Chapter 2: A Score to Settle

  “You have never lived until you have almost died. For those who choose to fight, life has a special flavor that the protected will never know,”

  -Clan proverb.

  Nina heard the door knocking and promptly woke up, her senses steadily coming to life, and her ears catching the sounds outside the room. She sat on the bed with a heavy head, contemplating the floor for a full minute before starting her morning routine. She slapped her cheeks with both hands to fully awake and jumped out of the bed.

  She looked around the room and found it empty. Verkan must be outside already. She figured it was most likely he who knocked on the door while leaving. How thoughtful of him. Nina made sure both doors and windows were locked before changing from her simple nightgown into her priestess uniform.

  She took her time carefully combing her hair before doing it into a long, stylish braid as she always used to. She then put on a bluish linen tunic and pants, and an elegant leather coat over them; the signature Field Priest uniform.

  Nina opened the door, put on her leather cap, and finally walked outside. She went to the well near the square to wash her face, and brush her teeth, finding Nana’s girls already dismantling the kitchen they had prepared yesterday.

  She spotted Verkan at the other side of the square, talking with a bunch of people she hadn’t seen last night. They all seemed important, with their long white robes, and ceremonial armor so thought not to bother them.

  She walked around the house, and sat over the wooden fence behind it, spotting a group of Clan warriors riding at the distance. Their reddish lamellar armor made them easily recognizable. They must be getting everything ready for this ‘Trial’ thing Verkan talked about last night, she thought.

  Nina pondered briefly about the Clan warriors, putting them side by side with the Imperial Knights from the books she had read. They didn’t seem so different although she found the imperial sophistication more appealing than the tribal ruggedness of the clansmen. Besides, they were better looking too.

  -“Good morning, princess,” Verkan said, interrupting her thoughts.

  -“Good morning, Verkan,” she said, smiling.

  -“I just talked with the Clan Elders, everything is ready,” he said.

  -“For the Trial?”

  -“Exactly,”

  -“What's so special about it?” Nina asked.

  -“Well,” Verkan said. -“There are many types of trials. This one is called a ‘Trial of Position’. It’s the most common clan ritual. Every clansman must endure it at some point, only that now they must appoint a new Lord since the previous one has passed,”

  -“What will they do?” she asked again.

  -“As with everything concerning the Clans, they will let the Gods decide,” he replied. -“Remember the man from last night? He has claimed Lordship,” he said, pointing to Nero. He sat under a tree just outside the square. He sported a dented, battered suit of armor, and had his arms crossed over his chest. His eyes were shut as if he was in deep meditation.

  -“Just like that?” she said, incredulously. -“And what gives him the right to claim the Lordship?”

  -“Just his combat prowess,” Verkan said. -“Nero’s their very best after all. You see, the Clans don’t believe in royalty or nobility. Just in merit. If he thinks he's worthy, he can lay a claim,”

  -“I know he’s the Clan’s champion and all that, but he doesn’t look very important,” Nina pointed out. -“I mean, I saw many other warriors last night with far more impressive suits of armor,”

  -“Don’t let his looks deceive you,” Verkan said, grinning. -“There’s a meaning for it. That was his father’s armor,”

  -“I see. But is he the only one who can claim the lordship? Aren’t there any others?” Nina asked again. She felt a sudden spark of curiosity about this Trial.

  -“All the other possible contenders gave up their claim in favor of him,”

  -“Really? Why?”

  He just smiled. At a glance, anyone would think Verkan would’ve been exasperated by now if only he hadn’t all the patience in the world. But Nina was a quick learner. And he? A nearly bottomless well of knowledge he was more than happy to share.

  -“You see, dear, a warrior's sense of honor is everything to him,” Verkan said. -“He’s their very best. They wouldn't dare to claim Lordship without having bested him first. That’s why you don’t see succession crises around here. They don't do things like the imperials. They don’t leave anything unresolved and they certainly don't backstab each other. At least not in public, that’s it. That would be extremely disgraceful,”

  -“If you have a grudge with someone, you solve it in combat,” he explained.

  -“In a Trial?” she asked again.

  -“Indeed!” Verkan replied enthusiastically. -“Just like this one! By giving up their claim they are saying they respect and support him,”

  -“I see,” Nina said. -“They respect him that much?”

  -“They do,” Verkan said. -“They have fought by his side and know what he’s capable of. They won't let jealousy get in the way,”

  -“Just like the Imperial Knights!” Nina said confidently.

