The Royal Sword Hall stood as a testament to the traditions and honor of the Falsetti Kingdom, its grandeur carved into the very heart of the Songfall Palace grounds. The hall itself was an intricate and detailed work of stone and gold, with towering arched ceilings engraved with the histories of the Knight Houses.
Sunlight streamed through towering stained-glass windows, each pane depicting scenes of valor and knighthood from ages past, bathing the floor below in an amber glow. Ornate banners representing the Great Knight Houses hung solemnly along the walls, their presence lending the space a tangible dignity
The Royal Sword Hall was more than a place of ceremony; it was the crucible of disputes, honor, and legacies. Built under royal decree, its central stage embraced by the Squillo Amphitheatre was surrounded by tiered seating, where knights, nobles, and the curious could bear witness to the outcomes of challenges raised within the realm.
At its heart, a stage of smooth white marble stretched out, its surface pristine but scarred faintly by the countless duels fought upon it. Every mark on the marble seemed to carry the weight of history, a whisper of battles past.
Vauntuss arrived at the hall last, his boots echoing against the polished floors as the Royal Guards took the reins of his Great Wolf and guided the beast to wait outside.
His heartbeat quickened as he approached the towering oak doors of the hall, adorned with intricate carvings—the sigils of the Falsetti Kingdom. The guards pushed the doors open, and Vauntuss stepped into the hallowed space.
From above, in the raised spectators' seating, the heavy presence of four unmistakable figures bore down on him. The leaders of the Knight Houses were seated in a line, their expressions unreadable but their stature imposing.
Lord Tyr'namil Trosck, his gaunt face framed by streaks of silver hair, sat stiffly, his dark eyes calculating.
Beside him was Lord Soldraat Geir, a massive man with a chest like a forge and a perpetual scowl etched into his broad features.
Lord Lairn Vodd—the youngest of the lords, with a wolfish grin and sharp, piercing grey eyes—leaned forward, as if hungry for the spectacle to begin.
Finally, Lord Kor Gunlinn, the eldest among them, sat with the regal stillness of an ancient oak, his long white beard flowing over his ceremonial armor.
Each bore their house's crest proudly, the emblems stitched onto fine cloaks that matched the banners lining the hall.
The gathered lords exchanged terse whispers, though their words were lost in the vastness of the chamber. Still, Vauntuss could feel their scrutiny, their sharp gazes peeling away his armor to examine the man beneath.
He did not miss the faint curl of Lord Vodd's lips or the slight tilt of Lord Gunlinn's head—expressions that betrayed their amusement at his arrival. Only Lord Trosck remained a blank slate, his expression cold as winter.
Vauntuss' stomach tightened when he noted the absence of one familiar face. His father, Lord Strum, was not among them. The empty seat confirmed the lingering fear that had coiled in his chest like a serpent.
"Vauntuss Strum." Lord Soldraat Geir's deep voice rumbled, breaking the silence as his eyes followed the younger knight. "Late as always."
The comment was met with faint chuckles from the others, save for Trosck, whose gaze remained fixed on Vauntuss, unblinking.
Vauntuss ignored the remark, his focus shifting to the marble steps leading onto the central stage. Seated there, leaning casually against his massive blade, was Validus.
The elder Strum's presence was a striking one, his armor gleaming under the sunlight pouring through the stained glass. His hair, the same shade of black as their father's, framed a face that seemed both weary and resolute. The blade he rested on—nearly as tall as he was—was embedded in the stone steps, heavy with the weight of what he had done.
Validus glanced up as Vauntuss approached, his expression softening into a faint smile.
"Finally decided to join us, little brother?" He teased, his voice calm yet laced with an undercurrent of warmth.
"Do you think I would abandon a claim staked on my name or yours?"
"Honestly, I thought mother would have kept you home, but I'm glad you're here."
Vauntuss didn't respond immediately, his eyes darting to the lords seated above. Their silence was suffocating, their gazes a constant reminder of the stakes before him. He felt the weight of their judgment like a sword pressed against his throat.
Noticing his unease, Validus stood, drawing his blade from the stone with a smooth practiced motion.
