noble “They’ll accept me. Just watch.”

  “ They won’t. Majority of the White Cloaks come from nobility. And the commoners that make up the rest of the numbers are from wealthy merchant families or have someone in their family who had some weight to their name as an official.” Kesh felt giddy at the frown making its way onto Damon. “ They don’t accept people that could dirty the cloak. Like their motto says “Untainted and Pure.”,

  “And if the description fits you, I’m sure they will open their doors for you.” Damon and Kesh quickly became slack jawed at the sight of the blue robed individual who managed to sneak his way beside them without them noticing.

  “Greetings elder Laurel”, “ Greetings” Both boys bowed their heads immediately after their shock wore off. Both boys stayed bowed, not daring to get up from their position, afraid of offending a mighty pillar of the Republic and one of the strongest powers in the world. If they did, no one would even know how they died.

  “Hello,” With his eyes still set on the Knight and his crowd of pleasers “You may lift your heads.” Damon sent a questioning gaze to Kesh who could only nod back at him signaling him to go first. Damon furrowed his brows before mirroring the noble boy’s action which quickly led to a battle of pointing fingers but instead of fingers they used their eyes to tell one another to go first.

  “What's wrong? Is the grass more pleasing to the eye than me? Should I add them to our Gardens back home?” An amused smirk formed after pulling his attention back to witness the two boys immediately raise their heads to deny the accusations. “Hahaha, I’m only kidding.” The middle aged man bellowed a laughter while brushing his black and blue hair back.

  “So, the Order of the White Cloaks huh? A well known organization and rich in history.‘Untainted and Pure’ is what those walking lumps of armor say. One of the reasons they don’t have many members.” The Laurel elder said, muttering the last part but it was still loud enough for Damon to catch.

  “ I thought they don’t have that many members because it's hard to get in.” Damon wondered.

  “It is. But it’s much harder to stay due to their strict rules. Many of their members have been spotted breaking rules and having no respect towards their superiors. A stark contrast to its early years of discipline and respect.” Elder Kravis Laurel said, giving Damon a more in-depth look into the organization.

  Before a word could leave Damon a voice interjected “ Why not get more specific since we’re airing out the business of my Order .” The Knight of the White cloaks said as he walked over with his spotless armor and large sword emitting clinking noises every time it scraped the ground.

  “Why, hello Lt. Marten. I was just giving a possible prospect for your order some insight into the White Cloaks.” Elder Laurel smiled at Captain Marten.

  “ Yes, insight.” Lt. Marten turned to Damon “ Well how about I go deeper into these insights this lord has told you. Did he tell you that the ones guilty of breaking those rules merely belong to a small part of the Order and were heavily punished for their actions. It is due to these punishments that not many are willing to don the cloaks of our Order as it holds no leniency with those that break the rules laid down by our founders.Those who choose not join in fear of possibly breaking the rules of our Order, deserve no spot among our ranks.” Captain Marten gave the behind the scenes story. “And besides, everyone goes through tough periods… sometimes those periods last for a moment” Shifting his eyes on the Elder of the Laurel family, he explained “ Sometimes longer,” With a smile he continued. “ Much much longer.”

  “Yes, that is true. In times like this it's hard for influences to stay afloat: Families, organizations, or even Orders. It’s best to find someone or someplace that can help sail the rough seas for you.” Elder Kravis Laurel smiled at Damon ignoring the Knight who bore a frown he couldn’t hide. Damon could feel the tension surrounding them and hoped he could escape the conversation.

  As if the Spirits heard his pleas, a commotion was heard from a group of people staring up at the sky. It wasn’t long before the reason for the commotion announced its presence by casting a shadow over the banquet that was being hit by endless rays of light from the afternoon sun.

  “It seems our conversation will end here young hero.” The Laurel Elder let out a full blown smile that appeared to have held back a plethora of words before turning to Damon “It was nice talking to you Damon Beaumont of the rare Lightning Element. Once you graduate you will be about a man's age. By then I hope your fear towards my family name will disappear.” With that Elder Laurel carried a smile that hid his intentions as he walked away with his chin high and blue robes flowing behind as if waves followed his every move.

