Waking from slumber

Shaken awake, you hear a gentle voice “Sir Darien, Lady Karisi, requests your presence in the throne room”

Nodding at her you reluctantly get up and start stretching your tired muscles as you enjoy the relaxing feeling going through your body.

With a quick check on your wound you got last night, you notice it's still sore and aching in pain so you apply a new bandage. Afterwards you change your clothes and get ready for the day, putting your armor on and grabbing your weapons.

Walking out of your room and making your way towards the throne room you begin wondering what’s next. So much has changed and you believe there is so much more to still come.

As you reach the throne room you see lady Karisi sitting in her throne. Her entire outfit just screams perfection as she's dressed in her standard dark yellow dress wrapped around her body. A diamond choker around her neck with many studded gems in her ears. The dark blue make up on her face causes her eyes and lips to pop with authority. Last but not least, she rounds her entire outfit out with a giant golden necklace as well as a diamond pendant and a golden bracelet with emerald gems coating the center.

"Good morning, Karisi." you grin at her as you step closer and closer.

Immediately looking at you she begins “Darien, I know that you just got back from Nillix and you want to rest but I have an order that is very important.”

“Okay?" you question the Lady of the house, curious what she's about to ask of you "Would you care to enlighten me on what’s got you so shaken up and worried?”

“A detachment of knights were supposed to be back from Loner's Reach a few days ago but they haven’t returned." she stalls, taking a deep breath before she continues "These knights had an important mission from the king himself and we haven't heard anything back from them yet...”

Looking Karisi in the eyes, you see that’s shes worried and even quite possibly somewhat afraid. As you continue to eyeball her form you begin to think that maybe there is something she's not telling you.

"So," you maintain eye contact with the Lady "What was their mission?" you ask "And what is Loner's Reach?”

Looking at you almost afraid of your reaction and with a long-winded sigh, she starts “I can’t tell you everything Darien, but to answer your other question. Loner's Reach is a bandit kingdom, run down area with no laws. It's a place filled with the worst type of people. Nothing but filth, murderers, assassins, **** and other garbage." she gulps "It's where all the low lives are and basically anybody that can't live freely in one of the major Kingdoms.”

"Hmm..." you mumble out as you scratch the side of your head. "Carry on?" you encourage her.

Lady Karisi continues, “Darien, the King wants you to take a detachment of soldiers towards the run down place. You're my champion Darien and you will be in charge of all the knights and soldiers that go with you.”

You hesitate briefly. You've never been in charge of other people before. You've only ever fought for yourself or at the very least, fought for your family. Could you really lead a small group of knights? You contemplated the situation as your body slowly shook with nervousness.

She continues once again “It is a dangerous mission but once you return you will gain even more fame and glory. To be honest, you'll also most likely meet the king afterwards if you succeed." she smiles at you "Just so you know, this is not an easy task. The King himself has asked me to have you look into this."

“Why Me?” you question your lady.

“Darien, the King was at Nillix and saw your fights. He knows you're strong enough to battle against most everybody." she lets that sink in for a moment "I also believe Commander Rixx had something to do about it.”

“Now, enough talk." she brushes her hand across her torso as her eyes connect with your own "Go to the castle to meet with the commander of Rathkin. He will explain the rest to you."

You look back at Karisi, a slight bit of confusion in your eyes.

"Go, Darien." The Commander awaits.