With Lovic ready to strike, I watched as King Udreth held his Queen close to his side as magic radiated in a constant flow around her hand. Splotches of red and brown collided together as two magical affinities merged as one, that however wasn't what frightened me. I watched the woman as she smiled with a bored expression as if we were trash waiting to be burned. That expression changed, to one that Lilliana often would make when she got a new toy or dress, when she realized that I could see through her veil. I was born with the gift to see a person's connection to the magical essences, mana, which flows throughout the world. Mages, for example, use mana to cast their spells like healers would use mana to tend to the wounded.
The woman had an immense aura that flowed around her as different shades of color clashed together. If I had to guess, the woman was a Master Class sorceress based on the power I felt emitting from her. Mages were classified by five classes based on not only their mana, but by their intellect on how to use it. With advancement in each class, a mage would often be considered for more opportunities in life as their knowledge grows. I, myself, would be considered between two of the later classes.
The first class is simply the Novice Class which is basically the average person, every living thing has a connection to the natural flowing mana of the world. Those that simply wish to further their arcane knowledge were able to enroll into the Magic Academy once they reached the age of fifteen. Apprentice Class are those that have completed at least two semesters and have been assigned an apprenticeship to any willing mentor. As their experience grows under such tutelage, they eventually refine their crafts and begin advancement into the other two classes: Expert and Master Classes. The final class is held only by a nation's Arch-Mage known as the Grand Master Class.
Just by staring at the woman, I knew we would be in for a fight if things didn't simmer down a bit. My eyes wandered from the woman to the space around us as I searched for any possible escape routes. To the right where the main double doors were, a small group of ten knights blocked our path as they watched our every move. Looking to the left, we could possibly break through one of the windows, but would we have time before we were pounced on. Sighing, I looked back to King Udreth who was on one knee as he looked into his daughter's eyes while she sought answers.
"We'll have to fight our way out," Freya's voice came as a soft whisper beside me, "think the two of us can keep the Queen busy?"
I just smiled as the thought did come to mind, but I wasn't sure we would last long especially since we don't know her full capabilities. "If it comes to a fight, then we'll have no choice. Let's see how things go for a bit. Maybe the princess can talk some sense into them. My main concern is Einor at the moment."
Freya just nodded as the two of us looked back to where Einor stood with his eyes burning like an iron into King Udreth's flesh. A sudden chill went down my spine as I once again stared upon the shadowy figure that clung to my brother's right shoulder as if it was a child trying to peak over someone's shoulder. Though shrouded in darkness, I could just make out clawed fingertips and a humanoid head with burning fires as eyes. From this figure, I sensed something old and dangerous. I couldn't help, but feel as if it was some infernal or specter trying to inhabit my brother. (No, surely Einor wouldn't fall for such things.)
Shaking such a thought from my mind, I returned my gaze to King Udreth. He and the princess were still deep in conversation that seemed neither one would win. I knew I had to try and do something, but what? I was just a guard for Freya and had no political value at the moment. I then remembered who I was, the daughter of Zechariah and Ansu VonKnight. Sighing, I took a breath to steel my resolve then made my way to stand before the Beastking.
"Lord Udreth," I bowed once more as the Beastking stood to his full height, "I am Veronica Anierva Strom, acting advisor to King Tiberius Alexander VonKnight. As such, I wish to know why the sudden hostility."
Sighing, King Udreth looked to his Queen who dismissed the magic surrounding her hand as she gave a slight nod. After a few moments, King Udreth turned toward me as he answered, "In recent months, there have been many claiming to be the Jackal from the rumors. Upon further inspection, many were simply mercenaries trying to spread their fame throughout Vusta. Several turned out to be leaders or members of bandit clans that thrived on the peoples' fears even more. Recently, I have seen three cases where a new adventurer uses the name to boost their odds of moving up in rank. I have personally conducted several investigations of the recent cases with hope to see if the possibility of another survived that night. That and what was bargained for an alliance between our kingdoms."
From behind me, Scarlett asked the question that I dreaded to answer "What bargain?"
