LEO

“Again!” Den shrieked with a primal fierceness.

There was nothing more in the world Leo wanted than to say no. When the boy had shown up at dawn’s training session and challenged Leo to spar, he hadn’t expected it to last twelve rounds. Leo had won the first four matches but the fifth went to Den. His strength was more than that of his age and stature but it was his unrelenting stamina that took its toll on Leo.

Leo oft reckoned that if he was commonborn he wouldn’t have taken to the sword at all. Not by choice. When he would parry with other young lords he fought more for pride than bloodlust. But as it turns out he had a knack to the blade. Roost Nickel, the Master of Arms at Vanguard, noted a swiftness to his foot compared to the brutishness or sloppiness of his contemporaries.

There was a preference for training in the field in the Forelands so Vanguard’s courtyard was rarely brimming with trainees. But this morning it was empty. Leo welcomed that.

“I’ve seen stallions with less energy that this tyke.” Kiann commented as he stood against the armory’s door.

Leo took his time inside catching his breath while young Den waited for more. Roost kept a tidy but ranged collection of steel weapons on hand for the Vanguard’s knights, squires and of course the Astarre family themselves.

Maces and morning stars of varying sizes filled one corner. Leo had only been allowed to use those under the strictest of watch in fear their heavy head might swing around and he deface himself. “Mutilate yourself if you wish cousin, just not on my watch.” Kiann instructed him. He thought it best not to chance his luck today.

Passing over them lay an arrangement of close quarter armaments, daggers, hand axes, and even a Yinnish halberd. Kiann once claimed to know a merchant from Sol'Ra who possessed a curved sword that would best any in close combat, but the weapon did not materialise as easy as his coin disappeared.

Pikes and spears, though the most common weapon on a battlefield, were only numbered in their dozen in the armoury.

As usual it was the swords that caught Leo’s eye. He brought his hand to the hardwood pummel of a rapier. He picked up the long blade with ease and spun it through the air. The rapier was light and agile, Leo could move the sharp steel through the air fast enough to hear it.

Leo’s father did not like to see him training with the rapier often. “It was a sword built for dueling rather than the battlefield.” He would say. But Leo preferred it, he didn’t have to fight against it, instead fought with him.

Kiann prodded Leo to return to the courtyard and the two raised their swords for the sixth time. Leo pressed his strong foot behind his weak one, steadied his grip on his hilt and watched Den’s feet. He would make the first move, Leo was sure of it.

Sure enough the boy sprung like a greyhound, yelling as he did. Leo played defensive at first allowing Den’s sword to parry off his.

He would swing his blade four times in the time it took Leo one. The hits weren’t always hard hitting. It was their constant barrage that kept Leo on the defensive. Den’s rash style embodied his personality. In short, everything Master Nickle had instructed Leo not to do. Leo had practiced with most of the knights in the castle and while he had always assumed they went easy on him he had experienced nothing like this.

Finally, Den tired himself enough for an opening. Leo swung. He was quick and agile. Faster than Den could react. Leo brought his sword down hard. Den raised his sword to meet it.

Master Nickle had always preferred strength to speed so Leo learned to use swings that were calculated and precise. Den was forced back by Leo’s strike. Leo pushed forward, readying the hilt in his hand to strike again. As Den stepped back he lost sight of his own feet and tripped himself up.

Leo held his blade out in triumph. Den dropped his sword in a huff. The two caught their breaths. Leo sheathed his own sword and offered out his hand to Den. Den smirked and threw his hand up at Leo. A cloud of sand blacked out Leo’s sight.

Leo’s eyes stung. He couldn’t see. His hands clung to his eyes trying to free himself of the pain. Next a foot wrapped around his own and hands pushed him down hard on his back. By the time some of his vision had returned a sword stared him down, Den grinning behind it.

“That’s cheating.” Leo said, wiping the sand from his eyes.

“It’s winning.” Den replied.

“That’s enough.” Kiann called out from the sidelines. “Put the blades away, good lad.”

“But I want to go again.” Den cried out. This time Leo ignored him, walking away and hopping over the practice yard’s fence.

“Another time, we’ve got to get ready.” Kiann yelled back as he and Leo walked off together. “Impressive cousin.” Kiann prodded gently.

Leo thanked the gods the courtyard was nearly empty. Most of the soldiers were preparing to leave. Leo didn’t think himself prideful but being kicked down by a child is not something he needed.

The two headed for the main courtyard.

“Thanks for the getaway. That craggy boy doesn’t play fair.” Leo said, working out the last grains from his eye.

