In the land of Kormoranth, where the sun kissed the rolling hills and the forests whispered ancient secrets, a young boy named Cronn Darkblade lived a simple life in the village of Hilldale. He was twelve years old, with a mop of unruly black hair and eyes as green as the leaves that blanketed the forest floor. Cronn's days were spent playing with the other children, exploring the woods, and helping his parents on their small farm.

One sunny morning, as Cronn was helping his father, Alden, mend the fence that surrounded their modest homestead, the distant sound of hooves approached. The boy and his father exchanged puzzled glances. Visitors were rare in Hilldale, and the rhythmic thud of hooves drew nearer with each passing moment. As the source of the sound came into view, Cronn's eyes widened in awe.

A group of armored knights, their silver armor gleaming in the sunlight, rode towards the village. They bore the emblem of the Silverlight Order, a sacred order of paladins renowned throughout Kormoranth for their unwavering dedication to justice and the protection of the realm. Cronn watched in awe as they drew nearer, their horses' hooves kicking up dust in their wake.

The leader of the paladins, a stern and imposing figure named Sir Alaric, dismounted and approached Alden. He wore a long white cloak that billowed in the wind, and his expression was a mixture of solemnity and resolve. Sir Alaric's arrival sent ripples of excitement and trepidation through the village, and the villagers gathered to witness the rare spectacle.

"Good people of Hilldale," Sir Alaric began, his voice carrying authority and weight, "we have come in search of a squire. One among you, a boy of noble heart and pure spirit, shall have the opportunity to join the ranks of the Silverlight Order and pledge his life to the service of Kormoranth. The boy selected shall receive the finest training and mentorship in the ways of honor, chivalry, and combat."

Cronn's heart raced as he watched the paladin. His parents exchanged worried glances. Sir Alaric's gaze swept over the crowd, and then he pointed directly at Cronn. "You, boy. Step forward."

Cronn's legs trembled as he obeyed. He couldn't believe his ears. The paladins had chosen him, a simple farm boy from Hilldale. He looked back at his parents, who wore expressions of both pride and sorrow.

Alden knelt and embraced his son. "You are destined for greatness, Cronn. Remember the values we taught you and make us proud."

Cronn nodded, his eyes glistening with tears. He turned to his mother, who wiped away her own tears and kissed his forehead. "Stay true to your heart, my dear. We'll be praying for your safety and success every day."

With a heavy heart, Cronn followed Sir Alaric and the other paladins as they rode away from his home, leaving behind the only life he had ever known.