The two faced off in the center of the courtyard. The air was heavy with tension as guards and servant slowly gathered to watch the duel. Sir Joseph drew his sword, its blade glinting in the sunlight. While, Stanley, drew a slender rapier, its length and agility perfected suited to his quick and nimble movement.
As the duel commenced, Sir Joseph was surprised at Stanley's unexpected skill with a sword. Despite having never formally practiced martial arts or swordsmanship, Stanley's movement were fluid and intuitive, his strikes landing with surprising precision. Sir Joseph found himself on the defensive, even though he kept pace with Stanley's unorthodox yet effective technique.
The two combatants danced across the training yard,their blades flashing in the sunlight. Sir Joseph's training and experience gave him quite a lot of advantages, but Stanley's innate talent and adaptability tried to close the gap. The duel became a fierce and intensive exchange, each blow landing with precision and power.
As the duel raged on, the onlookers watched with awe, their voices hushed in reverence. The guards and servants had never seen 'the jovial young master' display such skill. Even Sir Joseph, a battle-hardened veteran, seemed impressed by the Young master's martial prowess.
Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the duel concluded. Sir Joseph stood panting, his eyes wide with astonishment. He moved to Stanley and studied the lad for a moment or two. He dropped his sword and opened Stanley's eyes wider with his thumbs. He looked at it intently, before Stanley jerked his head off Sir Joseph's grip.
"You're a Kyokai Riven, Stanley." He exclaimed. That explains it all. "A rare gift indeed." Sir Joseph was less about Stanley's martial and swordsmanship prowess. Kyokai is a term used for innate martial artist. And Riven is used for any naturally gifted swordsman. And to his utmost surprise, Stanley possessed both which was really rare.
Stanley was lost. He didn't understand what the older man was saying. It was then he notices at their audience. Only one glance at them, and they all started to disperse. He was still confused but decided not to ask Sir Joseph, memorizing those two words in order to ask Nick to explain them.
Stanley's face flushed with excitement at he made a fervent request. "I beg of you, teach me. I want to learn. Be my master, please."
Sir Joseph's expression turned stunned, his mind reeling from the sudden display of dedication from the nonchalant and often insensible Stanley. He has never seen this side of the young master before, and it left him both intrigued and impressed.
For a moment, Sir Joseph stood silent, weighing his options. He had served as a mage and soldier for many years, honing his skills and protecting the realm as much as he can. He was himself a student of Stanley's father...the only surviving students. The thought of taking on a student, especially one as talented and eager as Stanley, was both daunting and exhilarating.
Finally, Sir Joseph nodded, a small smile dancing across his face. "Very well, Stanley. I accept your request. It'd be my pleasure. But be warned, my training methods are not for faint hearts. You will be pushed to your limits, and beyond." Those were the exact words Derek had told him when he wanted to take him in. He remembered the day like it was only a few hours ago.
Stanley's face lit up with excitement, his face shining with anticipation. "I won't hold a bit of myself back."
The two shook hands, sealing their agreements.
Just then, Stanley remembered something. He had to go to the Royal Cadets Academy to see Trevor. He said the previous night that he found him a job there and he needed to go check it out.
Mark Smith, the former thief whom Stanley had saved, came running towards them just as Stanley dropped his sword, ready to pick a race to the stable to get his horse.
"Good that you're here. Get the horse ready at once." Stanley moved away from his new master even though the latter followed.
Mark was a little timid to look at Sir Joseph. "Young master, a dove came flying by. A message for you, sir."
Stanley collected it. "Thank you. Get the horse ready." His voice was clear but soft.
He opened it and in a safe moment, read the content of the little paper. Before Mark was out of ear-shot, he called him and told him not to bother with getting the horse ready. Even though he found Trevor's change of plans strange, he tried not to think anything was wrong.
He faced his master, Sir Joseph, bowed respectfully, before finally leaving the training yard.
•••
In the eastern wing of the Golden Citadel (the palace of Miravalia), a warm evening sunbeam illuminated the tranquil atmosphere, casting a very gentle glow on the beautiful greenery of the gardens around. Amidst this serene setting, Princess Evelyn stood poised, her slender fingers grasping the well-polished wooden bow as she focused on her target. Her raven-haired maid, Elara, stood attentively by her side, offering words of encouragement and support.
Evelyn's piercing emerald eyes sparkled with determination as she drew the bowstring, her slender arms, steady and strong. With a soft whoosh, the arrow soared through the air, striking a 'bull's eye' with precision and accuracy. Elara applaused, her bright smile a tribute to her admiration for the princess's skills.
As they practiced, the sound of approaching footsteps echoed through the courtyard. At once every maid and guards present at the courtyard bowed as the person approached. King Ryler, Evelyn's father, walked slowly but full of vigor. His smooth features creasing into a warm smile as he watched his daughter in action. His broad shoulders, clad in the finest velvet, seemed to fill the whole courtyard as he strode towards Evelyn.
"Ah, Baby girl, you're just as skilled as your father!" King Ryler exclaimed, his fine, slightly deep voice booming across the courtyard. "Your marksmanship is...muah." Gesturing lively as he blew a kiss to her. "You've been practicing delegently too. That's good! I'm proud!"
Evelyn's cheeks flushed with pleasure as she curtsied, her golden gown rustling softly. "Thank you, Father. I've been working hard to improve my skills."
As they strolled through the courtyard, arm-in-arm, King Ryler's expression lost a bit of it's smiles. "Baby, I know you enjoy archery, but I must advise to focus on more...feminine pursuits. Archery is a masculine activity, and it's not becoming of a princess."
Evelyn's eye narrowed, her grip on the bow tightened. "But, Father, why should I abandon something what I love? You won't allow me to participate in politics...you won't even train me to lead—probably because you'll never let me—, so...what's wrong with me shooting?"
King Ryler's face softened, but his voice remained firm. "Sweetheart, your role isn't to lead the kingdom or engage in politics. Your duty is to marry well and secure alliance with the either of the neighboring kingdoms. That's how it has always been. It's the best way to ensure our kingdom's prosperity."
Evelyn's face fell, her eyes welling up with frustration and disappointment. She opened her mouth to protest but before she could speak, a jovial voice interrupted the tense atmosphere.
"Ah, my friend, I see you're trying to tame the wild spirit of our beloved princess." Lord Derek Ardo chuckled as he approached the pair. His bushy but long eyebrows and wild gray hair gave him his usual handsome appearance and his eyes twinkled with wisdom.
Evelyn's face brightened as she smiled at Lord Ardo, who had been a constant presence in her life since childhood. "Uncle, please tell my father that archery is a suitable pursuit for a princess."
Lord Ardo chuckled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Ah, my dear Eve, I think your father's concerns are more about your safety and well-being than the suitability of archery for a princess. But I'm sure we can find a compromise, can't we, Ryler?"
"My safety and well-being? More like the safety and well-being of the kingdom." Evelyn said to herself but both men heard her, although she had no intention of saying to their hearing.
King Ryler's expression softened, and he nodded, his voice gentler. "Yes, perhaps we can discuss this further,dear. But for now, I need to discuss more pressing matters Derek. We need to make a diplomatic visit to the kingdom of Everia."
As Lord Ardo nodded and gestured for the king to follow him, Evelyn's frustration still simmered beneath the surface. She watched the two men walk away, their voices fading into the distance. Elara's gentle touch on her arm brought her back to the present.
"Your Highness, perhaps it's not the right time push the issue. But I have no doubt you'll find a way to."
Evelyn's lips curled into a determined smile. "You're right, Elara. I'll make sure I do find a way to make my voice heard."