Luther Urahil
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It was quite beautiful out. Even atop the Tower, where one would expect winds to lash like whips, the breeze was only light. The sky was a vast expanse of vivid blue, uninterrupted by clouds. Truly, a beautiful day.___________________
Graduation was nearing. The class, still surprisingly large, could see the end. With each day, relative freedom came closer. They lived through hell for over a decade, and they had made it this far. By now all had been scouted by nobility in some way. Some had even been contacted by active Dreadlords, with promises of mentorship being whispered into their ears.
Grueling training became more and more infrequent. The torment they were so used to experiencing seemed to just stop. They were nearly full-fledged Dreadlords now. Ten Apprentices remained.
One could imagine the surprise of those ten when they were jostled awake, barked at, ordered to rise and dress themselves.
Rise, they said.
Put on your garments, they said.
Don your armor, your gambesons. Today, we visit the Tower to say our goodbyes.
Put on your garments, they said.
Don your armor, your gambesons. Today, we visit the Tower to say our goodbyes.
And so to the Tower the Apprentices went. They paraded through the streets under The Academy. They boarded a ferry and sailed across the bay, then ascended up the hill to the Tower, the home of countless hours of pain and training. Each had shed blood countless times in their time at the Academy. Lives had been lost.
Then, what little peace that had gathered was shattered as the Apprentices were taken to the top of the Tower.
Today marks your final day as Apprentices of The Academy. As you all know, your graduation is nearing. You may think that graduation is something that is given. You would think wrong. Here and now, you earn your graduation. Now, line up. This is your rite of passage. One by one, each of you will duel a partner. There are ten. In the end, we expect to name five of you Dreadlords.
There was absolute silence. Some of the Apprentices turned to look at each other. Some looked at the ground.
Henry Bauer stared straight ahead as the Proctor called out.
"Luther Urahil!" A pause. "Henry Bauer!"
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