  -“Only the knights from your books,” Verkan teased mischievously.

  Her heart skipped a beat, and her cheeks warmed up. How did he know about THAT book?! She quickly thought about the possibilities. Nina, he’s just guessing! There’s no way he knows! Maybe it would be better to just play dumb this time. -“I-I-I don’t know what you’re talking about!” Nina bumbled nervously, looking away.

  -“Sure you don’t,” he said as a knowing smile formed on his lips. -“But even if you did, and I mean, hypothetically, of course, there would be nothing wrong with it. Maybe you should be more mindful of where you leave your stuff, hypothetically speaking, especially if you just happen to have specifically forbidden books, again, hypothetically,”

  -“I-I-I’ll keep that in mind,” Nina said, calming down, feeling she just dodged an arrow.

  -“Anyway, the Trial will begin soon. Come with me, I want you to see this,” Verkan said.

  -“Yes sir!”

  Phew! That was close! Nina thought. They walked to the village’s square where the Trial would take place soon. Suddenly, Lily rushed to Verkan, her face twisted with concern. -“Mister Verkan!” she said. -“Please, sir! We need to show you something!”

  -“Lily! What is it?” Verkan countered, concerned.

  -“Nothing serious, thankfully,” she whispered, looking at the Elders. -“But it’ll be better if we don’t bother them,”

  -“Sure,” Verkan replied. -“They’re busy, anyway,”

  They walked to one of the stables in which they had stored their provisions. Nina followed them closely, intrigued. Lily checked around the building to make sure no one was eavesdropping. She then turned to Verkan. -“Good, no one’s around,”

  -“The suspense is killing me, Lily,” Verkan said, jokingly, but Lily’s concerned face promptly sobered him.

  -“I’m sorry, Mister Verkan. It’s just…” Lily said, sighing powerfully. -“Someone… stole food from the warehouse last night,”

  -“I see,” Verkan said. -“What did they take?”

  -“They took some eggs, a few chicken pieces, and a blue marlin,”

  -“You mean a fish?” Verkan asked.

  -“Yes, sir,” Lily said, nodding. -“A quite expensive one,”

  -“Does Nana know?”

  -“Yes, she knows,” she said. -“She’s talking with the elders. But that’s not the issue,”

  -“What is it then?”

  -“Well,” Lily said, looking away. -“Let me show you,”

  Lily walked outside. Many important guests spent the night in the village and their safety could be at stake. Verkan and Nina exchanged glances before following her. They found Lily standing near a drainage ditch just a few yards outside the town. They walked to her, finding the fish remains, broken egg shells, and chicken bones inside the ditch. -“Whoever ate it, it ate it raw,” Lily said.

  -“Mmmm,” Verkan murmured, kneeling near the ditch and examining the ground, promptly finding footprints all over the place. He grinned. -“I think I know the culprit,” he said, pointing down. -“These are his footprints,”

  -“Footprints?” Lily asked. -“I didn’t notice them last night,”

  -“They would be easy to miss in the dark,” Verkan said. He looked closer. He had seen them before. He recognized the tracks instantly. They belonged to an ancient beast that once roamed the highlands. If this beast sneaked around and stole food unnoticed, it was certainly worth worrying about.

  -“To what animal they belong to?” Lily asked. -“They don’t seem human,”

  -“They are not,” Verkan said. He stood up and turned to Lily. -“They belong to a ground dragon,” he said, to their utter shock.

  -“A GROUND DRAGON?!” Nina and Lily cried in unison. Both girls exchanged glances. -“It’s not funny, Verkan!” Nina roared.

  -“I’m not joking,” Verkan said calmly. -“And judging by the tracks, probably a big one. Just take a look. These marks are the claws carving the ground. Interesting,” he added, stroking his beard. -“I thought they were extinct,”

  A ground dragon! No way! Nina thought excitedly. She had read about dragons. Many species were still used as mounts and beasts of burden on the far edges of the Empire. The herbivores were the most common, being docile, low-maintenance, and could carry heavy loads. The carnivores, however, were extremely dangerous. A few were still used as beasts of war but most of them were hunted down to almost complete extinction.

  -“How big?” Nina asked.

  -“Not larger than you, probably,” Verkan said.

  -“That’s not too big, Verkan,” she said dejectedly.

