The sun’s gentle rays streamed through the thin curtains of Quin’s room, casting golden patterns across the stone walls. Quin stretched beneath the heavy quilt, his muscles protesting briefly before the warmth of his morning energy settled over him. It was a new day, and the quiet optimism filling him felt like a blessing.

  Rising from his bed, Quin crossed the room to the small basin near the window. The cool water jolted his senses as he splashed it over his face, washing away the remnants of sleep. He caught a glimpse of his reflection in the polished bronze mirror hanging on the wall. His sandy blonde hair was as unruly as ever, but his clear blue eyes seemed brighter today, full of a quiet determination.

  Dressing quickly, Quin donned the simple white Acolyte tunic adorned with the insignia of Solarius over his chest. He secured his belt, ensuring his small pouch of essentials was affixed, and strapped his broadsword to his back. The weapon’s comforting weight reminded him of his purpose, even on days that didn’t demand its use.

  Quin’s stomach growled, urging him onward. Descending through the temple, he greeted fellow Acolytes, Initiates, and Disciples with a warm smile and nod. The dining hall buzzed with quiet conversations as the faithful of the Temple began their day.

  He filled his plate with a modest portion of eggs, bread, and dried fruits, adding a steaming cup of herbal tea. Finding a seat by the large windows that overlooked the temple gardens, Quin enjoyed his meal in peaceful silence, observing the gentle sway of flowers in the morning breeze. A sense of calm blanketed him, and he allowed himself to savor the moment before the day’s obligations began.

  Once finished, Quin set his dishes aside and made his way to the heart of the Temple of Solarius—the Church. The towering spires of the temple reached toward the heavens, their gilded edges catching the sunlight in radiant bursts. Quin stepped through the grand arched doors, and the world outside melted away.

  Inside, the Church of Solarius was a sanctuary of light and serenity. Stained-glass windows stretched high along the walls, depicting scenes of Solarius’s blessings upon the faithful. The golden hues of the windows painted the marble floors in warm, shifting patterns as sunlight streamed through. Incense hung in the air, its sweet, earthy scent grounding Quin in the present.

  Rows of wooden pews stretched toward the altar, where the statue of Solarius stood in magnificent glory. The deity’s arms were raised high, holding the radiant sun above his head. The golden orb seemed almost alive, capturing and reflecting the ambient light to illuminate the entire chamber. Worshippers, both mortals and followers, filled the pews: farmers, scholars, warriors, and merchants, all united in devotion to the Guiding Light.

  Quin found his usual spot near the right of the room, settling into a pew surrounded by fellow followers. The murmured prayers and soft rustling of robes created a gentle symphony that lulled his spirit into tranquility. As he bowed his head and closed his eyes, the weight of his responsibilities, doubts, and fears dissipated, replaced by the profound peace that only Solarius’s presence could bring.

  Like always, Quin attempted to pray to his father, Solarius, with the Divine Insight ability, but received nothing. It appeared he had a long way to go with this ability before it began to function frequently.

  He took a deep breath and continued to pray, feeling the warmth of the light around him seep into his soul. Quin didn’t need to speak aloud; his heart and mind carried his prayers upward. The harmony of the congregation—each person silently connecting with Solarius in their own way—was palpable, a shared energy that resonated throughout the sacred space.

  For a time, Quin simply sat there, letting the rhythm of the morning service wash over him. The High Priest’s voice began to rise, reciting passages from the Book of Radiance. Each word felt imbued with strength and conviction, stirring something deep within Quin. Today’s sermon spoke of renewal and purpose, of rising above challenges to shine brighter for others.

  Quin’s resolve grew with each verse. Here, in the radiant embrace of Solarius’s church, surrounded by the faithful, Quin felt whole. No matter the trials ahead, he knew that as long as he carried the light within him, he would never falter. Solarius’s teachings were his guide, and in this moment, Quin was ready to face whatever challenges lay beyond.

  After the mass, Quin left the temple feeling the crisp morning air, which energized him further. He decided to visit Albert, his trusty and poorly named steed, in the stables. The scent of hay and leather greeted him as he stepped inside the well-maintained stable, where rows of stalls housed the temple’s mounts. Albert, the strong and imposing warhorse with a sleek black coat and a white blaze down his nose, nickered softly as Quin approached.