"Don't let the greybeards bother you." He said, gesturing subtly toward the spectators.
"They're only here because tradition demands it. You know how they love to cling to the old ways. Their favor… well, let's just say it's as brittle as their bones."
Vauntuss allowed himself a small chuckle, the tension in his chest loosening slightly.
"Validus…do you grasp the foe we are to face? Our father will not hesitate to cleave us in two, you understand that do you not?"
Validus' grin widened. "Maybe not, but I'm the one who'll make sure you walk away with your head held high. Whatever happens, we'll face it together. Always."
For a moment, the brothers stood in silence, their bond undeniable. Above them, the lords shifted in their seats, their expressions unreadable as they watched the Strum brothers with a mix of interest and calculation. Somewhere in the vastness of the Royal Sword Hall, the faint sound of a bell tolled, signaling the beginning of the proceedings.
Vauntuss took a deep breath and stepped onto the stage, his boots echoing against the marble as he joined Validus at the center. The weight of expectation, and legacy pressed upon his shoulders, but his brother's steady presence beside him gave him strength.
The Royal Sword Hall had seen countless duels, its walls bearing silent witness to victories, defeats, and sacrifices. Today, it would bear witness to the resolve of the Strum family and the choices that would shape their future.
Once they were upon the stage, a creeping shudder ran up their spines, furling the hairs on the back of their necks.
"He's coming." Both of the brothers reacting, Vauntuss summoned a pillar of ice as thin as a pole that rose to the heights of the ceiling while Validus held his blade aloft in a protective guard.
Marking their attempts was a sudden crackle of azure light before a thundering roar erupted from the theatre rocking the stage with low rumbling. As the crackles and flashes of brilliant light grew in fierceness, the brothers dug their heels.
"Remember Vauntuss, never tense up against him." As he urged his little brother, the stage fell silent, with the air adopting a vibrancy as they sensed a unique trace of magic approach. As the aura of electricity drew nearer, so to did the flashes, as the sparks bolted from the surface of the stone, scorching and scarring it.
When the echoing footsteps eventually reached the stage, it was as if a storm had perched on the edge of the theatre, with the current of magic rushing about in a fierce dance with energetic sparks escaping the holds of the storm, only to be drawn into the icy pillar before dispersing into the ground.
"There's no need to put on such a show, father, least of all for these old greybeards."
"I was urged by your mother to offer you the chance at mercy, but it seems I was far too tame in my approach."
'The psycho calls that tame, then there's no doubt the old man has gotten stronger since I last saw him.' Validus joked as he whispered to his brother, but Vauntuss' had his thoughts elsewhere.
From the seats, one among them finally stood, speaking for the first time. He asked for the knights that were present to settle their claims.
"Thank you, Tyr and to you, the great Lords of our Kingdom's Knight Houses. A claim was made of me by another knight of our realm, one I present is for the succession of my house under my rightful heir, Validus Strum."
"And I stand before you with my own claim, one of succession. That my brother, Vauntuss Strum, the only true choice may succeed my father so that I may pursue His Majesty's work beyond the walls of our great city."
"Do all the knights present accept these claims?"
"I do!"
"I do!"
"I…do." Vauntuss said, a voice heavy with uncertainty before the measure of what would happen next.
"Then under the light of His Majesty and at the word of his honorable knight, let this clash of blades settle just claims." The once silent lord sat in his after his rousing words, earning a round of applause for the other attendants before they too sat back, ready to behold what would come next.
"Father…I do not think I can raise my blade to you." Vauntuss added abruptly, before Validus could ready himself.
"Oh Vauntuss."
"Vauntuss! Listen to me, you have to. This isn't the time to worry about him, you need to focus on yourself."
"You are taking quite the risk looking away." The Lord of the Strum family let out a jest, as he stretched out his hand with a bolt of lightning crashing into his hand, the azure-white light solidifying in the form of a glimmering steel blade.
As the space around him fluttered in a static buzz, Lord Strum burst forward with the strength of a crackling bolt, ripping through the air and bringing down his blade in the next moment, carving away at the space between them.