  -“The giant ones all died out a long time ago,” Verkan pointed out. -“This one’s probably just a scavenger. Still large for its kind, it can maim or kill an adult man with ease,”

  -“What are we going to do then?” Lily asked, concerned.

  -“There’s nothing we can do,” Verkan said. -“The Trial is about to start and the Elders won’t accept any interruptions. Besides, the dragon has not attacked anyone yet,”

  -“Yet,” Nina pointed out.

  -“Dragons are smart creatures,” Verkan said, confidently. -“They won’t attack unless provoked. Either way, I will inform the Elders after the Trial. If you find anything new, just bring it to Nina,” he said, turning to Lily. -“Now, if you excuse us, we must carry on with our duties,”

  -“Wait!” Nina said, confused. -“Why me?!”

  -“I’ll be overseeing the Trial, and the Elders won’t tolerate more delays,” Verkan pointed out. -“Just be a good girl and keep me informed,”

  They walked back to the square. The Elders had gathered around it, bowing to Verkan but giving her a stern look when she joined them. Nina felt unwelcome immediately, but she suck it up lest let Verkan down. She stood next to him while they discussed the last details before the Trial began.

  -“How shall we proceed then?” one of the Elders asked.

  -“The Trial will be at first blood,” Verkan commanded.

  The Elders gasped. They whispered between them. Nina couldn’t hear anything but it was evident they were upset. She didn’t even understand what ‘first blood’ meant and was just about to ask Verkan but the Elders promptly gave their answer. -“Our Trials have always been to the death!”

  -“That's how I have decided it,” Verkan replied calmly.

  -“That's preposterous!” the Elder countered fiercely.

  -“Clan Irfis has fewer warriors each day, Elder,” Verkan replied, serenely. -“They die pointlessly for the sake of your traditions,”

  -“You are saying bringing honor to the Clan is ‘pointless’?!”

  -“I say a warrior is more useful to the Clan alive than dead,”

  -“An outsider will not tell me what is better to the Clan!” the Elder lashed out. -“And you dare bring this little girl to a sacred trial! You know well only warriors can attend!”

  His response shocked her. She never imagined that her presence would bother the Elders that much. She turned to Verkan for support but before she could even open her mouth he promptly jumped to her defense. -“This ‘little girl’ is a Priestess!” he countered, just slightly raising his voice but with an undeniably fierce tone. -“You will address her with due respect,”

  The Elder was livid, but he conceded soon after. -“Pardon me, sire, I did not know,” he apologized, bowing.

  -“Now you do,”

  The Elders retreated to the town’s hall to arrange the last details. They summoned the wardens waiting outside. A lone Elder rushed to the opposite side of the square to inform Nero who sat patiently under a tree.

  Her jaw dropped. It was the first time she ever witnessed Verkan losing his composure. He had always remained calm under pressure, although this time it wasn’t him who was the target. She couldn’t help but be robbed of a smile. Who would have thought that Verkan of all people would be the overprotective type?

  -“Don't let them intimidate you, Nina,” Verkan said as his signature smile returned to his lips. -“You just have to be firm with them, they respect that,”

  She nodded decidedly, no longer bothering to hide her praise of him. Verkan is so cool!

  -“Now come with me,” he commanded.

  -“But... Verkan!” she protested. -“The Elders said only warriors could attend!”

  -“Dear,” Verkan said, turning to her. -“I’ll be overseeing the Trial. I decide who can attend. Now let's go,”

  -“Yes sir!”

  They walked to the central square to take their positions around the arena. Nina glanced over her shoulder, one last time, watching Nero stripping off his armor to grab his great sword. He turned to her, and their glances met for a brief instant. She promptly looked away. She didn’t want to think about it, but she was worrying sick about him.

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  Verkan took notice immediately. He has seen that same look too many times. -“Don’t worry,” he said, placing a hand over her shoulder. -“The odds are in his favor,”

  -“You really think so?” Nina asked.

  -“I’m certain,” he replied. -“I know Nero well. He’s an incredibly skilled warrior. You never know with these trials but chances are he will be the next Lord. You should be worrying about those that are going to face him,”

  -“I just can’t help it, Verkan,”

  -“I know,” Verkan said. -“You worry about people and that’s fine. Many might see it as a fault but believe me, it’s not. You’ll make a fine Priestess one day, just like your mother,”

  -“Thank you,”

  That was all Nina needed to hear. They stood at the courtyard’s edge, watching as the Elders took their positions as well. The eldest one looked at them and nodded, letting Verkan know they were ready.

