The doors closed behind them with a deep, resonant boom, sealing Kael and his companions within the Skyhold.
The inner court was a marvel of ancient magic and craftsmanship vaulted ceilings arced high overhead, and walls of polished stone were etched with runes that hummed with latent power. Statues of long-forgotten heroes lined the halls, their marble eyes seeming to follow Kael as he walked.
Commander Darius led them to a wide arena at the heart of the Skyhold. Stone terraces filled with armored warriors and robed elders overlooked the sand-floored pit.
A woman in ceremonial robes stepped forward. Her hair was woven with silver threads, and her gaze was sharp as lightning.
"I am High Warden Selyra," she said. "To seek our allegiance, you must prove yourself worthy through the Trials of Aerlyn."
Kael squared his shoulders. "Name the trial."
Selyra smiled thinly. "There are three. Strength, Wisdom, and Honor. Fail any, and you will leave here in disgrace or not at all."
Without warning, the first trial began.
A warrior, easily twice Kael's size and clad in stormsteel armor, stepped into the arena. His hammer was a slab of iron crackling with blue energy.
"Strength," Selyra said simply.
Kael drew his sword. He could feel the shard pulsing at his chest, offering its power, but he knew he must win this first test with skill, not magic.
The giant charged, the ground shaking with every step.
Kael dodged the first blow, the hammer smashing into the sand and sending up a plume of dust. He countered quickly, striking at the warrior's exposed side—but the stormsteel armor turned his blade.
"You cannot win with force alone," Thalen called from the sidelines.
Kael gritted his teeth. He remembered Thalen's lessons: control the field, not just the foe.
Kael danced away from another crushing blow, leading the giant across the arena. He darted toward one of the rune-etched columns that supported the terrace.
At the last moment, Kael feinted, leaping aside as the hammer smashed into the column. A surge of lightning backlashed from the broken rune, stunning the giant. Seizing his chance, Kael swept his blade in a precise arc, severing the laces of the giant's armor and toppling him to the ground.
Silence reigned.
Then, the arena erupted in cheers.
Selyra raised a hand. "Strength proven."
Kael lowered his sword, panting, his eyes flicking toward the remaining two trials.
Wisdom would come next.
And he had a feeling it would be far harder than brute strength.