  “Good morning, Albert,” Quin greeted, his voice warm as he reached out to stroke the horse’s muzzle. Albert nudged his hand affectionately, and Quin chuckled. “I missed you too, buddy.”

  Quin grabbed a brush from the nearby shelf and began grooming Albert’s coat in slow, even strokes. The horse’s muscles rippled beneath his hand, and Albert’s ears flicked forward in contentment. Quin worked meticulously, ensuring every patch of fur was clean and smooth. The rhythmic motion of brushing was soothing, almost meditative.

  After grooming, Quin inspected Albert’s hooves, carefully lifting each leg to check for debris or cracks. Satisfied that his companion was in good condition, Quin fetched a bucket of water and some oats, setting them down in the trough inside Albert’s stall. “There you go, boy. Eat up,” Quin said, patting Albert’s neck as the horse eagerly began to eat.

  Quin lingered for a while, simply enjoying Albert’s presence. The stables were quiet, save for the occasional rustle of hay or a soft whinny from another horse. It was a peaceful moment, one that reminded Quin of the simpler joys in life, of a time when he was away from the bustle of the city and walked the Abil Mountains with Sorin.

  Eventually, Quin decided it was time to return to his room. He had been meaning to spend some time reading, and he had some time to kill before training with his friends. Once back in his quarters, Quin pulled out the Book of Ideals. He settled into a comfortable chair by the window, the sunlight casting a warm glow over the pages as he began to read. The words within were a source of inspiration for Quin, guiding him on a path that was more than just embodying the teachings of Solarius. The book wanted him to grow into a person who sought to become the best he could be by embodying all of what the Gods in the Light Pantheon taught.

  Quin turned to a chapter titled The Eternal Guardian and began reading. The chapter told a story of an ancient Acolyte named Lorian, who was tasked with defending a village from an endless horde of beasts. Despite the overwhelming odds, Lorian stood firm, wielding his light-infused blade with unyielding determination. Each night, the beasts grew stronger, and his injuries mounted, but he refused to abandon the villagers who had nowhere to go.

  Lorian’s battle was not just against the beasts but against the despair that threatened to consume him each night, as he knew no reinforcements would arrive. As the horde surged and his wounds deepened, he found solace in the small moments: a child’s laugh, the quiet thanks of an elder, and the sight of a family huddled together in safety. These moments became his anchor.

  One night, the beasts unleashed their fiercest assault yet, and Lorian’s strength faltered. He fell to one knee, his blade flickering as exhaustion gripped him. The villagers, seeing their guardian in peril, rushed forward. They brought torches, weapons, and their prayers, surrounding Lorian and holding the line. For the first time, the villagers fought beside him, their courage sparked by his unwavering example.

  In the story’s climax, Lorian unleashed the last of his strength, channeling every ounce of spirit into a final burst of light. The explosion illuminated the battlefield, turning night into day. The beasts howled as the light consumed them, their forms dissolving into nothingness. As the light faded, Lorian’s body slumped to the ground, lifeless but at peace. The village stood unscathed, their guardian’s legacy burning brightly in their hearts.

  One passage in particular stood out to Quin:

  “Though the darkness clawed at his soul and pain coursed through his body, Lorian drew strength from the frightened faces of those he protected. ‘The light within me is not my own,’ he declared, his voice echoing through the battlefield. ‘It is yours, and I will wield it until my last breath.’”

  Quin closed his eyes briefly, letting the words sink in. Lorian’s sacrifice resonated deeply, reminding him of his own aspirations. He wished to become a warrior, someone dependable that could stand between others and danger. To shed light in a place of darkness and bring hope to those too weak to help themselves. He dreamed of magnificent feats of strength and self-sacrifice when he was younger. He spent endless hours daydreaming in the mountains and confessing such stories to Sorin. Sorin admitted he had similar dreams, although with a bit less self-sacrifice—two boys who wished to become heroes.

