Chapter 2 - (Part 1)

Stirring out of my bed, I heard banging coming from my door. Taking a moment to get my bearings I stood up and stretched.

“Who is it?”

“It’s Brenda. You awake yet?”

“Nh. Yeah I am now. What you want?”

“Breakfast is ready Dustin.”

“Okay. I’ll be down in a minute.”

Hearing her footsteps leaving, I noticed that the room was blindingly bright.

“Why is it so bright in here” I whispered, rumbling eyes.

Looking around, I noticed that the sky has finally cleared up, and the chirping of birds reached my ears.

The sunlight feels so good. Almost forgotten how it felt.

Stretching a bit more, I went over to my duffle bag, taking out my armor, and putting it on.

With my sword at my side, I walked out of the door and down the stairs.

***

“Morning. Get a good night of rest?” Brenda asked.

“Yeah. Feel pretty refreshed now.”

“Good. Now sit down and make yourself comfortable. I’ll be back with your food.”

“Thanks.”

Watching her leave into the kitchen, I sat down next to the fire place.

After a waitress gave me some boiled water, I noticed some individuals walking towards me.

“Hey there. These seats taken?”

Replying to the shaggy looking man, “No, they’re not. Feel free to sit anywhere.”

“Thanks.”

Sitting down, they began discussing among themselves.

“You guys hear about the brigade that marched out during sunrise?”

“Yeah, they’re was quite a ruckus yesterday, with everyone running around.”

“I heard that they’re marching straight south to meet the monster horde coming.”

“Rumor around town says there is a wyvern or a dragon is within their ranks.”

“A wyvern!?” the saggy man coughed on his water.

“Shhh, don’t make a scene. Did you hear about it too kid?”

Being addressed by a tall, skinny man, I nodded.

“I actually saw it already.”

With multiple gasps, they looked at me unbelievably.

Addressing me again he asked, “Really now. What did it look like?”

“It was pale blue, and over ten meters long. It breathed an azure flame, freezing the atmosphere. I still can’t forget the way it looked at me, like some kind of prey.”

“I see, must be true then. My buddy from the army told me the same thing, when he was told by his superior. Reckon not many people heard those fine details.”

I nodded in agreement, when the saggy man interrupted.

“Bullshit. No way would a wyvern leave the mountains of the south”

“It’s true what I said, Nick. Apparently all the higher ups in Amber Light are making a huge fuss about this. Some of them are claiming the storm from yesterday is what brought them down here.”

“So it’s the storms fault now? Might be true, considering that eerily glow since a week ago. But even that wouldn’t drive a beast like that down here.”

“Maybe something more dangerous appeared there?”

“Steve stop, you’re being superstitious. I don’t want you to trouble the lad here.”

Looking at me, Nick gave me a weary grin.

“Don’t worry about it, you guys. I’ll be fine. Might not look like much, but I’m quite capable on my own.” I said gesturing towards my sword.

“True that.” Steve laughed, “So you’re a swordsman then? What’s your name sonny?”

“Just call me Dustin. Just arrive in town three days ago.”

“I see. Well I’m Steve and this next to me is Nick.”

“Nice to meet you Dustin. I also consider myself a swordsman.”

“What are you talking about Nick? You can’t even flay a dam catfish right.”

“You’re one to talk Steve. Last time I heard, you tried out for one of the reserves, but couldn’t even make it after a single day of training.”

“Blasphemy, I’ll always be better than you.”

While I listen to them bicker to one other, Brenda came by with our food.

“Here you go Dustin. You may want to hurry though. I just heard that the staff at the clinic had already left with the guards.”

“Thanks Brenda, I’ll do that.”

“No problem dear. Don’t let your girlfriend get hurt you hear?”

“She’s not my girlfriend. Just a friend in general.”

“Sure, sure. Whatever you say. <3”

“Ugh, no wonder she can’t stand you….” I whispered to myself.

“Hmm?”

Straightening my expression, I asked, “So, Brenda. You know what would be the quickest way to catch up with them?”

Crossing her arms and placing a finger to her chin, she said, “If I remember, exiting from the east gate, then go straight south from the intersecting roads .Should get you there in a couple of hours, before night fall.”

“Looks like I really do need to hurry.”

“Yep. See you around. Later Dustin.”

“You too and stay safe.” I replied, giving her a wave.

Turning back to my food, I noticed that Steve and Nick had finally settle their differences.

“Nick I’m still better than you.”

“Keep dreaming Steve.”

Perhaps they haven’t settle anything.

As I was eating my breakfast, Nick turned to me.

“Couldn’t help, but notice that you and the innkeeper were having a secret chat.”

“Now you say that, I do remember him being all lovey dovey with that hag.”

