Morgana arrived bright and early the next day. After all the advice she had received Isran was a bit less uncertain about participating. Though she was still worried about a crowd watching her, and disappointing those who believed in her so much.

  The cursed knight had brought two thin books, one was titled, tactics of duels and the other, tactical analysis.

  “How are you feeling about the games today?”

  Isran rubbed her nape and shrugged. “Better…”

  Morgana nodded. “Good.”

  Calliope walked out of the apartment and stood timidly behind Isran, looking up at Morgana.

  “Why hello.” Morgana smiled.

  Calliope waved timidly.

  “A new friend?”

  Isran nodded, not sure if she should tell Morgana about the circumstances in which they found the mouse woman.

  “I see you’ve made two new friends. The daughter of Damien Custin is an interesting choice.”

  Isran assumed Custin was Phaedra’s st name, since the cursed night had already met Elysi, and the sheep girl had said she was of a herd. Herd Nag.

  “We met in the dungeons. The bandits were going to kidnap her.”

  “Ah… probably a healer, though they do like to take appraisers as well.” She mumbled the st part to herself. “Did you memorize the faces of any of the bandits?

  Isran shook her head. With people’s faces? Her memory was cking.

  “I could ask Phaedra or Elysi… why?”

  “Perhaps warrants are already out for them… or new warrants can be made.”

  Isran tilted her head. That was as good a reason as any other. She wondered if Morgana was part of w enforcement in Neos is some way.

  “When they get time the head hall is where they should report.” She pulled out a red envelope and handed it to Isran.

  “Keep it safe. It’s your ticket into the games.”

  Isran nodded and added the letter to the books in her hands.

  “Will you be watching the games?”

  Morgana nodded. “Of course.”

  Isran nodded.

  “Well… I’ll leave you to your day.” Then the cursed knight walked away.

  Calliope followed Isran back into the apartment, sitting next to her as she settled in one of the cushioned chairs Elysi had bought.

  Opening the books, she was met with tabture and sections with small drawings on almost every page. There were also notes and several loose pages of extra notes. She decided to open the letter first, it was just as red as the envelope it was in.

  To One Promising Adventurer,

  You have been deemed one of the most promising adventurers in Kestin this cycle. Your presence would be much appreciated at the first-ever PROMISING ADVENTURER’S GAMES. An honourable assessment. Should you prove yourself during the games, your prize will aid in helping you achieve the promise that has been seen in you.

  Requirements for Participation

  You must bring this letter with you on the day of the games to be allowed participation.

  You will be provided gear for each challenge during the games, as such, foreign items are banned from the games. If found you will be banned from ever participating in the future and pay a hefty fine. However, you must bring at least a week’s worth of clothes. The games st one week, participants that advance in prospective stages are housed for its duration.

  Rules of Engagement

  Any act of cheating, be it the use of contraband or tricks forbidden in each challenge shall attract dismissal and a fine.

  Once again, weapons shall be provided, if weapons are damaged during combat they bear no cost on the participant. However, weapons damaged outside the games, be it during leisure time or training, shall be paid for by the adventurer deemed responsible.

  Any kind of sabotage against other participants, especially if it leads to injury or death shall result in dismissal, a fine, and the due punishment by the w.

  The tournament events are not privy to you until the games officially begin.

  The prizes are not privy to you until the games begin.

  May the gods be with you,

  Governor of Kestin.

  A blue seal with a cursive K in its design sat at the end of the letter.

  Isran hummed when she was done reading the letter. Calliope seemed disinterested after she put it back in the envelope and walked off with her rat.

  Isran opened Tactical Analysis and spent most of the rest of her day reading said book.

  When Elysi returned from her outing, she had brought home some pastries and wine.

  “Hey.” She smiled and kissed Isran softly.

  Isran smiled into the kiss. “Hey.”

  “You received the letter today?”

  Isran nodded and handed the red paper to her girlfriend.

  After reading Elysi hummed and handed it back.

  “Are you less apprehensive about participating?”

  Isran shrugged with a smile. “Let’s not talk about that. Want to try the sauna with me?”

  Elysi lifted an eyebrow, with a light smile. “And what have you done today that deserves rexation?”

  Isran ughed. “Brainpower, lots of thinking, and reading.”

  With a pyful eye-roll, Elysi wrapped her arms around Isran’s torso.

  “Food, then sauna. Hmmm?”

  Isran nodded.