Sighing, I turned to face Scarlett, Nyxis, Zeke, and most importantly Einor. I feared how they would react to our deceit. "To better strengthen our bonds and show that we are not like Vaniel," my heart began to beat faster, "Uncle and I accepted King Udreth's terms of an arranged marriage. To be more specific, for Einor, Jackal, to marry Lady Udreth before the coming Winter."
The sound of the blade meeting shield sounded before me as Ulf intercepted Scarlett's twin blades. Looking past them, I saw Zeke had a blade in hand while Nyxis stood before Einor with a hand on the hilt of her rapier. All of them stared at me with angered eyes as their unspoken knowledge of such a betrayal became true. I stepped forward as I spoke, "Uncle made the decision upon the greater good for the people. Like it or not, war is coming and our kingdom needs allies."
Laughter...cold maniacal laughter came from the one being fought over. I felt my eyes widen as I stared at my brother. The dark figure now hovered over Einor as his body gave off a crimson black aura that reminded me of blood. The surrounding air that was once comfortable against the skin became cold as ice and difficult to breathe. I felt as if I were kneaded dough being flattened out and prepared to top a pie as an invisible rolling pin bore down on my shoulders. With every breath, I felt as if my lungs would explode from the strain. (Has he always had such strength?)
"You wished to see my brand?" Einor muttered as his crimson eye glowed bright hidden in the shadows of his hood. I watched as he began to walk forward, the air becoming heavier with each step, "You wish to know if I am the true Jackal?"
As if rooted to the marble floor, I could only watch as several armored knights rushed forward to intercept Einor. I could only watch as they were met by Zeke and Nyxis as sparks bursted to life from clashing metal. Unlike me, both seemed to be unaffected by my brother's aura giving them. I couldn't help, but wonder how long they knew my brother had such strength hidden. In a heartbeat, four of ten knights laid at their feet as they continued to guard my brother who simply stepped over their fallen bodies. Taking a breath, I was somewhat relieved to see that they still drew breathe.
Einor paid me no mind as he walked past me as if I wasn't a threat. I looked at Nyxis who I became somewhat close to in the short time we spent together. When she saw me, she simply smiled as she nodded toward my brother. Sighing, I followed her gaze as Einor stopped just before King Udreth. Like everyone else, I watched as the two of them analyzed the other. Neither one seemed to be reluctant to back down.
Taking a breath, Einor was the first to break the silence as the air returned to normal along with the figure, "Tell me, what good is a brand when a more direct approach is available?"
Intrigued, King Udreth placed a hand on his bearded chin as he inquired, "What did you have in mind?"
Though I couldn't see it, I knew my brother was smiling just by his tone, "Why not settle things with a duel?"
I watched a deep grin began to form on King Udreth's face as his eyes narrowed, "What will be at stake?"
Einor didn't say anything as his eyes moved from Zeke, Scarlett, and Nyxis in turn. I watched as each gave a small nod of their approval for some unspoken price. As I stared at the trio, I felt someone watching me. I looked toward the nearby knights only to find their eyes locked on the scene before them as they stood still. I then looked toward Xeth and Ruben who constantly shifted their gaze from both Lords as Ulf whispered something into Casteilla's ear. The feeling intensified even more as I slowly faced the one responsible. I found Einor staring at me, the hood gone allowing his face to freely be seen, as if considering the options at hand.
"Me," he turned to look King Udreth in the eyes once more, "I am at stake. If I lose, I'll willingly accept your terms of an alliance between Breura and Ironclad. However if I win, new terms will be discussed between the two of us."
From beside me, I heard Scarlett whisper "Boss?!"
I looked at the woman as a tear ran down her face as Zeke placed a hand on her shoulder. Looking at the two, I thought of Theo and I whenever Lilliana went out of her way to become just like us. I felt a small smile form as I saw how much my brother had grown. As I stared at the Corrupted Rose on his back, I saw our father standing beside him. (Whatever happens brother, I'll stand by your side like I should have long ago.)