“That’s just their way.” Kiann said. “He has three older brothers. All gobshites. But all good in a fight.” Kiann gace a reassuring pat to Leo. “It's best to mix things up. Wars aren’t always won by honourable knights.”

“They aren’t fought by nine year olds either.” Leo replied.

“Depends how long the war lasts.” Kiann laughed. “Besides that nine year old bested you a few strikes.” He added with teasing intent. But Leo lacked the competitive edge to take the bait, instead shrugging it off. “You’re good you know? Losing to the kid aside. I trained every day to be able to do what you could when I was your age.” Kiann said.

“Master Nickle says I’m a good listener.” Leo stated. Master Nickle had his frustrations with getting Leo on the training pit but once there he sung his praises. Whether it was moving his foot one way or contouring his back another, Leo always found it easy to move his body whatever way it had to. When Nickle asked him how he acquired this skill Leo just answered he knew how to listen to his body to which Nickle simplified to being a good listener.

“You’re good.” Kiann repeated. “But you could be great. If you gave it the time. Did more than just what was asked of you.”

That prospect did not excite Leo in the way he assumed other boys would be. “There’s a difference between being good at something and liking it.”

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“Is there? I like all the things I’m good at.” Kiann boasted as the two passed beneath the Pyre Tower.

Vanguard castle was originally built in 335 by three strong families. The Pyres were the most populous with generations nearing twelve a marriage. They say most houses in the Forelands can trace some relative to the Pyre lineage. But as their numbers grew so did their bickering. Small squabbles turned into big ones. Over time the Pyre’s divided their house to nothing, until the last were left fighting over silverware. Until even that was gone. Now there are no more Pyres.

Leo’s father would tell him that now Pyre tower stands as a reminder that we must stand by family against all else. A man can survive any storm with nothing but his family around him.

But now the storms were approaching and most of Leo’s family was leaving. It would be before midday when the final preparations were ready. Leo did not feel he would be ready. Kiann would be travelling with Allard and seemed in high spirits about the notion.

“I’ll be able to see knights from half the realm.” He spoke wistfully of his journey to come. “The albino mare of White Castle are the quickest horses alive, making their cavalry deadly in battle. And Scorchrock has a legion of charter knights called the Freecloaks who are trained in every form of fighting..”

Leo interrupted. “Charter knights? Like sell-swords?”

“Exactly. Liege Lord Jasper Terra is very off-hands with his leadership. His approach has led to the rise of Vulcan as a city big enough to rival the Capital. Though it’s not supposed to be as pretty. But I hear the girls are more favoured by the gods.” Kiann said. “Where was I?”

“You were bragging of all the adventurers you’ll get to witness while I’m stuck here.” Leo replied.

“Right you are.” Kiann returned. “Above all I’m most excited to see the knights of the Order of the Griffin. Twelve of the most legendary knights in the realm. Each with enough heroic tales to fill a night at the fire. What I wouldn’t give to spar with any of them.”

“Are they good knights?” Leo asked, stopping Kiann in his tracks.

He let out a burst of laughter at Leo’s questions. “Dear Leo. Never change.”

But after a moment's pause Kiann answered. “They’re the crown’s hand picked exemplars. I’m sure they’re perfectly lovely.” He said humouring Leo. But Leo did not like being humoured.

They came to a stop outside the gatehouse. Kiann took it in for the last time in who knows how long. “I best be off and give a hand. I’ll see you down there before then?”

Leo nodded and Kiann turned away. “Oh, and I wouldn’t worry about being left behind Leo. Most of our journey will be endless plains and sore bums. You’re the one who gets to be Lord of Vanguard!”

Leo strolled into the castle into the empty great hall. He walked passed the chairs and tables towards the high table. Den wouldn’t come in here at least. Am I doomed to spend the next few weeks avoiding a feral tyke?

Nobody was sure how long he would be here. When his father Lord Gallen went back home Den was left behind. It was assumed to be a formal way of having a Gallen present during the discussions. But after the talking was finished and the last of the Lords went back to their holds, Den stayed. As the convoy north was preparing to leave he showed no signs of leaving.

In truth Leo complained unduly about the boy because it was easier than admitting what loomed larger in his mind. Something his father’s chair on the table reminded him of.

Instead Leo decided to go to Elsa’s chamber knowing she was still packing even at the last minute. Not because of procrastination but because she would have overpacked. Elsa thinks herself practical but is far too mawkish for Leo’s liking when it comes to simple things like attire and ornaments.