  Now Quin had that chance—the opportunity to train and help others. Not just the opportunity, he had done it. He had fought the Cult of Eternal Peace and saved children from them and the atrocities they wished to commit to those children. Quin thought of the children, smiling and happy when he had visited them not so long ago. Warm feelings bubbled up within Quin at the thought. This is what must have driven Lorian forward, even as he lay dying from the wounds of a thousand cuts.

  Quin turned the page to another story, The Keeper of the Flame. It told of a young priestess named Alina who was charged with guarding the Eternal Flame of Aurora, the Goddess of Dawn and New Beginnings. The flame, a symbol of hope, was coveted by the forces of the Dark Pantheon that sought to extinguish it. Time and again, Alina faced betrayal, isolation, and despair, yet she never faltered.

  Alina’s vigil over the Eternal Flame was relentless. Each night, a suffocating darkness drew closer, but she remained steadfast. The days disappeared and grew shorter with each passing night until night seemed eternal. The only light to remain was the Eternal Flame. The only chance of survival was to preserve the Eternal Flame, so she held it high for all those who needed to see it and never lowered it.

  Her hands bled from gripping her staff, her voice hoarse from chanting the protective hymns for hours, days, weeks. Time passed, and no one knew if the day would ever return from within the darkness. Alina’s fellow sisters and brothers from her Order whispered doubts, urging her to flee, and perhaps they could save themselves and escape the darkness, but Alina stood firm. She would not abandon the common folk who relied on this light. How would the mortals survive without the light of the Eternal Flame within this shrouded land if they fled?

  Her greatest trial came when the flame began to dim. The darkness seemed to sense her moment of weakness and pressed down upon Alina. Alina, nearly broken, fell to her knees, clutching the staff covered in the blood of her palms. She could not carry on standing any further. So she held the staff while she knelt on her knees. It reminded her of when she was a girl and would wake up before the sun rose so she could go pray in the dark and await the sunrise. She felt that Aurora was bringing that sunrise for her each and every day because of her prayer. It was what inspired her to become a follower of Aurora and gave her hope of one day meeting her Goddess.

  It was then she realized the flame’s power was not just in its light but in the hope it inspired—the hope of a new day, a new dawn. The Eternal Flame was not a source of light to live by but the promise that there would be another day to live. The Eternal Flame was a piece of the sun that rose each and every morning after resting under the cover of night.

  Alina knew what she had to do. She struggled to her feet, leaning heavily on the staff, and brought her face close to the slowly dwindling bundle of flames atop the staff. Before she continued, she turned and gazed upon all of those in the darkness, their faces lit by the only light source they had. Her determination wavered. What if she was wrong? What if she condemned the people she protected to a life of living in the darkness through her actions?

  She shook her head. She believed in her Goddess, and her Goddess always brought a new day into the world. No matter how long night lasted, a sunrise would always follow it. Alina turned back to the Eternal Flame, pursed her lips, and blew. Despite the gentlest wind being created from Alina’s lungs, the Eternal Flame was immediately snuffed out, plunging the world into complete darkness.

  Everyone cried in alarm and began to panic. Hours passed, and no new dawn came. Throughout the hours in darkness, Alina’s brothers and sisters, who saw what she had done, blamed her and cursed her in the dark for betraying them. The mortals cried in fright and asked why Alina abandoned her duty to them. Through it all, Alina said but one thing.

  This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

  “Have faith as our Goddess always brings a new dawn.”

  Much time passed, and everyone had given up hope. All but one, Alina, who in the darkness sat alone. With each passing moment, more abandoned their faith in Aurora saving them, but with each passing moment, Alina felt more and more connected with her Goddess. She felt like she was that little girl again waiting in the darkness, and she could not help but kneel and pray for a sunrise.

  Alina knelt and prayed for a sunrise, and that sunrise came. It was not a sudden burst of light like the sun emerging from behind a cloud or rising above a mountain, but the most gradual of sunrises. At first, the darkness seemed a bit lighter. Then the darkness took on a greyish tint, then red, then orange. Everyone could not believe their eyes as they saw a myriad of colors emerge in the sky. The colors danced and drove away the darkness before giving way to a glorious sunrise and a new day.