Giving a stiff smile I replied, “And here, I thought you guys were too busy to notice anything.”

“Aye, we usually bicker with one another. It just shows, how close we are.” said Nick.

Nodding in agreement, Steve said, “So you’re heading straight out then?”

If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

“Yeah, after I eat first though. Planning on getting a horse at the gate, then making straight to their encampment.”

Thinking for a moment, Steve said, “Just be careful out there. Monsters encounters have been rising for the past few years.”

“Thanks. I’ll keep that in mind.”

Nick followed up saying, “Especially watch out for giant spiders. They like stalking travelers, before they strike when you’re not paying attention.”

“Did you say giant spiders?”

Nodding, he continued, “Yeah, they are mean buggers. Heard some mercenaries found a colony of them near here. The black ones are quick on their feet, and red ones can spit venom for meters. If you protect your eyes and watch your surroundings, you should be fine.”

Adding on to that, Nick said, “Also, if you find anything else out there, you should report it.”

“So giant spiders were real. And here I thought, they were made up stories for kids.”

Witnessing them both nodding in agreement, I said.

“Okay well I’m finished eating already, I guess I’ll head out and get ready.”

“Take care.”

“Be safe.”

Waving them goodbye, I exited the Owl’s Inn, making my way east.

***

Without a single cloud in the sky, I can finally see the blue sky. The roads were less busy than yesterday, and multiple shops were closing early, in preparations for the horde. Looking around I noticed quite a few guards wondering about, mostly striking up conversations with a few of the merchants.

“Rather peaceful here, compared to yesterday.” I mumbled to myself.

As I walked to the east gate, the number of soldiers increased, until I was in, seeing distance of the gate. Before I could get any closer though, I was stopped by a group of soldiers.

“Hey there lad. It’s dangerous to be out wondering about. You did hear about the monsters coming from the south?”

Turning towards him, I said, “Yeah I did. I’m actually heading over to the east gate to catch up with someone.”

Silently he placed his hand on my shoulder and then bent over.

“It’s really not safe out there. It wouldn’t do my conscious any good if I let a young man like yourself out there.”

“Don’t worry too much. I use to live down south until it was attack by the horde. I should be fine following the brigade.”

Glancing at my sword, he straightened himself saying, “I take it that sword isn’t for looks then.”

“Yes sir, it isn’t. I’m rather trained in the art.”

Joyfully he said, “How about this then. Have a little bout with me. If you impress me, I’ll lend you an escort, if not then you have to stay back.”

“The added protection does sound rather good, but how can I trust you then?”

“Indeed. We’ll have someone as a judge, to see if you qualify. So how about it?”

“Sure, where to?”

“After me then.” Said the guard, gesturing me to follow.

While following him, the other group of soldiers caught interest in what was happening and decided to follow along. Hearing whispers, I noticed that the one who challenged me was no ordinary person.

“Is Ben actually dueling with a sprout like that?”

“No way. The captain must be on edge. He must want to relax a bit or do a bit of a warm up with that kid.”

So I was challenged by the captain of the guard... I really hope I don’t screw this up.

Seeing me slightly nervous, Ben said, “Don’t worry about them. They’re pretty round-up too. I’m just doing this more for myself than for you.”

“I see. Please don’t do anything crazy then.”

Smiling to himself, we finally made it to an open lot, overgrown with a few weeds. As the crowd grew in size, Ben went ahead and received two training swords from someone, before tossing me one.

“May I ask what your name is lad?”

“I’m just Dustin, how about yours?”

“Benjamin from the House of Joyce.”

Little bit surprised I asked, “You’re an aristocrat?”

“Just a minor one from a baron. I consider myself more of a swordsman, training to become a master.” chuckled Ben.

Continuing Ben said, “This is more like loosening up for me. However, I’ll still take you serious, so don’t hold back.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll have the honors of first strike then. Would that be okay with you, Benjamin?”

“Yes, it would fine, Dustin.”

Holding the sword up, I grasped it with my right hand as I leaned back, on my left foot. Seeing the change of my atmosphere, Ben did the same, after signaling for the referee to start the match.

With a wave from the judge, I exhaled forcibly raising my left hand to my waist.

“An impressive stance.” murmured Ben.

Soon following my lead, Ben, raised his sword and leaned forward. With his eyes glaring at my every movement, I slowly shuffled my way closer and closer.

Once I was just outside of his strike range, I feinted left with my front foot, before ducking low and stepping to the right.

Slipping up, for just a moment, broke his posture. But he recovered instantly, barely guarding against a horizontal slash to his side.

With a grunt, I was being pushed back as our blades stayed connected.