Climbing up the steps to her room a light fairy voice bounced down the hall. “Aren’t we the most fortunate girls in the land!? They say Sentinel is one of the most beautiful castles in the world. With modern, pretty finishes, an endless display of tapestries, and beautiful fields as far as the eye can see.” The girl enthused with her eyes shut tight and a smile on her lips.

Leo stood in the doorway watching Elsa organise her clothing despite the musings of her accomplice. Tressa was a maid attendant to Elsa and as such would be travelling with her in their journey to the Sentinel. She was a kind girl but was a lot of what Leo’s mother warned of in dreamy maids.

“Have you heard what they say of young Lord Ryain? With his sun kissed skin and fair, flowing locks? I hear the little lord sings. Mayhaps he will write you a song.” Tressa spoke almost in verse, exciting herself, her blue dress likely meant to match Elsa’s bounced with every note.

“I’m sure Lord Ryain is very pleasant. But I will keep an open mind until I’ve met him myself.” Elsa responded with her focus on her folding.

“You’re too reserved, Elsa. If you open yourself, who knows what you’ll find.” Tressa said with her eyes gleaming.

“Tressa’s right sister. Who knows, mayhaps you two shall fall in love.” Leo announced himself.

Elsa wanted to groan Leo knew but Tressa’s excitement was too much at the mention of the word. “Oh, do you think it too, Lord Leo? I didn’t want to presume but this truly is like a maiden’s tale.”

“I haven’t even met the lord. Mayhaps give us a chance to greet each other.” Elsa sighed.

“They say Queen Llyanna fell in love with King Orson at first sight.” Tressa added.

“Jolly for them.” Elsa said, turning to Leo. “Brother, as you can see I have enough help packing. Is there something you need?”

“Can I not say goodbye to my sister?” Leo asked with enough cheek to hide the earnestness of his words.

“No, no, you are right.” Tressa insisted as she collected her coat. “I shall not get between a sibling moment. They say the bond between twins is even stronger, this will likely be tough for you two. Be strong.” Tressa eyed Elsa maidenly as she headed for the door. “I will venture down to the courtyard. If my luck persists I will catch the eye of Sir White.”

With that Tressa’s light tap of footsteps echoed down the hall.

“Who is her, Sir White?” Leo asked, sitting on Elsa’s bed.

“She fancies Kiann. But don’t say a word of it.” Elsa prematurely scolded before Leo could say anything.

“Very well. How are you for the journey?” Leo asked.

“Well enough. Mother says I have to empty one of my bags.” Elsa said gesturing at a pile of old clothes Leo couldn’t fathom struggling to leave behind. They like didn’t even fit her well. Not well enough for the precious Lord Ryain Reaper. “It isn’t a long ride to Sentinel anyhow. I feel worse for father and the rest going the whole way.”

“Still, you have your own concerns.” Leo said. As far as he was concerned there was no difference to the distance between the Claim and the capital. “Is it true father’s leaving you no attendants?”

“Tressa’s accompanying me.” Elsa said.

“But no knights.” Leo added.

“Do I need any knights?” Elsa asked back.

“You don’t.” Leo admitted. “But the entire reason father asked you to meet with Lord Reaper’s son was to ensure they are fully in the fold. Which means there’s reason to believe they’re not.”

Elsa turned to face him. “Do you think father would put me in danger?”

“Not intentionally.” Leo said. “You know we aren’t privy to every particular that father and mother are.”

Elsa moved away from her baggage and sat on the bed at Leo’s side. “Do you know why we work well as a pair? We’d rather worry about each other’s problems than our own.” Leo goes quiet at that. “You don’t have to stress. Master Selmond and Master Nickle will be here the entire time. As well as mother.”

“Mother.” Leo repeated. “She probably has less faith in me than I do.”

“Don’t say that, Leo. She believes in you. We all do. You’ll do us proud. I’m sure of it.” Elsa says with a gentle hand on his shoulder. “We asked them to let us help. They’re counting on us to play our roles.”

“I know, I know.” Leo muttered, playing with his fingernails. “Don’t stay up there too long.”

“Do you think I’ll fall in love and abandon you for some fledgling poet?” Elsa teased. “Sibling moment. The cheek. To think we couldn’t go a few weeks without one another.”

But as Elsa finished her thought Leo threw his arms around her holding her tight, hiding his face over her shoulder. It was easier for her, he knew. But that’s alright. He always knew they wouldn’t have each other forever.