The crescent moon was shedding a pale light into the halls of the mansion as Xeke tiptoed with silent footsteps. He had awoken at midnight, not needing much sleep after his afternoon nap in the carriage. Craving some nice hot tea to coax him back to sleep, he had left his room. Upon turning a corner towards the tea room he noticed a faint light.

  Taking more caution to keep his steps quiet he continued, not giving up on his cravings for the warm drink. They didn't have anything nearly as decadent at the orphanage. He peered into the room to find Zeraphine looking out the window with a steaming mug. She looked to be lost in the moonlight, deep in thought. Hoping she wouldn't mind him wanting some for himself he let out a soft cough, “Hgmm hgmm, Having trouble sleeping my Lady?”

  She let out a squeak, turning around quickly and raising her hand. When she noticed it was Xeke she relaxed. “Oh, it's just you.” she said, straightening her posture and taking on a regal expression. “No, I dont have trouble doing anything.”

  “Of course Princess,” Xeke bowed.

  “Do not call me a Princess. I’m only fourth in line for the throne to the Empire, After my cousins and father.”

  “As you wish, My Lady. I however did have trouble sleeping and thought a cup of tea would help. If I may intrude?” She nodded her head toward the pot over by the kitchenette. Taking his opportunity he bowed again before pouring himself a mug of the sweet nectar. Walking up to her side then taking a hesitant sip. She obviously didn't have much experience making tea, this was truly horrid. Xeke peered over and noticed Zeraphine’s was barely touched.

  “Would you like me to make a new pot? The Lady’s tea is truly delicious but if I’m to make you tea to your liking during our time at the academy, I might need a little more practice.” Xeke hoped he would give no offence.

  A small smile appeared on her face. It enhanced her already beautiful appearance. “Oh shut up. Don't think I didn't notice the face you made. Go on then.” she replied, handing her mug to him.

  Xeke bowed, thanking the gods she didn't take his words as an insult. That has to be the first words out of her mouth that didn't come straight from the high-born handbook. He made a new pot before serving her a mug and pouring his own. Now this was tea.

  He joined her in staring at the moon, its light shining over the estate's beautifully maintained grass. The fountains water sparkling like magic in the distance. They stood like that for minutes in silence. Content with supping on his clearly superior beverage.

  It wasn't until Xeke was halfway finished with his mug that Zeraphine broke the silence. “I overheard Konrad telling father of your outing to a dungeon. Taking on the challenge alone. You are my servant yet you get things I have wanted for years. Proving your might without having guards protect you at the slightest whiff of danger.”

  She did not sound too pleased about this fact. After feeling the thrill of overcoming a strong foe he could understand wanting to have the experience. “I almost died down there. Fighting something I thought I could handle, twice. While I understand the need to improve oneself. The benefits of not risking your life while growing in power, seems a lot better than the alternative.” He took a sip of his tea before continuing. “There was a boy I knew back at the orphanage. When he unlocked a combat class he couldn't wait to test his might. Immediately running out of the city and into the brush. He promised the sisters he would come back by dawn. We didn't see him till the next day. A party of adventurers came across his body, his legs were missing with teeth marks all over the stumps. He was inexperienced and paid the price. The kid had only seen 16 summers.”

  “I am sorry,” Zeraphine said with a thoughtful expression.

  “I didn’t know him that well,” Xeke gave a reassuring smile.

  “I didn't know you were an orphan. I thought you must have been a merchant's son, Finding a chance to get admittance to the academy.”

  “What? No, I wouldn't be here if I had a choice.” Remembering his place he quickly added, “Not that it isn't a great honour to serve. My dream was always to explore new lands the second I could. While going to another realm to attend the Sutrian academy will be the furthest I've ever travelled. Staying there for three years isn't something I want.”

  “So what is stopping you from leaving?”

  “As an orphan I have to pay back the empire for taking care of me as a child. It’s called a Placement. I have to serve in a job of the Empire’s choosing, for a year. Your father said since I am also attending the academy an extra two years have been added to cover the cost. You didn't know?”

  The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

  The news had Zeraphine scrunching up her face a little. She was realising that she didnt know everything about her own homeland.

  “No. My education has been mostly on the other houses of Zakar and our laws,” she turned, staring directly into Xeke’s green eyes, “I am sorry you have no choice, but when we start our learning at the academy do not try to fight for me. I am a fierce mage and the battles I have are mine to fight.”

  Xeke let out a hearty laugh before responding, “You still don't quite understand. The Empire has no use for citizens that can't do their job. If I fail to protect you from harm, my life is forfeit,” he gazed back at the moonlight, ”My life for the Empire.”

  Zeraphine was lifting her mug and flinched as Xeke told her of his predicament. Then gulped down the rest of her tea. She held out the mug before saying “ Refill my cup.”

  He went to the kitchenette where the pot lay. Filling up the mug, turning around to find that Zeraphine was no longer there. He emptied the cup and his own before heading back to his room.

  Weeks passed and Xeke’s training continued, sparring with Konrad and learning what was expected of him as a servant. He didn't see Zeraphine again after their late night chat. Konrad taught him what people to look out for in the academy. Names of students other houses would send to the academy. Which houses were close allies to the house of Zak’vusan. The names of key people being sent from the Realms of Horthor and Wa’kanaan. Horthor being the home of Beast-men and Wa’kanaan being the home of Elves. The customs their peoples followed, how to not offend them.

