What makes a man honourable?
The blades meet with a clang, a quick downwards thrust pushes the foe backwards. I lunge and press the advantage only to be sidestepped and see him spin and bare his blade. I jump backwards a couple of feet and ready my guard.
Is it the foes he kills in battle?
The swords meet each other a second time, but i'm more prepared now. I force his blade across mine until I have it secured in my hilt and I twist my sword. He loses his grip and I plunge my blade firmly into his unguarded chestplate to his shrill and yet short screams.
Is it those he deems worthy of his protection?
His body has barely touched the ground before the next warrior approaches, glaive in hand. "You can't kill enough of us to protect your petty kingdom, My liege" he scowls, sarcasm dripping off of him. Before I can respond he charges forward with his glaive outstretched.
Or is it the fact he refuses to use underhanded tactics against a foe?
I wait till the last possible second to dodge his charge, my efforts rewarded with an arrow in my left shoulder. "You cheating bastards!" is all I can muster before I am charged yet again whilst also having to watch the archer who has decided to join the fray. "Hey come on now" the glaive user bellows, "We may have agreed to duel you one at a time, but since you're gonna die anyway I thought we should hurry it along!"
It is clear to me now, These men were never going to fight fair.
"Have you no honour?" I mutter as I continue my dance of parrying and dodging. ""Your honour means nothing to us, we just want your head"". I was a fool to think they would hold to their terms, I never had a chance in a "fair" fight. As i'm lost in thought, he lunges! I dodge a fraction too late and he slices along the side of my forehead cutting just deep enough to draw blood. Through the crimson veil descending my face I see them for what they are, "I understand now that you really are honourable men" I announce lowering my blade. "Oh and what do you mean by that your Highness?" The archer shouts, the tone of his voice grating against my ears.
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These were honourable men, for honour is a cowards tool!
"A tool you used to convince me to fight alone" I exclaim. "However if we are allowed to fight unfairly...." I raise my left arm."Honour this and honour that, Shut up and die already!" The glaive user screeches as he readies for his final charge. "Very well" I smirk as I begin to carve a pentagram into the air in front of me.
"Archon Tree I Beg,
Destroy my foes Before me,
Shock my enemies!"
As I finish the incantation glorious rods of Lightning dart forwards and attack every part of the enemies staring in horror. In mere moments a glaive falls to the floor, its master and his ally sailing gently among the wind. Their ashes returning to the Archon Tree,"no..n...no-one said he was a mage!" One of the soldiers waiting screams as he, much like his comrades turns and runs from the battlefield. I turn and begin walking towards the city gates. A man clad in dazzling steel plate approaches "my apologies your Highness for not stepping in, but you did say under no circumstances was I to intervene, not that you needed me" he grinned. I place a hand gently upon his shoulder. "Of course Tyrn, old friend, and i'm eternally grateful for your candour". As we step through the gates ear piercing cheers erupt throughout the city.
"All hail the King, who alone managed to scare off the black fang raiders! All
Hail King Regus The Stalwart!"
"All hail the king, All hail the king" The soldiers and citizens cry as I humbly wave. As I march through the town towards the Alloyan palace I find myself greeted with the sight of my lovely, and angry wife Queen Noriah. "ah, Noriah my darli-" The distinct sound of a hard slap courses through the air as everyone stops abruptly and looks away."You had me sick with worry, puffing up your chest and agreeing to some stupid duel!". Before I can respond she holds me tight in a comforting embrace, "but at least you're okay! Now come on and get yourself treated, your children have been eagerly awaiting your return, you know how they love your stories".
As I ascend the steps, with soldiers marching either side of me and citizens staring excitedly I decide to turn around and gaze fondly at the city below. This city is the pride of the realm with its incredible advancements in Magi-Tek and Magecraft, its constant stream of traders and educators and even with its bustling trades whether mercenary or culinary and who even knows what else. But before I can turn back I notice the sky above the city, not its normal rich shade of blue but somehow darker and almost...imposing? But I must be imagining things, This is my city after all, My home, My Family, My...DYSTADIA!
Just a short intro to begin but much more to come (if people enjoy it)