Maximillian blinked, his grandfather droning on and on as his eyes started to droop and his body began to sway, exhaustion eating away at his mind. Suddenly he thought he heard something whistle through the air, his instincts took over as he snapped into the stance ingrained into his muscles and threw his arms up just in time to parry the sword aiming at his head.
The clash of iron jolted Max, his heart pounding against his chest, now fully awake stared at his grandfather standing calm with his sword ready. He tried to think of a clever apology. " I'm sorry grandfat-" But the words caught in his throat as he saw a glint moving through the air and once again his instincts surged into action, this time getting pushed back a couple of steps as he parried the blow.
Not missing a beat Max's grandfather Damien swung his sword horizontally with deadly precision towards Max carrying heavy killing intent, seemingly aiming to cut him in half. Max now realizing he had made a huge mistake his chest tightened as panic squeezed his heart while focused on blocking the sword.
His sword was raised in the air by his head, the strike getting closer every second. Max tensed his muscles calling upon every ounce of strength he had, his fingers began to turn red as he gripped the hilt with so much strength, his biceps and forearms beginning to scream. As every muscle in his body trembled under the strained.The sword reached just a millimeter above his grandfather's sword. "Block and counter."
He thought desperately, his heart pounding against his chest, adrenaline rushing through his body. His sword reached Damien's in a flash.
"Huh? Why was there no sound?" Max thought. His sword still moving towards the ground as it slashed at air. "Where did the old man's sword go?"
Suddenly Max felt a rush of wind go past his neck then a sharp sting, iron was embedded in his skin as blood began slowly flow out of the cut. He froze realizing his grandfather had reached him, his sword resting its weight on Max's neck.
Damien still silent just stared at Max seemingly in thought. "You almost ki-" Max said.
Do you think this is a game?" He calmly interrupted with a dark undertone, his eyebrows furrowed. Max swallowed, his heart picking up speed.
"If so, you will die Maximillian. The binding contract is the most important and the most dangerous part of gaining your threads." He continued still calm.
"It is the one part where a single misstep, a single mistake, a single falter of your will, and you'll die." He continued as he pressed the sword a bit harder into Max.
"And you dare to fall asleep while I am trying to prepare you, you think it's acceptable to make light of the contract." His voice getting louder and louder with each word.
" Do you want to DIE MAXIMILLIAN? DO YOU WANT TO LEAVE US? LEAVE ANA? The mention of his wife pierced further into Max than the blade ever could.
The fire in Damien's eyes and heart began to burn hotter. "IF SO IT IS BETTER IF I KILL YOU RIGHT NOW AND SAVE US SOME TIME AND PAIN. Damien yelled his voice ringing out across the courtyard. The sword still embedded in Max's neck blood trickling down to the floor as his grandfather's words echoed through his mind realizing the gravity of his actions . "I'm sorry grandfather, I have no excuses." Max said as he stared into Damien's eyes "I will be ready for the binding contract tomorrow and I promise you that I will succeed." He continued forcing a slight smile on his face.
The courtyard fell silent as the two men stared at each other for what seemed like eternity, the sword still embedded in Max's neck. Suddenly Damien lowered his sword and spoke his expression unreadable.
"Go get some sleep, you have a long day tomorrow ." His voice softened a bit and the fire dimming in his eyes as his eyebrows unfurrowed. He turned away from Max looking towards the stars in the night sky.
Maximillian stayed still for a moment grappling with saying something but ultimately decided against it, instead he gave his goodbyes and walked out of the courtyard towards his home.
As his steps rung out through the silent courtyard, Damien turned and starred at Max's departing back. "You are the hope of the Acuti Family to bring it back to prosperity " he thought gripping the hilt of his sword tightly "but I can't lose you too."
As Max walked deeper into night, the shadows enveloping him until all that remained was the faint steps that sounded out every couple of seconds. Some time passed Damien still in the courtyard starring into the distance where Max disappeared. Suddenly the silence was broken "You must succeed, you must." He said his voice quiet and low to no one in particular.
The night still his loyal companion.