  Alina smiled as she knew she had made the right choice. She rose from where she knelt and thrust her staff toward the sunrise. The end of the staff burst into flame as the Eternal Flame was reborn. The Eternal Flame was not eternal because it burned forever but because it would be reborn anew each day and create a new beginning. The Eternal Flame burned brighter than ever, a beacon of hope that reminded all who saw it that even the smallest spark could be reignited.

  The story made Quin smile. When all others had lost hope, Alina had taken a leap of faith. She held true to her faith in her Goddess even when all others had lost hope. Through her actions and faith, she had brought forth a new day and hope for all.

  The warmth of the Book of Ideals lingered in Quin’s chest as he closed its cover and placed it back on the small shelf near his bed. The sunlight had shifted, signaling it was time for his next endeavor—training with his friends and comrades in the Radiant Vanguard. Their informal brotherhood had become a source of strength and camaraderie, a bond forged through shared trials and unwavering trust.

  Quin made his way through the Temple’s winding corridors to the outdoor training grounds. The sound of laughter reached his ears before the sight of his friends came into view.

  Cal was leaning on his shortsword, grinning as he exchanged playful barbs with Westin. “I’m telling you, if you spent half as much time perfecting your Prismatic Bursts as you do perfecting your hair, you might actually hit a target,” Cal teased.

  Westin shot back with mock indignation, brushing a hand through his stark white hair. “Jealousy doesn’t suit you, Cal. Some of us are blessed with charm, brains, and good looks. You’re stuck with tactics and a sense of humor that’s as sharp as a blunt mace.”

  Sam chuckled, rolling his eyes as he adjusted the strap on his mace. “That’s enough flirting, you two. Some of us are trying to meditate before we get bruised to oblivion.” His grin betrayed his words.

  Zach, who was busy polishing the edge of his shield, chimed in, “Meditate, Sam? I thought you just stood there until inspiration hit. You’re the only guy I know who can look like he’s deep in thought while napping.”

  Quin rounded the corner and smiled at the familiar scene. “It’s good to see the brotherhood spirit is alive and well,” he said, his voice carrying over their laughter.

  “Quin!” Westin greeted him with exaggerated enthusiasm, throwing an arm around his shoulders. “Just in time to rescue me from Cal’s terrible attempts at humor. You look rested—finally decided to get some beauty sleep?”

  “Morning, Quin,” Sam said with a nod, his tone warm. “Looks like you’re ready to put us all to shame again.”

  Zach gave him a thumbs-up from behind his shield. “About time you showed up. I was beginning to think you’d been stuck in meditation like Sam.”

  Cal clapped Quin on the shoulder, his grin turning slightly serious. “Alright, enough banter. Let’s get to work. Warm-ups first, and I don’t want to hear any complaints.”

  The group groaned in unison, though their smiles revealed their good humor. Cal took his place in the center, his commanding presence evident despite his relaxed demeanor. “Start with the basics: stretches, then some light jogging around the training ring. I don’t want to see anyone pulling a muscle because they were too busy chatting.”

  As the group followed Cal’s lead, Quin fell into step beside Zach. They exchanged a few words about their morning before focusing on the drills. Cal called out commands, his voice steady and firm. They moved through a series of exercises, from agility drills to strength training, each designed to push them without overextending.

  Though the warm-ups were routine, the camaraderie they shared made even the simplest tasks enjoyable. Their laughter and mutual encouragement turned the training ground into a space where effort and growth felt natural—a brotherhood bound not just by shared goals but by a genuine sense of belonging.

  As the warm-ups transitioned into combat drills, the tone shifted slightly. Cal’s voice grew sharper, and their movements more focused. The Radiant Vanguard wasn’t just a group of friends; they were warriors in training, and this was where they honed their edge. Quin gripped his sword, ready to face whatever challenge came next, the echoes of the Book of Ideals still guiding his resolve to improve.

  Cal clapped his hands sharply, signaling the transition into more focused training. “Alright, enough stretching and jogging. Let’s move on to drills. Pair up!”

