The moment the Chief finished speaking, Undir closed the distance in seconds, his axe swinging directly towards Aidan.
It was a terrifying site, how could someone so big could be that fast. Aidan was prepared behind his vrandtean shield, but looking at the velocity at witch the axe was moving, Selis idea of waiting for an oppotunity, and then using a quick strike vanished in an instant.
The axe came down with monstruos might, the sound of clashing steel was explosive. As a result of the blow, Aidan was pushed back a bit, yet he mantained his balance.
However Undir assault had not ended. He was trying to surround Aidan the moment he was pushed, to attack an exposed side. But his axe met once more with the shield.
Selis was getting anxious, the force of those attacks was unreal, how the f*ck had Aidan managed to respond to them was something she could not understand.
The assault was not stopping, a third, forth and fifth blow came at the same unbelievable speed. The Anrur kept trying to bypass the shield from the sides after each attack.
Aidan somehow still managed to prevent the Anrur from getting his chance, but he could not counterattack. He was only defending, wich was a feat in itself, how was he still holding on the relentless assault.
The Anrur was not slowing, his swings were growing wilder and faster, utilizing every part of his body to create more momentum. The sound of metal clashing was accelerating.
The Anrur were screaming with excitement, each blow fueling their confidence. The vrandteans were silent, most have preoccupied faces, at watching Aidan, just barely holding. The fight would be decided in a moment. One of them would not be able to keep up.
Selis entire body was covered in sweat, for how long could they continue to like this. The vrandtean shields were made to endure the charge of bigger oppenents, but the onslaught this one was recieving might just break it.
It may have just passed 1 or 2 minutes, since the duel started, but the Anrur attack was unrelenting. Aidan was pushed a bit more each swing, his shield was barely straight, just barely right before each strike came down on it again.
The next swing finally pushed the shield out of balance. Selis felt shivers down her spine. And as fast as the fight had started it had ended.
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Undir was laying on the ground, he had some broken ribs, his nose broken as well. He could feel the taste of blood on his mouth, he probably was missing a tooth.
He had been played. He knew how shrewd these vrandteans had been during their advance, but to think he could trick him at the pace the combat was going. This was the most patient and unsheakable motherf*cker he had ever faced.
This bastard had grasped the strength and speed of his swings. He had at first matched them, and as I increased my tempo, he made it seem, he was on the brink of not being able to take it anymore.
This feeling empowered me, and let me into making more wild attacks, all of this as I was thinking, I was on the verge of broking his defense. I made a higher swing almost certain he would not be able to keep his balance, and finally I would be able to get him. But he did not recieve the attack as he had, he moved his shield just enough so that he could push my attack up, thus leaving myself wide open.
I had tryed to dominate him, certain I could tired him and render his heavy shield in a burden. It was a simple way, but to think this bastard could endure my assault. He had a superb technique. He fully utilized his heavy shield, covering prefectly behind it, mitigating my attacks and always correcting his position before each one. He patiently waited for me to make a mistake.
Once he had the opening, he make a fast blow to my chest with the base of his sword. That blow has like beinh hit by a log. It lost my breath and before I could react, his shield had slammed my face. I can't tell when did I let go of my axe. It laid to my left, but it was out of my reach.
I had lost. The Anrur had never surrendered, and I had broken our honor.
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The sound of the falling rain was all that could be heard. The sudden end to the duel, had silenced everyone. Two figures facing each other beneath the rain.
Undir laid on the ground, he was supporting his upper half with his left hand, his right was holdinghis stomach. In front on him, Aidan was standing, shield and sword in hand, at his feet lay Undir's axe. He was looking towards the Anrur, who did not responded his gaze.
-You bested me, Liutenant- Undir got himself up, still holding his stomach with his right hand -Now finish it, death is the price to pay in an honor duel- He said as he looked at Aidan.
Aidan looked at the tall Anrur, and after a moment, sighed. He ignored him, and turned to face the Anrur Clan.
-I am Liutenant Aidan Fields of the 11th Borderguard of the Kingdom of Vrandt, I am the winner of this honor Duel- All the Anrur were looking at him - As it was agreed, you will now surrender to the Kingdom of Vrandt. Put down your weapons.
The Anrur were confused, and hesitant, they were looking at each other in helplessness - The duel has been decided, lower your weapons - The voice of the Chief was broken. The Anrur looked at their Chief, he was disheartened, they all felt that way.
Little by little the Anrur began lowering their weapons, some were doint it reluctantly, looking anxiously at the vrandteans not far away from them. But not everyone had let go of their weapons. Beraka, Kirin and other seasoned warriors including Vinzel, were hesitant. Vinzel was giving a murderous look at his Chief.