"Did you hear that?" Vysander's voice resonated through the hallways leading to the amphitheatre, followed by the march of more footsteps close by.
"His magic is as raw as ever, father must be serious." Saevess added, as they arrived at the seating area, overlooking the edge, they were greeted to the sight of an exploding storm on the stage, obscuring their view behind a wall of shattered stone turned mist.
As Tersia joined the pair, she was hit by the waves of electricity rippling past her, being the very time she experienced Lord Strum's magic. She felt herself unconsciously stiffen with her muscles needing a moment before they would submit to her commands.
"It has already gone this far, we have to stop them." Saevess urged her brother, pulling against him to descend the stands and join the battle, but his taut resistance stifled her attempts.
"We can't, not after the fight's already started. We're nothing more than spectators now."
"Like hell I am." Tersia tried to leap over the barriers.
"Lady Lamiastell, I would implore you to respect the law of these halls, You would only dishonour yourself if you were to intervene." Lady Inro appeared as sudden as a whisper, seated far from the other lords when she counseled her children.
Their exchange brought the battling knight's attention to the stands, where Vauntuss' gaze was drawn, prompting a confused Validus to act after watching his brother's wandering focus:
"Ms Lamiastell…why are you here?"
"Vauntuss!" Taking his father's blow and casting off the stroke of lightning that ripped across his side, the attack was warded off after he anchored his blade into the stage, arresting the intense sparks and relieving Validus of the attack.
"Why would you shield him, how else will he learn?" Lord Impetus turned to scold his wounded son while a bolt of thunder ripped down towards the stage, scorching the stone Vauntuss stood upon, barely glancing at the strike, as he marched towards Validus who was still standing.
"Is this a fight or a lecture?" Each step that brought him closer, Validus worked to slow his quickened breath as his eyes flickered off at where Vauntuss stood before returning to his father, he clenched his teeth and stood up straight.
Before reaching towards his buried blade, and drawing it out as the edge that was slowly revealed began coursing with bright blue sparks. As the sparks jumped from the metal of the blade to his person, wrapping him in a charged aura, Lord Impetus stopped in his tracks.
But with the hair on his neck standing straight, he knew what would follow, reaching out towards him and channeling similarly vibrant sparks that dressed him a cloak of electricity.
Once the pulsing energy fully formed, a large stroke of thunder crackled atop Lord Impetus, whose hand was raised against the blow. There the veil of lightning that showered the scene, he witnessed the face that lost its grimace, only a frustration directed towards him.
With the sound of another stroke ripping through the air from above, Lord Impetus moved his arm to his side, raising the palm away from shoulder to meet the bolt of blue light in a fantastic display.
"You will have to try harder, son." He said after clenching his fist and shaping the charged aura of thunder in a ethereal blade, and using its edge to cleave through the assault of lightning from his son, and unfortunately splitting both his arm and his aura in two, but Validus could care less, as she grasped his sword bearing limb and using it to deflect the near fatal blow that was to follow.
"At least you are willing to fight for what you believe in." Commending his son's efforts as the ethereal blade vanished from his grasp.
"I already told you to shut up, didn't I. And Vauntuss isn't out of this fight, his time will come." Forcing the lightning aura to flow through his wound before joining the dismembered limb with his body once more, as a steaming hiss of flesh flowing out through the seams of the wound.
"You are going to be using all your magic to hold that hand of yours together, perhaps it would be time for you to submit." Looking at his son with a sullen and exhausted expression.
"The last time I checked, we're both still alive, so no."
"So be it." Summoning the blade like-aura to his hand once more.
"What are you doing down there?" Tersia scolded the wounded Vauntuss much to his siblings shock who were still worried about Vauntusss' condition
"..."
"Answer me, dammit. For once in your life, speak up, it's your life after all."
"I never wanted any of this…" His voice echoed about the space, resounding clearly to her sharp Pantherian ears, even through the constant eruptions of thunder and lightning going off around him.
"What the hell does that have to do with your passionless state, Validus is fighting for both your sakes, the least you could do is try."