  “If you wish to have a cloak like this hanging from your shoulders,” The Knight pulled Damon’s attention back to him where he gestured to the famous white cloak hanging off of him, “then you must have the strength and willpower to carry it. In times of war the blood spilled must only for the greater good and in times of peace, you must do everything in your power to ensure those times last without having to turn at the sight of your reflection. Untainted and Pure.” He finished it off with the organization's motto.

  The Knight turned his attention to Kesh who wore a respectful look. “And anyone who can follow this code is welcome in our lands. No matter the background.” Kesh could only smile at the reproachful expression on the Knight's face.

  “Well, I shall also take my leave Damon Beaumont.” Damon nodded his understanding “ Oh right, I am Lt.Marten. I hope to one day see you don these cloaks. We don’t get that many Lightning Elementals.” Damon solemnly nodded at the knight who mirrored him before walking away.

  Although Kesh recognized the man as a son of a Minor House, similar to his own, with the status as a officer of one of the most powerful organizations in the republic, Kesh could swallow down any grievances he had towards the Knight walking away with a crowd of nobles in tow smiling and gloating at him after witnessing the scene.

  Damon solemnly nodded at the knight who mirrored him before walking away.

  From the conversation with the knight, Damon felt he found the place for himself after the Academy.

  In the corner of his eye, Damon could see Kesh clutching his purple robes out of anger and embarrassment. But Damon didn’t care. He felt the arrogant noble deserved it with the way he was acting. Feeling good, he sent a victory smirk at Kesh before leaving to find Rodrick to tell him of what just happened.

  ***

  A few apologies and elbow blows later, Damon was able to spot Rodrick talking to a small group of girls who appeared to be having a giggle fit at whatever story his friend was telling. Shaking his head in exasperation at the sight, he made his way over to Rodrick to pull him and give a good scolding.

  “Hello.” the soft familiar voice greeted him from behind freezing Damon.

  Slowly turning around with a close lipped smile he said “Hello Amelia. Great weather.” Damon mentally slapped himself at the embarrassing line.

  “Oh, yes it's a very beautiful day. Perfect weather for a banquet.”Amelia looked up to the sky with flushed cheeks and a small smile that captivated Damon.

  “Yes, very beautiful.” Damon replied softly, keeping his eyes on her and the cute canines that appeared when she smiled.

  “I guess I am the third vote.” A loud voice interrupted their conversation. Damon winced once he heard the familiar voice. Damon wondered why his idiot best friend chooses now to appear.

  Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

  “Hello Rodrick.” Amelia did a small wave at the tall boy who returned her greeting with a smile.

  “So what are you guys talking about?” Rodrick wiggled his eyebrows at the pair.

  “The weather.” Damon answered his friend in a monotone voice.

  “Rodrick rolled his eyes. “Well, how about before that.”

  “Oh, um, I-I just came up to Damon to ask him if he saw Kira.” Amelia stuttered out her answer.

  “Haven’t seen her since we split up.” Rodrick said with a regretful sigh before turning to Damon “You?” Damon answered with a shake of his head.

  “Oh, well I’m going to look for her. Bye.” Amelia said before making her way through the crowd to continue her search.

  Watching her retreating figure, Rodrick shook his head in disbelief. “Wow. Who would have thought that she was the same girl who could barely get out a whisper.”

  “Oh and by the way, the weather?”Rodrick's tone leaked of incredulity. “You talk to the girl for the first time in two weeks and your first topic of discussion is the weather?”

  Damon narrowed his eyes. “She just walked up to me out of nowhere and started talking to me. I wasn’t ready. What was I supposed to do?”

  “Don't talk about the weather.” Rodrick tilted his head and narrowed his eyes at his friend.

  The duo continued their conversation as they walked around the banquet until the conversation about what happened with Kesh was brought up by a smirking Damon.

  “So in other words, you now have the eyes of the White Cloaks and House Laurel on you. What exactly did you do to earn the blessings of the Spirits?”

  Damon shrugged with a look of confidence. “Guess I was just born with uncontrollable charisma.”