We were led to an area that reminded me of the training grounds back in Ironclad. Along a cement wall at the far end of a large squared open space, a line of straw dummies supported by wooden posts stood as knights took turns hacking, slashing, and striking with shields. Like a pulley system, the first knights struck in unison upon their commander's order. They then ran to the back of the line to allow the next in line a turn. Roars of bravado came from the left and some distance of us as another group of knights spared bare handed. As we passed, a young savage looking Farkas was being rained upon by blows from an old Lepus with orange fur. In the wild, a wolf would often devour a hare, but here the roles often reverse.
I watched as the Lepus stopped a fist just millimeters from the Farkas's elongated snout. Laughter rang from the two as the older Lepus dismounted the Farkas and extended a hand. Without hesitation, the young Farkas accepted the hand as he was helped to his feet. The Lepus patted the young knight's head before sending him to rejoin the others. Upon his command, the ground broke into teams of two and continued to train. I couldn't help taking a mental note of the possible joint training exercises that could happen if Einor lost this duel.
"Your Majesty," a respectful authoritative voice rang out as we made our way to the center of the large square.
Following the voice, I found a Dökkálfar woman clad in a set of plated steel armor dyed with an elegant shimmer of a golden blue. Her armor consisted of one fairly rounded pauldron decorated with masterfully crafted layers of metal in the shape of dragon scales over her left shoulder. The woman's left forearm is covered by a leather vambrace that has a layer of cloth between skin and hide for comfort as a wreath is emblazoned in gold at its center. The breastplate is made from what looked like many layers of smaller metal pieces designed in a diamond pattern that reminded me of the scales of a serpent. Silver chainmail can be seen tucked away under the armor. A pair of cloth pants hid under a pair of rounded full-length cuisses that conformed to the woman's thighs. Looking further, I saw that her lower legs are protected by greaves which have several claw-like barbs in a row on the outer sides as a bland pair of boots protected her feet.
Strapped to her back was a long barbed blade made from what appeared to be bronzed fracium which is known for its durability and weight. Leather wrapped the blade itself near the crossguard to allow its wielder to freely shift between the hilt and the strap. A barbed yet curved silver crossguard glistened in the sun. The hilt was wrapped in bare hide as a large round pommel finished the blade. All together, the blade looked deadly on either end.
The woman herself looked the same age as Nyxis and had a honey almond shade of skin. Light blue, long wavy hair gently hung over a round time-worned face. Piercing auburn eyes sat tiredly in their sockets. A thin scar ran from the woman's chin that curved along the right side of her face and stopped at the bridge of her nose. On the left side of her face, two wavy river-like markings ran along the center of her cheek outlined by a line of dots on top and bottom. The woman's lips were a shade of black with multiple vertical lines across it that looked like newly sewn cloth.
The woman fell to one knee, "What do we owe this visit?"
King Udreth gave a heartfelt chuckle as he placed a hand on the woman's shoulder, "Rise old friend and greet me as an equal."
The woman gave a small smile as she rose, taking the king by his extended forearm. "It's only natural for a knight such as I to greet the one I owe my life to." Her eyes fell on Queen Udreth, "My Queen, you look as lovely as ever."
For the first time since being here, I saw a small change in the queen's demeanor. Where she looked bored upon our presence, she looked happy at such a compliment that one of her features is surely to get multiple compliments of the same nature. Watching the two, I couldn't help sense a form of lover's bond. It wasn't unheard of for a king to have multiple wives to bear him heirs. Some even believe that multiple spouses is a sign of how powerful a person is. Though, I can't say I'd be interested in such a thing. I do enough with Theo and Lilliana, things that I enjoyed to be a part of.
Such an observation was proven when Queen Udreth spoke in a somewhat flirtatious tone. "Izras, our King is in need of the square for a duel," she turned and pointed at Einor, "another fool claiming to be the subject of the ghost stories we've heard so many times about. He's claiming to be the Jackal."
The knight, Izras, let out a small chuckle as she analyzed my brother. As she did, I felt somewhat angered at such disrespect for my younger sibling. Though twins, I was the first to come out of our mother's womb three minutes before Einor. I may have not been there for him long ago, but I made a vow to myself that I would do my part to defend him. It looked as if this would be the first step I take down that path.
