As Erik made his way through the forest he could see the outlines to the greatest stronghold man and dwarf has ever built. The clearing is just up ahead and you can see a vast chasm and the bridge of Virtus.

It’s been months of a long journey for Erik. A messenger came to town. Announced that the royals of the land Dapsilis was looking for a new champion. Three different contests would be held.

A contest of the strength with sword and hammer. Winner will be knighted on the spot and be given land and titles along with a high position in the army.

A contest of speed and maneuverability. Winner will be granted position of high scouts and spies for army with a military income.

A contest of skill of accuracy with the bow and spear. Winner will be awarded a seat on the military council and would apprentice under the ambassadors of peace.

Erik whose family was wiped out by blithe and winter storms had no farm left and no kin to rely on. This could be his big shot. The contest was at the end of the year and without a horse it would take six months to reach his destination. He knew he could hunt with bow and spear for food along the way. Maybe even sell some of the game he acquired along the way.

Erik made his mind up in a matter of seconds of what he wanted to do. He would enter the contest of skill.

Then as he made his way to clearing Erik viewed the stronghold of Invicta and for first time had second thoughts of his talents. The massive size of the stronghold. The engineering that would be needed to make such a height. Erik was at a loss for words. He shook his head and thought to himself what choice do I have? He put one foot in front of the other and headed forward towards his destiny