  At last, the five wardens walked into the arena, stripped off their armor from the waist up, showing off their naked torsos, and formed a semi-circle in the center, facing Nero. Verkan motioned a hand to him, and he promptly walked into the arena as well.

  Nina stared at his muscular body covered with scars, and his long dark hair flowing in the wind and gulped. His eyes burned with total determination, being focused on the wardens standing before him.

  -“Why are they so worked up? I mean, the Elders,” Nina asked.

  -“This is new for them too,” Verkan said.

  -“Really?”

  -“You see, Trials of Positions are a common occurrence, except when it comes to choosing a Lord,” Verkan explained. -“Normally, there would be several pretenders, and there would be a sort of ‘tournament’ where they would fight each other until only one remained. But this Trial is far from ordinary. There’s only one pretender,”

  -“I see. But how would a Trial normally go?” Nina asked again.

  -“Well, the winner of the Trials then would have to fight the Lord who could either ask for an honorable death or step down after a mock fight and advise the new Lord,”

  -“Of course, this only applies if the Lord was deemed a worthy leader. If the Lord showed incompetence or disgraced the Clan with dishonorable conduct, he wouldn’t last long without being challenged,” Verkan said. -“Challenging a Lord that is respected is usually frowned upon, but a tyrant or a clown is always free game. That’s the reason why Nero waited until Lord Burgan’s passing. Despite his flaws, he was loved and respected, even by his enemies. He was a war hero after all,”

  -“But the Lord just passed, Verkan,” Nina pointed out. -“Who is he going to fight then?”

  -“That’s why each Trial is unique,” Verkan replied. -“In this case, Nero will fight the wardens instead,”

  -“The Wardens?”

  -“Elite warriors,” Verkan clarified. -“There are usually a few dozen in each Clan. The best five are chosen as the Lord’s permanent escort. They renounce their claim in exchange for status. It is a very prestigious position, and the highest a warrior can rise in the ranks, reserved only for the very best,”

  -“But Nero isn’t a warden,” Nina said.

  -“He isn’t,” Verkan said. -“But he would put them to shame. He’s far better,”

  -“I see,” Nina said. -“That’s a lot of trouble to select a new Lord,”

  -“Well, as I said before, the Clans don’t have any royalty,” Verkan said. -“The position can’t be inherited by an heir,”

  -“You said the Trial would be at ‘first blood’,” Nina said. -“What does that mean?”

  -“It means the warriors only need to make the other bleed to pass the Trial instead of outright killing their opponents,” Verkan said. -“Tensions are very high, and I’m trying to minimize casualties. The wardens would gladly follow the late Lord to the grave if they didn’t have to defend his position,”

  -“I see, but why such animosity?” Nina asked yet again. -“Do they resent Nero or something?”

  -“Animosity?” Verkan countered, chuckling. -“They hate him guts,”

  -“Why?”

  -“I’ll explain it later. The Trial will begin now,”

  She gulped loudly. So this is it? Nina could almost feel the sheer hatred in the air. The guests began to arrive and promptly took their positions around the square. Soon hundreds of souls flooded the town and the courtyard came alive with the noise of their murmur.

  She spotted Lord Euron amidst the crowd and smiled, glad to see a friendly face. He promptly identified them and nodded, smiling back. Verkan turned at the Elders. The eldest one nodded. Everything was ready.

  The wardens stood silently at the arena, staring daggers at Nero who responded in kind. Verkan turned to Nero and nodded, letting him know everything was ready. Nero took a deep breath and unsheathed his sword, instantly silencing the crowd.

  -“I claim this Trial of Position against the wardens of Clan Irfis!” Nero growled, raising his sword in the air, and throwing its sheath outside the arena. -“Who stands in opposition to this claim?!”

  The wardens promptly followed suit, unsheathing their swords in response, raising them in the air.

  -“I, Higen Irfis, bid this sword in defiance of your claim!” the fifth warden roared.

  -“I, Izar Irfis, bid this sword in defiance of your claim!” the fourth warden replied.

  -“I, Zekk Irfis, bid this sword in defiance of your claim!” the third warden replied.

  -“I, Hann Irfis, bid this great sword in defiance of your claim!” the second warden replied.