"This is not a fight we can win, I cannot push beyond an infinite ceiling…"
"Stop lying. I don't want to watch you suffer like this, none of us do, so get your shit together and focus. Right now you aren't being anything other than a burden, I thought you wanted to change that?" Her harsh words cut him deeply, but in his pain, a chilling wash of ice burst forth, forcing both Validus and father away.
"I am no one's burden." He rose to his feet with the aid of a growing platform of ice beneath his hand.
"Then stop messing around. You haven't fulfilled your duty, to your family or yourself, until then, you don't have my permission to fall."
"Then I will not fall…" Letting out a deep breath "Ice II."
"Vauntuss!" Validus called out to him, when the wintry might intensified, birthing a creeping frost and quickly spread across everything. Vauntuss shared no other words, as the space around him bloomed with sprites of amber flames encased in blueglass ice, as their shape twisted and turned into a variety of shapes.
Again, Lord Impetus led his ethereal blade through the icy formation all the way to Vauntuss, beneath the notice of all that watched the battle only for each step taken against the tundra surface coating him in even greater layers of frost. Allowing him to respond to the blade with a forceful shattering of the ice binding him.
"Validus I am sorry for keeping you."
"Think nothing of it, little brother, just keep your eyes open…" Validus nearly choked on his words after a bolt of lighting fell upon him with Vauntuss casting a frozen lotus pattern to shield him against it.
"It seems like my sons share in their lack of focus…huh" While their father was ready to launch another blow, she found himself clashing against the formation of ice walls around him.
"Hmm…smart but only a distraction" Swinging his ethereal blade and disintegrating his binds.
With his gaze embraced in azure light, Vauntuss tried to use Flash Freeze only for his father to walk through the entombment of ice, with each attempt to bind him swiftly meeting his electric edge as he cut past his obstacles. As he reached his son, weathering his wintry assault, he rushed him alongside a descending stroke of thunder.
"You'll have to try a lot harder father" Validus arrives and deflects his father's blow with his own.
"I hope you can keep up, Erie" Validus drove his blade into the stage, with surprising strength that caused the entire platform to collapse creating a shower of rubble, while Vauntuss held earth beneath in place. Donning his sparkling aura once more, Validus launched towards his descending father, deep into the shower of dust and debris.
What followed was a periodic burst of thunder and lightning from out the veil of dust, as it cleared, the exchange between the knights clad in their storm magic moved them all across the remnants of the arena. Blitzing each other, only to meet one another in a clash of blades.
But what was different this time was that Lord Impetus was the one on the defensive, with each attempt to put down his sons being repelled or restrained by Vauntuss' efforts, allowing Validus to slip in and out to carve away at their father's resilience. At the speed the bolts of lightning they embodied travelled, the mere moments trudged on and on, drawn out by the danger only a single blow from their father brought on.
A fact that became all the more clear by the blood that slowly began to trickle from Validus' wound after he retreated to his brother's side following their last clash. Noting his brother's injury, Vauntuss placed a hand over the cut causing a creeping frost to seal it shut.
"It is not a permanent fix, Val, and we cannot keep this up." He expressed while forming ice construct after construct to trap and stall his father, granting them a moment to rest.
"Truer words have never been spoken. Do you have any ideas?"
"You would entrust yourself to me?"
"Erie, I have nothing but faith in you, you've given me very little reason to start doubting you. So how about you stop doubting yourself." Testing the viability of his icy patch on his wound as she ruffled his little brother's hair.
"Father is far too fast and his blade cuts far too deep, so we must stop him in one single attack. I will give you the chance, just be sure to use it." Finally feeling the strain of all the magic he had used, the fatigue was an almost unnatural feeling at this point, with few opponents outside the Capital City that have managed to push him to his limits.
As the output of his magical energy waned for a moment, the scene was raining down upon by a stream of lighting strikes, carving away at any obstacles in his way, the landscape was away in white light as the only thing that could be seen was the shadowy silhouette of an approaching figure.
"All right, Val. Stand ready." With that, Vauntuss cast aside all of the formations of ice, allowing Validus to charge back into the battle, meeting his father who roared towards him in a thunderous rush.