  A scoff was the response he got as they continued their stroll around the banquet for around half an hour before a commotion that garnered a small crowd was spotted. Curiosity filled, the pair of boys made their way over to find a standoff between three individuals.

  Tristan stood on one side and Draven stood on the other. Shockingly both boys were glaring but not at each other. Instead they were glaring at a boy of dark hair clothed in silver and blue robes with his back towards Damon and Rodrick keeping his identity a mystery.

  “House Grier. A Great House full of wannabe heroes.” The mystery third party shockingly began belittling a Great House.

  “You dare-” Tristan was cut off before he could get more words in.

  “And then House Lyle. Supposedly dragon owners once upon a time.” The mysterious third party began talking and turned towards the crowd, ignoring the fuming Tristan whose hand seemed to be getting closer and closer to his waist, where if his sword wasn’t stored away somewhere in the mansion then the only place it could be found is on his waist.

  “ Both Great Houses, yes, but are they fit to carry the name nowadays? No. The Grier family only had one Lord of Element and he was too much of a coward to choose a side that could have ended the Civil War that killed millions.” The mysterious third party finally turned to face Damon who widened his eyes at the reveal.

  “SLANDER.” Tristan shouted taking a step forward but a hand from a fellow noble from his city clamped on his arm to stop him.

  Louis Lennox smiled at the crowd pleased to have caught their attention. “And then House Lyle.” Draven kept his eyes on the ranting individual, paying close attention to what he had to say about his House.

  “The descendants of the mighty Dragon Lord. The Third Lord of Fire.” Louis began to shake his head in disappointment before continuing “You would have thought they…”Pointing at the now frowning Draven “descendants of such a mighty figure would have produced some people of talent. Sadly, all they got were two Divine Generals and not a single Lord of Element has come from their house.”

  “ENOUGH.” A shout interrupted Louise speech. From the crowd, Ronin stomped his way over to his brother and yanked him away but not before bowing his head in apologies to the two descendants of Great Houses.

  “Brother, I didn't finish I…”Damon didn’t get the chance to hear what he was planning on saying as his figure disappeared into the mansion with his older brother.

  With the show now over the crowd began to disperse which revealed Amelia and Kira together walking away. Rodrick, seeing the girls, immediately grabbed Damon and made his way over to talk to them.

  “ Awakeners, the Republic's ‘Young Heroes of Tomorrow’. It is time. Your ride to the Academy is here.” Damon watched as the Governor suddenly stomped his foot and Damon’s attention was pulled away from the Governor to behind him where a wall made of stone simply fell back without making a sound or shaking of the ground to reveal the large airship they all saw a while ago.

  Damon was in awe at the sight. Not by the behemoth of a ship but the power that the Governor revealed. It was the first time he had ever seen the powers of an Elemental on display. A likely experience shared with almost everyone around him. The excitement and eagerness coursed through his veins once he imagined himself being able to control his lightning. Standing in the middle of a storm and calling upon lightning to strike down on his enemies. The image poured a wave of giddiness through him.

  “ The ship that will take you to your home for the next five years …” Governor paused to point at the giant ship significantly larger than the Horizon Chaser Damon rode. “Is called The Beginning. Considering this ship will drop you off at the Academy, where you will learn all you need to know about the powers of an Elemental and the responsibilities of an Elemental, I believe the ship's name is quite apt.” Clasping his hands together, he scanned the Awakeners in his sights “With that being said any changes of mind?”

  As if insulted from the question, the Awakeners didn’t even bother answering, simply letting their eyes and smiles of confidence speak for them.

  “ I didn’t think so.”Governor Lennox smiled

  “Let us do a final cheer..”Governor gestured to the crowd of Awakeners before continuing “ to our Heroes of Tomorrow. For one day they will become the Heroes of today."

  “ TO THE HEROES OF TOMORROW.”

  The cheers echoed through the banquet and smiles spread throughout the crowd.

  “TO THE HEROES OF TOMORROW.”

  ***

  “Governor, throughout the entirety of the banquet we found no trouble during its run. The gangs kept quiet and no signs of any powers besides the ones invited made any moves towards the Awakeners.” Ronin stood beside his father as the Lieutenant Governor gave his report. Ronin as the heir of the family had no choice but to stay and hear the reports: Major and minor.