  -“I, Mando Irfis, bid this sword in defiance of your claim!” the first and final warden replied, pointing his sword at Nero. -“I will crush you like the filthy vermin that you are!”

  The wardens keep staring at Nero, patiently waiting for the signal to begin the trial. Nina saw the sheer resolve in their faces. In that moment, she couldn't help but stand in awe of their form, but as much as she wished to indulge her eyes she just couldn’t bring herself to do it.

  There would be blood spilled soon.

  -“I am Field Priest Verkan of the Church of the Seven,” Verkan yelled for the crowd. -“I will oversee this Trial. May the wisdom of the Great Father be made evident in battle,” he said, blessing the warriors one last time before carrying on with the Trial. -“This Trial of Position has begun,”

  Higen stood his ground. The remaining wardens retreated outside the arena, spreading out the semi-circle they were previously formed in. He waited a few seconds until the arena was clear.

  -“Come, warrior. Let us see the color of your blood,” the warden said serenely, perhaps too serenely for someone whose life was on the line. Nero nodded and walked to meet him, slowly closing the distance between them, his sword at the ready.

  They finally clashed, locking themselves face to face, the sound of grinding steel echoing through the crowd. The warden blocked the attack with his khalet, the entire weapon being the length of an arm. It almost seemed as though the curved blade was close to drawing first blood and granting victory to its wielder.

  But Nero seemed to prefer a more cumbersome weapon, easily taller than him. Nina had seen it used against bulls and it was effective in stopping a large animal. But this was combat, and speed was an advantage over reach. At least, that was what she believed.

  The two warriors tussled briefly before they backed again. Even though Nero was far younger and stronger than the older warden, he wasn’t less experienced. Judging by his expression, the warden also realized that.

  Higen launched a mighty barrage that Nero deflected effortlessly. Nero then countered with a powerful horizontal swing that the warden dodged just barely. Despite the sheer size of his blade, Nero handled it with outstanding ease and precision.

  Higen threw a powerful blow at him. Instead of deflecting it, Nero just dodged it, leaving him open if just briefly. He took the chance and charged at him, slashing him across his chest. The warden fell to his knees immediately.

  Although the wound wasn’t a threat to his life, it drew first blood. The fight was over.

  -“Higen Irfis has fallen,” Verkan proclaimed. -“Izar Irfis, begin,”

  -“Sometimes luck favors the foolish, your skill is lacking,” Izar said as he walked into the arena.

  The elders rushed to aid the defeated warden, helping him leave the arena. Nina watched the fight with her heart in her mouth. It was the first time she witnessed an actual duel, and relief washed over her after finding the warden wasn’t seriously hurt.

  -“This is just the beginning,” Verkan whispered. -“But no matter what you see, don’t look away. The Gods and their ancestors are watching. It would be disrespectful if we don’t do the same,”

  Her heart sank again, and uncertainty took over her after hearing Verkan’s words.

  Nero wiped sweat from his face and turned to face his next foe. They stood silently, staring at each other for what seemed an eternity before charging. The warden cautiously tested Nero’s defense with a swift barrage of blows that Nero deflected easily, aware that a warden wouldn’t be so predictable. He’s up to something! He thought.

  On the other hand, Izar had to be mindful of Nero’s sword. It was a dangerous gambit. He wouldn’t be fighting with such a cumbersome weapon if he wasn’t confident with it.

  But Nero couldn’t afford to throw blows wildly as his weapon was too heavy for that. He knew Izar well. He was fast, too fast, and any missing blow would leave him completely open. To beat him, he would need to be just as fast, and precise.

  Nina watched with her heart in her mouth. She turned to the crowd, spotting similarly troubled faces. Both warriors acted extremely cautiously. They weren’t showing off, or taking unnecessary risks for only a small cut on the skin separated victory from defeat.

  And the stakes were high.

  The warden took the initiative, charging at Nero with a powerful thrust, instantly forcing him to the defensive. Nero jabbed his massive sword on the ground, shielding himself behind it, parrying Izar’s blows effortlessly.

  The warden then rushed around the barrier, but Nero anticipated this. He timed his charge perfectly, gripping his partially buried sword, and ramming Izar with the shoulder. The warden suddenly found his weapon trapped between Nero’s own and his own body. He retreated instantly, unwilling to risk being cut by his own blade.

  Nero saw an opening and took his chance. He twisted his body, swinging his massive blade for a powerful blow in a move his foe had fully predicted. Izar braced himself for the attack. If Nero missed his strike he would be completely open to a counterattack.