'3' As he counted, Validus was forced to fend off the attacks on his own, relying entirely on his speed to vanish and reappear wherever he could, doing all he could to keep his father's attention on him.
'2'
'1. Now.' Vauntuss let out, and in his call, Validus leapt back to his brother's aid. In that same moment, Vauntuss felt his father's ethereal blade reach passed him, the time taken for the blade's full length increased second after second, with the world around them shifting to bluer tones from Vauntuss' perspective.
Soul Art: Niflheim. Rime of the Last Night.
"What!" Their father felt the moment fall from the intense rush to a shuddering stop, as the world around him went dark, embraced by an isolating feeling of cold, as if the world had forgotten his existence.
With his blade frozen along with the rest of the theater, Vauntuss moved decisively, leaping back towards his brother , before tapping his brother's shoulder. As he did, the azure aura coated Validus in ice shattered, freeing him from the spell. Wherein it, the first image to greet him was that of his father, unable to move.
"Valdius, go! I cannot hold him or the world back for much longer." Vauntuss informed him as he dropped down to one knee, his being felt as though he was burned from the inside out, making even the smallest action agonizing.
Taking in his brother's words, and what he was watching, Validus knew enough to act.
In meeting his father's attempt, Validus struck and violently so, slashing across his figure, but through his actions, all they spawned was the backlash of a storming force, as his blade was blown away, only scorching away his father's clothing with a scorch mark as the only symbol of the attack.
Validus' attempt resulted in the storming force rushing against Vauntuss who was knocked into the ground and lost his hold the Soul Art he cast, returning the world to a natural state as time began to flow with the fading of the azure light.
As Vauntuss did his best to center his footing, managed to keep the storm from blowing him away, standing up as he anchored himself using binds of ice that came out of the floor...but even with this, he could not figure out how they could defeat his father. It was a thought born from neither fear or anxiety, it was simply an undeniable reality, they faced something unbeatable.
But as the winds bore harder on him and the erupting arcs of lightning sprang forth more and more from where his father stood, he remembered his brother's words, coming to him like a beacon of light shining from Validus who had raised his sword high into the air while braving the storm that was upon.
And through the veil of the storm, at its eye, a silvery-shimmering in the form blade shone without equal, for whatever sat at the heart of this storm seemed to answered Validus' challenge with his own…and yet…his blade remained aloft, held back from ever descending when the light of the storm blinked vibrantly before vanished, dispersed the ethereal blade into an electrified wind before along with the storm.
"I have lost…" He sternly proclaimed, sheathing his ordinary blade now clutched in his hand before he explained that they will continue to battle the next time they see them, and by the end of his days, he will have created powerful knights out of them, be it for the sake of the Kingdom of the rest of the First World.
"This does not mean I forgot what I have promised. The both of you. Go, learn and grow stronger. Ensure that the world learns of the strength carried by our name. No matter the path you choose, remember that you are born with the blood of Storms"
"Father…I"
"You have given me your word and you have shown me your conviction. You needn't speak on the matter further, from now on, I want you to show me. And as your father I will wait as long as I need to. As for the rest of you, witness the children of the storms. As their father, I know they'll only continue to make me proud."
Reluctantly the Heads of the Knight Houses gave their respect with a show of good faith, they acknowledged the young knights, for Vauntuss, his heart held on to only a few precious words, the worlds that were honored in front of the world, as one with the blood of Storms.
"Finally, I am worthy of you, father."
"No my dear boy, it is I that has become worthy of a child such as you. So I ask that you go into the world and continue to make our name proud. For I am certain that whether with Validus or you, our house is secured."
"I can't believe all it took for you to say how proud you are of him was a broken rib. I, on the other hand, have never been prouder. And to that end, while I would have waited till you left for school once again, mother told me that you'd be leaving for more training very soon so I think this is the perfect time."
With Mr Wyndrest descending from the stairs of the theatre in the Sword Hall down to meet the young knights, his elegant frame almost appeared cartoonish lugging behind him a heavy broad casket. Bound in black bandages held in place with silverine nails, placing the casket had the floor cracked and split from its immense weight.
"What is that sound?" Vauntuss wondered after approaching the casket, feeling for the very first time in his life, a chilling cold around it.
