Act 1: The Beginning

Chapter 1: Another Day

Scene 1:

A shadow comes within view. Whistling, a blade misses a young man. Once again, the sword continues its assault. Over and over again, one sword against another, sparks fly out into the evening sky. Sweating and rugged breathing, the teenager sees an opening. Flinging his sword towards his teacher, he proceeds with his counter attack.

The older man was not going to have any of this. Dodging left and right, jumping and parrying blow after blow, the teacher pushes back the student’s assault.

Dusk creeps up from the surrounding woods. A cool breeze lifts steam off of their training session. All the way till twilight the unending clash between parent and child echoed into the chilled sky.

Feeling blood coursing through his veins, the teenager’s perception of time slows down. The falling of autumn leaves became still and his opponent’s over headed swing is brought to a snail’s speed. Gazing upon the grizzly man, he avoids the slowed strike and thrusts his blade forward.

Screeching reverberated into the air. The man stopped the sudden strike with the hilt of his blade. Balling up his fist, he sends a wind breaking punch into his son’s flank.

Forceful heaving soon followed. On the ground is the young man grasping his side. Face covered with dust, he looked up looking at his father’s grinning face.

Having a hand out, his father grips him, pulling him up. Brushing off the dirt, a slap on the back awakens him from is stupor. Bringing his coughing fit down, he wipes a few tears from his eyes and sheaths his practice sword.

Leaning back and taking in the autumn air, brings him a lukewarm feeling. Catching a rag from his dad, the young man cleans off his dirty face. Placing the towel onto a wooden bench, he follows his father back home.

Everyday ends like this. Training after a long day of hunting and splitting logs. Skinning animals after noon and training until dusk. Getting beaten repeatedly and growing stronger with each passing day. For nine years these days have remained unchanged.

Walking side by side, the duo made their way down the dirt road. Glancing up, the pair noticed the last vestiges of sunlight cracking through from the horizon, turning the night sky crimson red. Passing a few buildings in the village, they stopped and admired the thriving community.

“Jarix has really come a long way. It’s no longer a ghost town like it used to be.”

In the past an airborne illness swept through the land. This illness caused those to become bedridden as they went into coughing fits. Soon a blistering red rash will follow, and the infected will be unable to move and eat. A few days later, they will end up dead.

Contemplating this, the boy still questioned. “Since the Red Plague?”

Wearily smiling, the man roughs up his son's head.

“Yeah. Since then.”

Thinking back to those hard times, the man remembers his deceased son, William. Young and energetic, his youngest son would have always be waiting for him to return after a long day. Jumping into his legs and crawling up to his shoulders, he would come in and enjoy the warmth of his family. Still longing for the feeling of a complete family, the man knows this will never come to pass ever again.

Noticing his father’s melancholy look, the boy pried off the rugged hand on his head, and pulled him towards their house. Soon only cicada filled the atmosphere.

“Dustin. Your swordsmanship is still getting better. Pretty soon you’ll out do even me.”

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Knowing he wasn’t being serious, Dustin frowned at him.

“Would’ve won if you didn’t punch me during our match.” (Dustin)

Noticing his grumbling, the father heartily laughed.

“Cheer up lad. Remember there is no rules on a battlefield.”

“Whatever you say, Lance.” (Dustin)

“Don’t be like that. Linda wouldn’t like you sulking every time you lose.” (Lance)

“At least mom wouldn’t use me as a punching bag.” (Dustin)

“That’s true. But I’m training you for your own good. The world is a vast and dangerous place.” (Lance)

“I know. I just wish you would let me win at least one match.” (Dustin)

“You’ll win once you’re good enough. Your reaction time is pretty good, you just need to hit your growth spurt soon.” (Dustin)

“Yeah…once that happens, you’ll be eating the ground instead…” (Dustin)

“Hmm? What was that Dustin?” (Lance)

“Huh? Oh nothing. Just admiring my sword.” (Dustin)

“Better be. That sword cost quite an amount”, grinned Lance. “Your next birthday present won’t be as expensive.” (Lance)

“But I need a bigger sword. I almost outgrown this one already.” (Dustin)

“I think you can still get another year’s worth out of it.”(Lance)

“I’ll be an adult by then!” (Dustin)

“Yeah, and you’ll be able to buy your own then.” (Lance)

“At least give me one for my birthday tomorrow!” (Dustin)

“I’ll think about it. Linda and I are planning on moving to the capital next month. Up there, they have a school for swordsmanship. Once we get there, I’ll buy you a full size sword as a present.” (Lance)

“You promise?” (Dustin)

“Only after you enroll, and beat me in a match.” (Lance)

“That’s next to impossible”, Dustin groaned. “You’ll just cheat like today!” (Dustin)

“Not cheating if you win in the end.” (Lance)

Star light gradually fell onto the village. Multiple buildings glowed with a pale red as smoke wavered out of the chimneys. In the darkness of night, Dustin and Lance continued their way back home.

“When are we leaving Jarix?” (Dustin)

“After your birthday. The school only accept those with recommendations. Luckily we have some connections.” (Lance)

“Because you use to be a knight?” (Dustin)

“No. I know a noble who owes me one from the Ten Years War.” (Lance)

A little over seventeen years ago, a major war accorded between multiple nations. During this war, Lance was serving the country as a knight under Frederick, the Margrave in charge of the western front. Towards the end of the war, an organized coup occurred in the country, and an assassination order was to be carried out on Fredrick. During the night of the operation, Lance managed to thwart the assassins, earning the gratitude of the noble.

“Is it the same one that made you lose your left hand?” (Dustin)

At the side of the black haired man is an arm with a rounded stump at the end. While protecting Frederick, Lance ended up in emergency care, where he learned he would be retiring early due to being maimed.

“Same one. I just have to mention my name and he’ll get you in. Already made arrangements with him and he is more than happy to return a favor.” (Lance)

“You really think I’m good enough for a prestigious school like that?” (Dustin)

Laughing openly, Lance said, “Funny hearing this from my own son, when he already beaten full grown men. You only need to grow bigger, to get more power behind your blows. You’re speed is abnormally fast. Same with your reaction time; I doubt any school will be rejecting you.” (Lance)

“I’m worried they might have me duel someone like you though.” (Dustin)

“Don’t worry about it. You’ll do just fine.” (Lance)

“I hope so.”, whispered Dustin. (Dustin)

In the distance, a single house lying next to the vast forest, came into view. Slightly bigger than those they came across earlier, but was similar with the glow it gave off. At the entrance was a brunette woman, swinging back and forth on a chair, knitting. When she saw Lance and Dustin, she stood up and beckoned them in.

“Dinners ready guys.” (Linda)

“What are we having?” (Lance)

“Your favorite.” (Linda)