  But the warden would’ve never anticipated what happened next. Nero struck the ground and used his giant sword as a pole to catapult himself towards him. Izard tried to block the attack, raising his sword but it was too late. Nero lunged at him, kicking Izar’s sword with all his might. The sheer momentum proved devastating. The guard of his own sword hit him in the face, breaking his nose. He began to bleed profusely.

  Although it was a minor wound that would normally be ignored in the heat of the battle, this time, however, the fight was over.

  -“Izar Irfis has fallen,” Verkan announced, turning to the wardens. -“Zekk Irfis, proceed,”

  Zekk walked into the arena, pointing his sword at Nero.

  -“Your determination is admirable, pretender, but that alone is insufficient!” Zekk growled, staring directly into Nero’s eyes, bringing his weapon to bear. -“This Trial will be your funeral!”

  -“No, Zekk Irfis, it will be yours,” Nero replied serenely.

  Her heart sank even lower. Now both warriors just made clear their intent to kill the other that she couldn’t help but wonder if there was a score to settle. She gulped, resigning to watch the outcome of the duel.

  The warden charged at Nero, yelling his lungs out. The sudden outburst shook her to the core. They clashed violently, binding their swords together, sending sparks flying each time their blades met.

  Feeling Verkan’s gentle hand over her shoulder eased her down somewhat. Her heart pounded wildly, threatening to rip through her chest as she watched the warden take the initiative. The warden’s age didn’t show at all, moving around the arena with surprising agility. No wonder why they choose him.

  But Nero was no slouch either. It was evident, even for someone without any combat experience like her, that he knew exactly what he was doing. Verkan mentioned that the entire Clan Irfis fought as the vanguard during the Imperial invasion fifteen years ago.

  Many would consider the Clan warriors to be nothing more than self-absorbed, glorified ‘duel fighters’, but not Clan Irfis. They had earned their reputation as battle-hardened warriors.

  The warden pressed his advantage to the fullest. He knew he had to finish the fight as quickly as possible, for his opponent was much to his chagrin, far stronger and just as skilled.

  On the other hand, Nero knew all of it was just a distraction. The warden wanted him to drop his guard not just to draw first blood but to land a killing blow.

  But he wouldn’t have any of it.

  Nero blocked the warden’s blow, binding their swords again. Zekk realized he was stuck in a disadvantageous situation. He was used to overcoming stronger foes with speed and skill, however, this time they were evenly matched. He backed off, unwilling to play in Nero’s field. Nero took a step back and twisted his body for a powerful blow.

  Zekk fully expected the attack. He took a deep breath and braced himself, ready for a counterattack. He ducked in the nick of the time, dodging the blade, and feeling it just grazing his hair. Now Nero had his back at him, completely open to a counterattack. He readied his sword for a horizontal blow, aiming at Nero’s lower body, and charged.

  But that proved to be a fatal mistake. Nero took advantage of the momentum and turned completely before Zekk could even react. Nero blocked Zekk’s blow with a roundhouse kick, the iron heel of his boots withstanding the attack to everyone’s shock.

  Nero stepped over the blade, trapping it between his feet and the ground. He then twisted his body for yet another blow. The now defenseless Zekk could do nothing but watch, awestruck at just how easily Nero swung such a giant weapon.

  Nononononono, please Gods, no!

  Nina gasped loudly, covering her mouth with her hands as Nero’s blade cut through the warden’s neck, killing him instantly. Thick blood squirted from Zekk’s neck before his lifeless body fell at his feet, and his head rolled a few yards away.

  She felt Verkan’s hand over her shoulder again. -“Alas, poor Zekk. I knew him well,” she heard Verkan say quietly, looking at her just briefly before turning to the crowd.

  Nina couldn’t help but weep. She had never imagined she would watch someone die right in front of her, and even less a violent death. She felt Verkan’s hand just gently squeezing her shoulders which she interpreted as a hint to remain silent as everyone’s head were turned to them.

  She took a deep breath and shut her mouth, clasping her hands in front of her face, and trying her hardest to stop crying. She went mute shortly after, praying quietly for the deceased warden. Merciful Father, please grant him eternal rest.

  But the Trial wasn’t over yet. A fist of warriors quietly removed the warden’s body from the arena. They gently lay him down on a bench behind one of the buildings and then returned to their spots around the square. He would be honored, and buried later after the Trial.