  “Good. Take the time off Arthur you have been running around the entire city ensuring everything went right. You deserve some well deserved rest.” Governor Lennox seated behind his mahogany desk with clasped hands nodded his thanks to his right hand.

  “Just doing my duty sir.” Ronin watched as the old man that had been beside his father since he was a child leave the room without lifting his head once. Ronin heard from his mother it was to show subservience to those of higher status but he knew that it was something only servants of Nobles did. Ronin loved his mother but sometimes she tends to go overboard with the whole status quo.

  “Well, what did you observe son?” Pulling Ronin from his thoughts, Governor Lennox asked about his son’s time during the banquet.

  “ The Mystic Bank sent Lady Gwen, niece of the President of Mystic Bank. The Knights of the White Cloaks sent Lt.Marten of the Flaming Sword, known for his human sized sword that can shockingly handle his Elemental flames without melting, helping him earn the moniker Knight of the Flaming Sword. And finally House Laurel surprisingly showed up. A first since we have been inviting them for the last decade with no response until today.”

  Governor Lennox, staring straight ahead, asked “Is that all?”

  “Father, why did you welcome them yourself?”

  Governor Lennox knew the question was soon to be asked. “Why do you think I did that?”

  Ronin’s eyes kept tracing the room, a sign he was thinking, “Someone of major status?”

  “Hahaha.” Governor Lennox let out a laugh. “Yes, yes indeed.”

  Ronin only became more puzzled at his father’s answer. So he waited for his father to continue but he didn’t.

  “Is that all?” Ronin immediately knew the conversation was over and began thinking about the banquet. "Besides Louis embarrassing rant. I knew I should have pulled the boy away from your mother the same way I did for you and Reed."

  Ronin trying to keep a straight face perused through his memories before coming up with one scene he observed from a far.

  “A dispute.” Ronin answered a little too loudly as if he finally managed to get the answer after a long day.

  Governor Lennox tilted his head and Ronin took it as a sign to continue. “ Lt. Marten and Kravis Laurel They appeared to be discussing their backgrounds to a boy. One of the commoners. The Knights of the White Cloaks surprisingly were not afraid of the Laurel family despite them being one of the Founding families of the Republic and even said something… daring.” Ronin watched his father ready to witness his father show emotion at the words he held on his tongue.

  “Lt. Marten hinted at the Laurel family was going through hard times.” Ronin couldn’t help but whisper whilst scanning the room, afraid someone was listening.

  “Did you just now notice?” Governor Lennox said in exasperation.

  Ronin, feeling a scolding was coming, bowed his head and took a small step back ready for his father to tell him where he was wrong and how he should look more deeper into certain info more clearly.

  But it never came.

  Ronin lifted his head up to see his father rubbing his hands together still having his eyes staring straight ahead. “ Do you remember what happened to Louis?” Ronin answered with a nod.

  “Your younger brother slapped a member of the Great House Killian and not just any member but a member of the main line. An offense that would get any other power killed or punished heavily.”

  Ronin remembered that day. It was the first time he saw his father ever show fear. He remembered his father trying to mask his fear behind a calm facade, but his trembling hands gave him away as they walked to the Great House of Killian to apologize and beg for mercy. But on the way there they met aunt Rose who was accompanied by her husband, Jared Laurel, fourth son to the Patriarch of the Laurel family, a fact that saved them.

  “Yes, aunt Rose and uncle Jared saved us from being punished.” Ronin said with a slight smile of relief as if he was living that moment again.

  “Yes they did. An act that tore the Laurel Family’s face.” Taking a deep breath, Governor Lennox finally rose out of his seat and made his way to the window that gave a view of the setting sun. “The Laurel family is an Ancient House. Meaning they are one of the Founding members of the Republic. They should stand above all else beside the other Ancient Houses. And yet they had to send one of their direct descendants to apologize to a power that should have been beneath them.”

  “Times have changed…” Letting out a sigh he continued

  “And I hope we are ready for what that means.”