  The group quickly formed pairs, their camaraderie shifting to quiet determination. Quin found himself facing Zach, his sparring partner and a steadfast shieldbearer. Zach grinned, tapping his shield with the flat of his blade. “Ready to get bruised, Quin?”

  Quin smirked, unsheathing his broadsword. “We’ll see who’s limping out of here.”

  Cal called out their first drill: close-quarters combat. The pairs began circling each other, exchanging light strikes meant to refine their reflexes. Zach raised his shield, deflecting Quin’s quick strikes with ease, while Quin danced around Zach’s defensive maneuvers, looking for openings. Nearby, Westin sparred with Sam, their contrasting styles creating an energetic display. Westin’s Prismatic Bursts flickered in bursts of color, his wand spinning in a dazzling array of elemental spells. Sam, ever grounded, used his mace with precision, disrupting Westin’s rhythm with well-timed swings. Cal supervised, offering pointers and occasionally stepping in to highlight weaknesses that he witnessed, occasionally utilizing Tactical Insight to further his knack for spotting weaknesses.

  After several minutes, Cal called for a switch. “Rotate partners! Zach, try sparring with Westin. Quin, take Sam. Keep it varied!” Quin squared off against Sam, who gave him a grin. “No fancy light tricks this time, Quin. Just you, me, and a solid mace swing.” The clash between them was more physical, with Quin relying on speed to dodge Sam’s heavy blows. Sam’s Judgement Strikes occasionally flared, creating minor shockwaves from Sam swinging his mace that kept Quin on his toes.

  Cal’s sharp eye never wavered. He corrected stances, called out improvements, and praised when someone executed a particularly clever move. “Good, Zach! Keep your shield angled like that—it’ll deflect instead of absorbing the blow.”

  After individual sparring, Cal announced the next phase. “Time to work on group tactics. Sam, you’re leading one team. Westin, the other. Choose your squads.” Sam quickly picked Zach and Cal, leaving Quin and Westin to form the opposing team. Cal, as the de facto referee, outlined the exercise: capture the opposing team’s flag from the center of the training grounds. The teams took their positions, crouched low and ready. When Cal gave the signal, the training ground erupted into action. Zach charged forward, shield raised, with Sam close behind. Quin and Westin coordinated, their styles blending offense and subterfuge. Quin darted around Zach’s defenses, drawing him away, while Westin flanked Sam, sending Primatic Bursts to distract him.

  In the end, it was Sam and Zach who won. They outmaneuvered Quin and Westin. The match ended with Zach grabbing the flag and raising it high in triumph.

  “Well played,” Quin admitted, breathing heavily as the teams regrouped.

  With training complete, Cal dismissed the group. “Good work, everyone. Hit the baths and clean up. You’ve earned it.” The Radiant Vanguard trudged toward the temple’s bathhouse, their sweat-soaked clothes clinging to them. The bathhouse was a spacious, serene building, with steam rising from natural springs channeled into stone pools. The warm, mineral-rich water filled the air with a soothing scent.

  Quin shed his training gear and eased into the water, letting out a contented sigh as the warmth seeped into his muscles. Sam joined him, groaning as he sank into the pool. “I’m convinced Cal enjoys watching us suffer,” he said with a grin. Westin splashed into the pool, leaning back against the edge with a relaxed smile. “He’s a sadist, but he’s our sadist.” Zach, ever diligent, was already scrubbing the dirt and grime from his shield arm. “You’ll thank him when we’re not bleeding out in a real fight.”

  “What excellent reviews you all have given me,” Cal responded while rolling his eyes.

  The conversation drifted into lighthearted banter as the group soaked in the water, their aches and bruises melting away. Despite the challenges of training, the bond they shared made every moment worth it. For Quin, it was more than friendship—it was a brotherhood he would protect at all costs.

  After their time in the baths, the Radiant Vanguard parted ways, each member deciding how to spend the rest of their day. Sam planned to visit the archives in the Temple of Justicar to study lore and Sacred Texts to deepen his faith, while Westin mentioned something about an art project he had been working on. Cal simply shrugged and said he was going to enjoy a nap in the shade of the temple gardens. Zach waved them off, muttering about needing to polish his gear and prepare for the next training session.