  The Elves of Wa’kanaan were a democratic people. Voting for a Queen to rule. The beast-men of Horthor did not follow one ruler, they were split into tribes. Xeke often wondered what life was like not having one nation ruling over the Realm. He could only assume it was much like their history in the Time Of Reckoning. A time in Zakar when Lords were constantly at war fighting over territory, until the ruling house overcame all others.

  One morning Xeke was heading towards the training grounds behind the mansion when He noticed Konrad waiting for him at the doors.

  “Your combat training has concluded. You are far from the perfect fighter but you have learnt enough to be adequate in guarding our Lady,” Konrad said.

  Xeke laughed, “ ‘Adequate’ I can still barely land a clean strike on you Konrad.”

  “I am not an adversary you could overcome with skill alone,” Konrad smiled at him for the first time since Xeke had met him.

  “No way, is that a smile I see. I must have impressed you a great deal.”

  Konrad shook his head, “You have barely met my expectations, but you have met them. So Today you will begin serving Zeraphine as her servant. She will be in the dining room having breakfast currently. Go there with haste and do not disappoint me.”

  Xeke gave Konrad a bow before taking his leave. Heading to the dining room. Feeling the pride a student can only get from a teacher. The words were not much but they were the best he would get from Konrad. Xeke ran to his room in order to change into his servant's suit.

  He walked into the dining room to see Zeraphine eating from a variety of fruits. Bowing before standing off to the side. She stood after finishing her meal, “We are going to be heading into a dungeon today to train. Some of my friends will be meeting us outside the city. Of course father will not let me go in without a bodyguard,” she let out a huff of air. “ Change into your equipment and meet me out front,” she ordered.

  Xeke bowed his head before running back to his room. Finding it funny that this was the third time today he would change clothes. He walked up to the carriage Zeraphine was waiting in.

  “We will be meeting Ricard and Sonya at the front gates,” she said. Remembering their names from Konrad’s lessons. He knew Ricard was the member of a small noble house, his father a knight in the empire’s army. Sonya was his sister.

  Xeke jumped in the driver's seat of the carriage and set off. After passing the various buildings of the city they reached the city gates. He could see a tall muscular boy with close cropped hair and an auburn haired girl waiting for the carriage. After pulling the carriage beside them he opened the door for them and bowed.

  “Take us to the dungeon where you and Konrad visited Xeke,” Zeraphine said. Xeke bowed his head again before jumping back on and cracking the horses into motion. He didn't stop until they reached the familiar cave mouth.

  He opened the door for Zeraphine and her friends to exit. Ricard was wearing a set of plate armour with a large greatsword in its scabbard at his hip. Sonya was wearing leather armour with two daggers strapped to her forearms.

  “This is Xeke, my new servant and bodyguard. He is going to come with us into the dungeon,” Zeraphine informed the two. Ricard and Sonya gave him a calculating look.

  “At least we aren't being followed by a party of guards. A pleasure to meet you Xeke.” Ricard said.

  “Just make sure you stay out of our way.” Sonya said, flourishing her daggers.

  Xeke gave a bow, “ The pleasure is all mine. I won't interfere unless the Lady is in danger.”

  Zeraphine nodded her head with an annoyed expression, “Better than not getting to go in at least.”

  “The dungeon has a few pathways leading to rooms with special goblins. The pathways have two or three waves of goblin parties. Five or four goblins in each wave. The goblins in the rooms seem to be special in certain ways.” Xeke said, assuming they haven't been in the dungeon before.

  They all began the trek down the stairs. Xeke was about to light his lantern when Zeraphine created an orb of fire having it float in front of them. Xeke wished he had the ability to cast spells. It looked awesome and seemed so versatile. Ricard and Sonya traveled in front while Zeraphine and Xeke walked behind. They went down the path that led to the Hulking goblin. It wasn't long till they ran into the first group of goblins.

  Ricard ran forward to meet the first goblin. He raised his greatsword to attack when it started glowing a brilliant gold. Hacking down at the goblins body, cutting it clean through its centre. Sonya didn't waste any time joining in the fray. Moving with a swiftness and skill only hours of training brought, she outmaneuvered a goblin stabbing it through the eyes. Before they could advance to attack the other two goblins Zeraphine shot out two fireballs. They washed over the last goblins lighting them aflame instantly.

  Xeke could see they have fought with each other before. None of their movements inhibited the others in this narrow path. Zeraphine even skillfully shot fireballs past them. The goblin waves were beaten much faster than the last time he was here. Not one blow came close to striking them.

  After defeating two more waves on the path, they reached a wooden door. As Ricard went to open the door Xeke stopped him with a hand, “Wait. Beyond this door is a hobgoblin berserker wielding a great-axe. He gets stronger the more damage he takes, I suggest you try to dodge his strikes.”

  “Thank you, but I think we'll be fine.” Ricard said before opening the door. Xeke fell back to stand at Zeraphine’s side.

  “Do not get close to him, My Lady.” Xeke said.

  “Since when was it you who gave the orders Xeke.” Zeraphine replied.

  “Only a suggestion my Lady.” Xeke bowed.