Watching his body movement, I instinctually back peddled once he tried separating.

Barely seeing a flash of his sword, I noticed it already swinging downwards from where I use to be.

Slightly impressed, I managed to dodge it, Ben said, “Nice footwork there. Surprising, you were able to read my body movement, in a split of a second.”

“Thanks for the compliment. And your last strike was extremely fast.”

“It’s just a technique to force back my opponent. Nothing that impressive”

“I see.”

Smiling contently at my sudden wariness, he took a step back, than charged straight towards me.

With his blade close to his body, he lunge it outward, giving me only a second to react.

Seeing the iron blade less than a foot away from my stomach, I hurriedly made contact with my sword against it, proceeding to step to the side, parrying it away.

Then in one motion, I spun around, rotating my sword into a one eighty spin, aiming for his body.

Recovering from the parry, he ducked down below my blade and slashed towards my legs.

Noticing this incoming blow, I abandon the ground, and leaped into the air.

Slightly amazed, Ben stepped in even closer, letting his blade to continue to move, until he forcibly raised it to meet me midair.

With nowhere to run or dodge, I moved my sword outwards connecting with his, allowing the blow to slide straight up and above my head.

Now landing back on the ground, I crouched suddenly, launching my body forward, drawing my sword upwards in a flash.

Taking a step back from my surprise attack, I managed to graze his chest piece.

However, this was short lived, as I failed to notice him retracting his blade, lunging it forward again, aiming for my shoulder.

With a soft impact, the sword pushed me off balance, signaling the end of the bout.

Grinning intently, he sheathed his sword before clapping.

“Bravo. Not that many people who can get a blow on me like you did.”

Little bit upset for making a rookie mistake, I replied, “Thank you…”

“Don’t be sad. I’m rather good with the blade. Even you pushed me quite a bit. At the end if you didn’t lose focus, then who knows what may have happened.”

“You’re right Ben. A little bit more training, then I would have won.”

Laughing heartily he retorted, “Only maybe. Anyway, you impressed me lad. So to honor our agreement, you can go ahead and pick a guard to tag along with you.”

“I get to pick?”

“Yeah, it would be boorish of me, if I chose someone you wouldn’t get along with.”

Slightly grinning I said, “You’re quiet a likable guy, when you’re not challenging kids to a fight.”

“It was a duel. But anyway, thanks for the warm up. Feels a lot better getting the blood moving.”

“It does feel good to move around a bit.”

“Well I won’t tarry here any longer. I have other plans to attend to. You’re welcome to stay here or continue past the gate ahead. Come see me when you’re free, so we can have another joust.”

Nodding to him, he left into the scattering crowd waving goodbye to me.

He was an impressive swordsman. But that was a warm up for him? That is not even funny to think about. Must be joking around.

While I was thinking to myself in the open lot, I felt a tap on my shoulder.

Turning around I noticed a black haired guard giving me a blinding smile.

“Who are you?” I asked.

“Me? You don’t remember? Try and remember.”

“You do look short of familiar. Yet again, there are a lot of faces I tend to forget.”

Slightly shocked, the black haired man slumped forward a bit.

“Really? Thought we kind of hit it off yesterday.”

“Yesterday?” I said pondering for a bit. “Oh you’re that guard from the smith!”

“Oh you remember now?” said the man perking up quite a bit.

“No, sorry.” I responded placing my arms behind my head.

Immediately he leaned over and let out a sigh.

“I’m Sam, the guy you asked questions to. Like about the sudden increase of guards and stuff.”

“Ah, I remember now. Thanks again for informing me.”

“Well anyway, where is that pretty woman at?”

“Oh her? She is the reason I had to battle your captain.”

Shocked at what I said, he immediately looked both ways, then whispered, “The captain has his eyes on her too?”

Brushing him aside, I responded, “Don’t misunderstand. I was trying to leave so I can catch up with Farris who is currently with the brigade right now. He stopped me, claiming I was too young to go out and stuff. But I think he just wanted to test his blade with mine.”

“Hmm, does sound like captain though. So you’re heading out now?”

“Yeah want to come with?”

Thinking for a moment, he said, “I want to, but the captain won’t let me off the hook then.”

Smiling at him I said, “Don’t worry about it. Ben said I could take an escort with me. So hurry up and let’s go.”

Standing up tall, Sam gave me a high five.

“Nice job lil bro. don’t worry, Sam will accompany you to your mom.”

“She’s not my mother asshole.”

Still smiling, Sam shrugged, hurrying me up to the gate.

“Let’s go before captain changes his mind Dustin.”

“Only if you calm down a bit. I need to rent some horses real quick.”

Slowly we approached the stables, during which, he asked questions about Farris as I answered.

***