  Quin, feeling a rare sense of lightness after their training, made his way back to his room in the Temple of Solarius. The corridors were bathed in the warm glow of the afternoon sun streaming through high-arched windows. As he turned the corner to his hall, he stopped short. Standing just outside his door was Lauren.

  She was facing away from him, her hands clasped nervously in front of her, fingers fidgeting with the hem of her tunic. Her strawberry blonde hair was braided loosely, a few soft curls framing her face. The sunlight caught the strands, creating a halo-like effect that made Quin’s breath catch. Surprisingly, she was not wearing her Temple’s robes but instead wore a simple cream-colored dress that swayed lightly with the breeze from an open window, its modest design accentuating her natural elegance. Her freckled cheeks were tinged with a hint of pink, and her emerald-green eyes darted toward the floor as though she was unsure if she should stay.

  Quin’s heart skipped a beat. He forced himself to walk forward, though his nerves suddenly made his legs feel unsteady. As he approached, she noticed him and straightened, her cheeks flushing even deeper. She looked stunning to Quin, and for a moment, he forgot how to speak.

  “Lauren?” he managed, his voice slightly hoarse. “What are you doing here?”

  She glanced down, her lashes fluttering before meeting his gaze again. “I... I just wanted to see you,” she said softly, her voice carrying a note of vulnerability.

  Quin’s face turned red, and he rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. “You wanted to see... me?” He barely managed the words without stumbling and immediately regretted how clumsy he sounded.

  Lauren nodded, her shyness giving way to a small, hopeful smile. Quin scrambled for something to say, the heat in his cheeks spreading as he blurted out, “Would you... uh... like to get something to eat? Or maybe... go for a walk?”

  Her smile brightened, and her eyes sparkled with warmth. “I’d like that.”

  Quin felt his pulse quicken but returned her smile, gesturing toward the hall. “Let’s... let’s go then.”

  They made their way out of the temple together, the stillness of the sacred halls giving way to the vibrant life of the Temple District. Followers from different temples bustled about, their robes a tapestry of colors representing the Gods they served. The faint hum of prayers and chants filled the air, mingling with the scent of incense wafting from the open temple doors. Most temples were holding their afternoon services during this time.

  As they left the Temple District, the atmosphere shifted. The streets became more expansive, and the architecture more intricate. The polished stone buildings of the upper shopping district were adorned with ornate carvings and golden accents that gleamed in the sunlight. Elegant shop signs swung gently in the breeze, their lettering crafted from gilded metal or carved wood. Colorful awnings shaded displays of delicate fabrics, jewelry, and trinkets, each storefront inviting with a sense of refinement.

  The faint aroma of spices and baked goods led them toward the heart of the district, where restaurants lined the cobblestone streets. Outdoor seating areas were filled with patrons enjoying their meals, and their laughter and conversation created a lively ambiance. Musicians played soft melodies on stringed instruments, adding to the charm of the area.

  Flower boxes adorned nearly every windowsill, brimming with vibrant blooms of crimson, gold, and violet. Fountains, carved from marble and adorned with statues of various Gods, stood at intervals along the main avenue. Their crystal-clear water sparkled in the sunlight, providing a refreshing backdrop to the district’s bustling activity.

  Quin stole a glance at Lauren as they walked. She seemed more at ease now, her shyness giving way to a quiet joy as she admired their surroundings. The light caught her features perfectly, and Quin found himself marveling at her again. He quickly looked away, focusing on the path ahead before she could notice the intensity of his gaze.

  “This place is beautiful,” Lauren said, breaking the comfortable silence between them.

  “It is,” Quin agreed, though his focus was more on her than the district. “Do you have a preference on where you want to eat?”

  Lauren shook her head. “I am not craving anything in particular.”

  Quin thought for a moment, then pointed to a quaint bistro with tables set beneath a canopy of ivy-covered trellises. “How about there? The food’s great, and it’s quiet enough to talk.”

  Lauren smiled and nodded. “Perfect.”

  They walked toward the bistro, their steps falling in rhythm, and for the first time in a long while, Quin felt a sense of lightness and possibility he hadn’t known he needed.