Beraka separeted from them and walked towards Aidan, his hands were gripping his axes, he continued until he was infront was of him, not even once, looking at Undir. Selis had already prepared her bow, she was aiming at Beraka's chest. He and Aidan were just a step from each other, their eyes locked on the other. Selis had the bostring tensed.
-It was a great duel vrandtean- Beraka threw his axes to Aidans feet.
The Anrur who had not yet put down their weapons, did so, at that moment. Selis relaxed the bow in her hands. Only Vinzel and Kirin had their spears still in hand.
-You fought with heart, and unshakable will. Few could withstand that assault and have the resolve to look for an opportunity- Beraka was smiling, his fangs making it a weird scene - You won, yet I need to ask for something. We looked at Aidan, who nodded as a response.
-Take my life instead of Undir-
-BERAKA, I lost the duel, I am the one who dishonored the clan, you are dishonoring me more- Undir screamed at Beraka who paid him no attention.
The Chief and every Anrur were amazed, the proud warrior Beraka was trading his life for the loser of a honor duel. Kirin eyes were wide open. Aidan was surprised as well, he smiled.
-Chief Munir of the Anrur, come here please - Aidan said. The Chief approach them slowly. He stood next to Beraka -Do the Anrur admiy defeat to the Kingdom of Vrandt?
Everyone was looking at him, yet he had calmed down already. The moment Beraka admitted the outcome of the duel, his mind was focused again. -The Anrur Clan, accepts the result of the Honor Duel, we surrender- His voiced sounded calm again.
-Then by my position of commanding offcier of the 11th Borderguard of the Kingdom of Vrandt, I hereby accept the surrender of the Anrur Clan, of Lonly Cloud Hill. As of this moment, you all are under the jurisdiction of vrandtean Law, the details of your surrender will be disccused with you, and 4 representatives of your choice -Aidan paused, and looked at Beraka -You are now under vrandtean law, as such and until we discussed your surrender, the 11th Borderguard will enforce the Kingdom of Vrandt rule over the Anrur Clan, as such, there would not be and execution for the result of the duel.
-What are you saying, you bested me, I accept death, only that way can I remain with honor- Undir was outraredg. Every Anrur was amazed.
-I told you, I would teach you about Honor - Aidan said to Undir, but he was looking at every Anrur -Honor is paid with life, not death. You will now use your life for the benefit of your clan, you dying here, is just being selfish, what does your clan gains with the loss of such a mighty warrior. You lack strength, I told you this before. You will live with your so call "dishonor" until you make up for, that is your punishment, only cowards choose death, and I don't think you are one - Undir, Beraka and the Chief were taken aback by Aidan words.
-We will discuss the details here. Sergeant Selis, see that a tent from the camp is brought here. An get sergeant Will, to bring the record of the 11th- Aidan turned to Selis, who nodded to him and went towards their man to give orders.
-You will also bring these one, to the discussion Chief. Go choose your other 4 representatives, and get him patch up. Your people have to stay here until we have finished the terms of surrender- Aidan had pointed at Beraka.
-You can't deny me of my honor- Undir was still shaken about what Aidan said, but regained his resolve and glared at him.
-You made a great fight my brother, but you did not have the strength win, your fate is his to choose. Do not forget it- Beraka was looking at Undir with a complex expression on his face.
-I will call for the other representatives of our clan, come Undir let us get you fixed- The Chief said in a low voice. Undir, the Chief and Beraka walked towards their clan.
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The Anrur were discussing among themselves, who would be their representatives. Some men from the 11th, were preparing the tent. The rest of them were on formation still, on a more relaxed position but ready. Aidan and Selis were watching their men work on the tent.
-Well it seems you will not be recieving a commander after all- Aidan laughed
-You motherf*ucker, were you really on the edge of losing?- Selis was serious, it contrasted with her snarky personality.
-Why would I bet our chance on a fight I cannot win, of course I was faking- Aidan smiled from ear to ear -I could have easily beaten that Anrur anytime. Don't tell me you were that worried about me-
She was frowning at him. He was always making jokes, but on important matters, he was direct and simple. She was not sure wich was the truth. She sighed, she was not sure she wanted to know.
-Well, I was gonna congratulate you on your victory, but seeing as how you were not in the least troubled by this duel. I guess there is no point in it- She laughed.
-Even tough I had the situation in my control, it does not mean it wasn't dangerous. Did you saw the speed of that giant. Had I not been as awesome, as I am, the outcome might have been different. You should not hide your admiration towards me-
-You know, you this is just the first part of the plan. We depend of what the Commander Assembly will decide once we report to them-
-Where is your faith in me Selis. Don't worry about them, that is my part. We will have a lot of work from now on. You better be prepared sergeant- He extended his hand a bit -The rain has stopped.