I stood beside my brother just as I did in Westbrook, "He is the true Jackal. Everyone before you can tell you that if you simply asked."
Izras just rolled her eyes as she put some distance between us. "Alright you dogs, listen up," she roared with an authoritative tone getting the attention of every knight in the general vicinity, "a challenge has been made to our King -- a duel. Another mongrel claiming to be the Jackal has made such a challenge."
Laughter filled the space as if some unknown joke had been spoken. I watched, anger growing, as three knights made their way to stand some distance before us. "He doesn't look like much," the savage looking Farkas from before made his way to stand before Einor as he spoke, "only a coward hides his face when issuing a challenge. Come show us your face, whelp."
The Farkas reached for my brother's hood. As he did, I felt my hand tighten around Lovic as if in a trance. A trance that I was awoken from as the sound of his wrist breaking and his pained screams silenced the laugher. "A coward," Einor laughed as he lowered his hood revealing the scar that ran down the middle of his right eye, "is someone that runs from danger."
"You bastard," the other two knights yelled as they charged forward.
"Stay where you are!" King Udreth roared, stopping the knights before Einor could harm them. I watched as the king pulled a sword from a hanging sheath and made his way to stand beside Izras, "This is between me and him. I'll be the one to decide if he is truly the one. Now clear the square!"
Following their king's orders, the knights cleared the makeshift arena as did our group. The only ones left in the arena were Einor, King Udreth, and Izras who I assumed would act as judge. I along with the others watched as Einor unsheathed his blade and held it to the side with the tip pointed to the earth. I watched as he cracked his neck and rolled his shoulders before giving a nod. Looking to both of them, Izras raised her blade to the sky and after a few moments slashed the space before her, signaling the start of the duel.
My eyes moved nonstop as I watched the sporadic sparks of sword clashing against sword. At the start of the duel, both Einor and the king seemed to disappear only to reappear at the center within a blink of an eye. Both traded blows as their wills clashed before they disappeared once more. Throughout the square, only the shockwaves of colliding strikes and the impacts of fired spells could be seen. I smiled as I noticed the changed expressions of the knights who mocked Einor moments before through the melee.
Using a spell, I was able to fully view the scene before me. I watched as Einor's ten blades danced around them as he met each of the king's strikes. One of the blades sliced his cheek as he struck out toward the king's chest only to be parried. Knocking a blade to the side, King Udreth stomped, making a chunk of the arena rise before him and sent it soaring through the air with one immense punch. Einor cut the rubble in half, but found a blade against his neck.
The arena fell silent as a victor had finally been decided or that's what it appeared. Though it had only been twenty or so minutes since the start of the duel, the arena was in shambles as craters riddled the once flat surface. My eyes moved throughout the space and fell upon the line of dummies toward the back. A large hole could be seen in the cement wall along with a scorched trail that stopped a few yards away as bystanders peered through at us. Several of the practice dummies were nothing but ash as the others had a blade stuck hilt deep in the center of their chest. My eyes returned to the two responsible for such a mess.
I watched as Einor and King Udreth bled from several cuts throughout their bodies some of which seemed deep. A trail of charred cloth ran the length of King Udreth's coat as the tail end smoldered. Einor's once white shirt was dyed crimson as a large gash ran diagonally across his chest revealing parts of the long healed burns of his chest. Neither one seemed untouched by the battle as they stood with their eyes locked on one another. As they stood, the right sleeve of our father's coat fell to the ground allowing the twenty one brand forever burned into Einor's shoulder to be seen by all present.
Laughter boomed from the king as he removed his blade and took a step back revealing the true outcome of the duel as a small blade stopped just millimeters from piercing his gut. "I'd call it a draw," he roared as he extended a hand to my brother, "what say you?"
For the first time since Siegfried, I saw my brother smile like he did when we were children. Without any doubts about the outcome, Einor sheathed his blades and accepted the hand. "Guess we will need to discuss what happens now? Got any ale?"