Stanley and Sir Joseph sat in the grand study of Stanley's house, the warm glow of candles casting flickering shadows on the walls. The evening air was heavy with silence, broken only by occasional crackles of the fireplace.
Suddenly, the tranquility was murdered. Shattered and splintering woods of the windows exploded as dark figures poured into the room. Six men, clad in black hoods, their faces obscured by masks,stormed the mansion.
Stanley's instinct kicked in. He leapt from his chair, snatching a nearby sword from its display. Sir Joseph drew his own blade, his eyes locked on the intruders.
"Protect Stanley!" Sir Joseph bellowed, charging forward. The two guards that rushed in at the sound of the intruders' entrance, hurriedly moved to Stanley, ready to lay down their lives for him.
"Help him! Don't just stand! Help him!" Stanley ordered at once and the guards rushed to help Sir Joseph.
The attackers moved with deadly precision, their movements fluid and calculated. Stanley parried his first attack, metal clashing against metal. The assailant's sword sliced through the air, mere inches from Stanley's face.
Sir Joseph intervened, his blade dancing with deadly elegance. Stanley quickly stepped in to cover his back, halting an attacker's attempt to strike from behind. He disarmed the attacker, sending the man crashing to the floor. Stanley countered another's strike, their blades locked in a flurry steel.
The study became a battleground. Furniture shattered, books scattered and candles toppled. The combatants clashed, their grunts and heavy breathing filling the air.
Stanley had watched Sir Joseph train since the last week and had learned some new things. He executed a perfect riposte, sending his opponent stumbling back. Sir Joseph fought with seasoned skill, taking down two attackers.
The two guards were badly injured and Stanley had to help them to a safer side of the study with Sir Joseph protecting him.
Despite being outnumbered, the duo held their ground, Stanley landed a solid kick, sending the attacker crashing into the wall. Sir Joseph dispatched another with a swift slash.
The remaining assailants that could still walk helped their companion and they vanished into the night as suddenly as they appeared. The study lay in shambles.
Stanley and Sir Joseph stood panting, their chests heaving. "Are you injured?" Sir Joseph asked, inspecting Stanley.
Stanley shook his head. "No, thank to you."
Sir Joseph expression turned grave. "Master returns tomorrow! Nothing more must go wrong."
As if on cue, a messenger burst into the room. "Sir Joseph, Lord Ardo has arrived."
"Summon the guards. Well secure the house." He said and after a moment, he added. "Get this boys a nurse."
The night wore on, the house transforming into a fortress within minutes. Guards patrolled the grounds, torches casting eerie shadows.
Minutes later, in the study, Derek arrived, his face etched with worry. "Thank the heavens you're safe, boy."
"Yeah, I know. Thanks to Sir Joseph." Stanley said back.
"I owe you a debt of gratitude." Derek said to Sir Joseph. He placed his hand on the younger Mage's shoulder,fatherly. Sir Joseph slightly bowed his head in honor. Derek turned to leave.
"You. Why are you here? You shouldn't arrive till tomorrow." Stanley asked his father and a little bit of disdain could be detected in his voice.
"Change of plans." Derek replied and walked away and Sir Joseph followed him. He ordered after they took some steps away from Stanley. "Double the guards!" His voice was slightly above a whisper.
"Already did." He answered in exactly the same tone he was spoken to.
•••
Few hours later, King Ryler, dressed in commoner attire, arrived at The Dragon's Spur (that's the nickname given to Derek's villa). The evening air carried the scent of blooming flowers as he dismounted his horse.
As Derek saw whom his visitor was, he walked to him raising an eyebrow questioning the King silently.
"Derek, I had to come. News of the attack reached me. Is Stanley harmed?" Ryler said as he shook Derek's hand.
Derek nodded. "Thanks to Sir Joseph, he's safe." Derek thought of something he didn't note, then he asked, "How'd you know? I mean, it happened this night and 'news still reached you'!"
"Actually, I overheard some villagers on my way here." Ryler pointed out.
"Ohhhh! I see!" Derek said and pointed to the King's attire, with his eyes asking his question again.
"I didn't want to draw attention." The King said smiling childishly. He then asked. "How was your journey?" He started walking away.
Derek followed the King after signalling the guards to stay there. When he replied, he was rather unhappy. "Eventful!"
"Yeah, I know. Joseph told me as he escorted me in. Don't you think something's fishy." Ryler said back, his expression grave. "I suspect this attack targets you, not Stanley. Someone's trying to eliminate you."
"I've suspected as much. People can be treacherous." Derek said as his eyes became clouded. "They attacked here first—"
"Then they ambushed you."Ryler completed. "They knew the study's where you stay the most."
"Well,they know very little about me." Derek said smiling. "I won't die anytime soon."
"No, you won't. Not until I command so."
They walked past the garden, and proceeded towards the training yard. They said nothing to each other. And in the silence, their minds raced around, trying to find a solution to the problem facing them. They entered the yard, and the King walked to the weapon rack. He grabbed a long spear and tossed a sword to his sworn brother.
"How long has it been?" Derek said teasingly.
"Thirteen months...I think." King Ryler was a little ashamed
"You are no match for me!" Derek looked at the King condescendingly.
At once,the spar began!