"Oh you hear it too, you really have grown. Judging by how you aren't roiling in the dirt right now, I'm guessing this means it was a good choice to bring it along. Worry not, little brother, it will be waiting for you upon your return. You do have somewhere to be right now, don't you?"
"I see…Well then, father, Valdius, please excuse me." Ignoring his injuries entirely as he left the Sword Hall, making sure to bow to the rest of the Knight Leaders as he passed them on the stands to the exit.
"You think it wise to bring such an abomination into the Sword Hall, son?" Lord Strum waited for Vauntuss to leave before he began scolding Valdius as the rest of the Knight Leaders joined in, doing the same, causing another stir within the space.
Back at the Strum Family Manor.
"Lady Lamiastell, I took the liberty of preparing a driver for you. They will be ready to take you home this evening."
"My lady, you're too kind. Really your whole family has been so welcoming to a stranger, I really have appreciated your hospitality, and your kindness."
"Come now child, no need to speak like that. You are my son's guest, and he is not someone that takes any action lightly. You are always welcome here. I am the one who should be apologising after what we put you through."
"These scars will fade with time, Lady Inro, there's no need to worry yourself about that. I don't regret what I did, he needed a friend."
'She speaks as though those are ordinary scars. They'll never fade.' Lady Into thought with the weight of her guilt still weighing on her.
Once again, a familiar Knock Came to his door. Prompting The young knight entered, stating as he did:
"I take it to mean you have survived a meal with my mother?" Opening the door to find Mr Wyndrest, waiting to attend to him after informing Vauntuss that the Lady Lamiastell and his driver's were waiting for them.
"I see. Thank you for letting me know."
"You are most welcome. Perhaps in the future, I can put in place methods of helping you better determine the nature of your visitors. If attending master Vysander has been any indication, I may need to also provide contraceptives in the event that…"
"That will be all, Mr Wyndrest!" He shut the door in a huff.
Once again there was a knock on his door.
"I have already said you may take your leave…" Finding Tersia instead, waiting to speak but surprised by what he was shouting.
"If you want me to leave you can just say that, I'll be on my way…"
"Not at all."
"Oh so you don't want me to leave? Is that right, Sir Knight?" She teased.
"...You still have not said what you will do once you get home, I am sure we will not be afforded another opportunity to speak in such an ordinary manner. Maybe not for a very long time."
"What if I didn't want that?" Ripping away any sort of expectation that Vauntuss had for her response, seeing his genuine surprise brought a gentle smile to her heart, marked by her brushing her hair away from her face, revealing the noticeable tinge about her cheeks before their conversation once again returns to what was next for them, bringing on an unexpected silence as they both took to thinking of an honest answer.
Expressing with a half-hearted jest that the next time they would meet, they would have an answer. Getting up from her seat and giving a modest bow before she made for the door, holding onto her show of confidence, knowing what would follow if she let her heavy smile fade.
But she wouldn't need to hold onto a false smile, not for Vauntuss, who stood beside the table, and returned her gesture of proper etiquette with his own.
"As your knight, I must ensure you return home safely." His words left nothing but a singular expression in her mind.
"You want to or you must?"
"Lamia, I want to make sure that my friend" Looking upon this simple act, the very thing that brought them together through the events of the last two days, her mind found itself at the heart of an honest answer to the question:
'Is it fair for me to ask this…can I really have something like this?' They both imagined the idea on their way, with minds linked beyond the string of words or acts, they found the same answer, but it was Vauntuss that voiced it, sharing an expression he didn't think was possible, an act of undeniable selfishness that he couldn't ignore.
She turned back to him, stepping closer as she did, enough that before he could even respond, her arms were already wrapped around him, embracing the strange yet soothing dance of hot and cold that was a part of him.
And in that moment, he held her tight, she couldn't help but feel the flare of joy, her ears excitedly upright while the flustering tinge grew around the tufts of fur, her heart held onto what she was feeling, that he would always keep to his what he has always promised, that he was her knight.
It was a risk, she knew, to want something that was out of her control, but that didn't matter.
"I think I'd like that, Erie."