About half an hour later,they were exhausted. Both of them crashed to the floor of the yard. They stared at each other for about a minute before they bursted, laughing. They were both surprised at how old they've grown. In their younger days,they could spar for hours without feeling the slightest form of fatigue, and even go to battle the next day. That was how agile the two friends were.
King Ryler's eyes narrowed. "Derek, do you suspect anyone in particular?"
Derek hesitated, choosing his words carefully. "Well,there are several individuals who might benefit from my...removal, so I can't say for sure. Moreover, I have no concrete evidence."
King Ryler's expression turned thoughtful. "I'll dispatch men to investigate. Discreetly, of course."
Derek nodded. "Thank you, brethren. I really appreciate your support."
As they sat in silence, the rustling of leaves carried by the cool night breeze filled their mind with innocence.
King Ryler spoke up,his voice low. "Derek, do you remember when we were younger? Our campaigns together?"
Derek smiled. "You were the most reckless prince I've met."
King Ryler chuckled. "You kept me in line, Derek. Those were simpler times."
Derek nodded. "Indeed. Now, as king and advisor, our responsibilities weigh heavily."
Their conversation flowed effortlessly, reminiscing about past battles and shared victories.
As the night wore on, King Ryler stood. "Derek, I must leave. But remember, let me know on your findings."
Derek walked King Ryler back to his horse. "Thank you so very much. It means a lot."
As the King's horse galloped away and guards followed, Derek couldn't help but feel uneasy. Who was behind the attack? And what did they want?
As he entered, he met Sir Joseph. "Joe, I need you to keep the King safe."
Immediately, Sir Joseph walked to the door, grabbed a black cloak, and blended with the night. If someone was after him, the person must know him well...who he met and who visited him. So that puts the King's life in danger, and the only person he could trust a life to his Sir Joseph.
•••
Stanley and Sir Joseph strolled through the bustling market streets, the warm sunlight casting long shadows behind the vibrant stalls. Merchant touted their wares, from exotic spices to intricately woven fabric, as the aroma of freshly baked bread wafted through the air. The sound of clanging hammer and chatter filled atmosphere.
Suddenly, a commotion erupted nearby. A woman's shriek pierces the air as a nimble thief snatched her purse, sending some of her precious belongings scattering. Without hesitation, Stanley sprinted after the culprit, his long strides devouring the distance.
Sir Joseph followed suit, his soldier's instinct kicking in. The thief darted through the crowded alleys, weaving past startled onlookers. Some boys too already joined the chase. Stanley's determination drove forward, his eyes locked on the fleeing figure. He gained ground, his foot steps pounding the cobblestones.
Finally, Stanley grabbed the thief's collar, spinning him around. The thief's eyes widened as Stanley's firm grip held him place. Stanley jerked the purse from him.
Sir Joseph arrived, his face stern. "You're coming with me." He growled and grabbed the thief by the collar. He pulled him to a center where everyone could see, and drew his sword. "By the name of the King—"
Stanley intervened, his hand on Sir Joseph's arm. "Wait. Let's hear him out.
"A thief? As a member of The Jade Steel Legion, I can't let him go." Sir Joseph pointed out. The Jade Steel Legion was one of Miravalia's military division. As a member you can enforce the law immediately, without waiting for the King's command. It was the largest, strongest and most important division of the army. Sir Joseph wouldn't be able to help the thief even if he had a good reason.
The woman arrived at the scene and Stanley handed her the purse. Upon getting her purse back, she thanked Stanley profusely. He looked at the thief, his gaze softened. "Why did you steal?"
The thief hesitated before speaking, his voice barely above a whisper. "I...I haven't eaten in days. My family's starving."
Sir Joseph moved close to Stanley that only he could hear him. "Master Stanley, as a soldier and an Jade Steel, I must uphold the law right here,right now. His hands must drop."
Stanley's response was calm. "I understand, but mercy is more powerful than punishment. He deserves a chance...a second chance."
"That is not for me to decided!" Sir Joseph pulled out his sword and held firm ready to carry out judgment. The crowd gasped in pity.
"Wait," Stanley ordered Sir Joseph, then faced the woman. "Do you forgive him?"
The woman looked at everyone there, she then nodded affirmative. Even if she didn't want to forgive him, with the eyes that were there, she had to.
"C'mon Joseph." Stanley said pleadingly.
Sir Joseph's eyes drifted shut, his chest heaving with unspent adrenaline. With deliberate slowness, he sheathed his sword, its metallic whisper echoing through the air. His gaze, when he opened his eyes, was tinged with frustration, his jaw clenched in a mixture of disappointment and resignation. He knew he had to let it go, but the urge to act still simmered beneath the surface.
Stanley smiled and he and Joseph kept an eye contact for some seconds. Stanley's gratitude was expressed within that moment. He faced the thief. "You'll work for me now, as my personal horseman. You'll earn your keep and feed your family."
The thief's eyes welled with gratitude. "Thank you, sir."
"Don't thank me. Thank him." Stanley said and he and Sir Joseph walked away.
As they walked away, Sir Joseph whispered. "Your compassion shall be your downfall."
Stanley replied. "Perhaps, but it's worth the risk taking."
The sun dipped sun below the horizon, casting a warm orange glow over the city. Stanley, Sir Joseph and the former thief,now horseman, walked away towards the road that led to the Dragon's Spur.