  Such was the way of the Clans.

  -“Most impressive,” he said, now turning to the next warden. -“Hann Irfis, begin,”

  -“Aye,” the warden replied stoically, walking into the arena.

  -“Nero only needs three victories to claim the Lordship,” Verkan whispered.

  -“But he already won three fights,” Nina pointed out.

  -“He already won the Trial,” Verkan replied. -“Technically,”

  -“What do you mean?” she asked.

  -“He will face serious opposition from the wardens he hasn’t beaten yet,” he said. -“And he would lose face in the eyes of the warriors. If he wishes to rule unchallenged then he needs to beat the remaining two,”

  Mando waited patiently for his turn. Hann made it clear he would submit to Nero if he made it far enough to face him. He realized Hann would throw the fight. He wasn’t a match for him anyway. He might have been a decade ago but his age began to show. The fight would be just a formality at this point. There was nothing he could do; Nero would become the next Lord.

  Unless he killed him, of course. That would be his last resort, as a warrior must voice their intention to kill their rival before the fight, or it would be seen as an underhanded, dishonorable move otherwise.

  Hann made his way to Nero and bowed, shocking him. The arena echoed with the crowd’s gasp. Nero nodded, responding in kind. Both warriors sparred briefly just to show respect for traditions. The actual fight ended quickly. The warden threw a few blows which Nero parried effortlessly.

  He countered with a powerful blow. The warden tried to block the attack but the sheer power of the strike made him recoil. Nero booted him in the chest, finally knocking him down. He kicked the warden’s sword away, disarming him. He was completely at his mercy.

  Nero placed his sword to the warden’s cheek and cut his skin just enough to make the wound bleed a small drop. The fight was over. He then offered his hand to the defeated warden as a sign of goodwill and helped him to his feet.

  But before anyone could even react, Nero pointed his giant sword at the remaining warden. -“Only you and I remain, Mando Irfis!” he roared, silencing the crowd. -“Pray you have not bid your doom as have your fallen brethren!”

  The entire town went silent. Even Verkan was speechless. Nero had disregarded the protocol and openly challenged the last warden. Mando just stared at him, his jaw shaking and his blood boiling. Never had crossed his mind that Nero would be so daring. The crowd turned to him, leaving him with no choice but to respond. -“Do not address me familiarly, you dirty scum!” he growled fiercely, unsheathing his sword. -“This mockery ends now, and your remains will be scattered upon the highland winds!”

  He charged into the arena, promptly clashing with Nero, throwing blow after blow with all his might. Nina forced herself to watch but she could barely keep it together, knowing full well that the fight would only end with another death.

  Both warriors clashed viciously. The bad blood was so thick she could almost feel it. Despite being twice his age, Mando moved just as quickly. Nero had endured five fights one after the other and by now was visibly exhausted. Still, he pushed on.

  -“This duel was long overdue,” Nina overheard a voice behind her. She turned slightly, spotting a pair of Clan warriors at the corner of her eyes. -“I would not have waited as long as he did,”

  -“He waited for the perfect time,” she heard another voice murmur. -“He did not let vengeance consume him,”

  -“Aye, that is a Lord I would follow,”

  So there is a score to settle! Nina thought. Well, that explains the animosity.

  Nero breathed heavily, taking every chance to catch his breath. Swinging his gigantic sword became increasingly difficult each minute now. On the other hand, Mando was fresh and rested, and his age didn’t seem to slow him down in the slightest.

  But he wouldn’t let anyone deny him of his right when he was so close. Nero had trained since his childhood, like every other clansman before him. He had passed his Trial of Position just in time to fight when the Empire invaded and overcame every obstacle, every battle, and every foe.

  He grew stronger, and more skillful with each battle, and promptly rose through the ranks, and by the time the war ended he had turned into the best warrior in Clan Irfis, if not in the entire highlands. Lord Burgan personally chose him as the Clan’s champion, earning respect from those above him, and admiration from those below.

  -“NERO! NERO! NERO!” a pair of warriors suddenly started chanting his name. She turned immediately, finding the same pair from earlier now cheering at him and she couldn’t help but be robbed of a smile. Every single head turned to them. The Elders were livid.

  Other warriors joined them and soon dozens gathered in a single, large group, raising their swords and chanting his name. Even Verkan couldn’t believe it, watching in shock as the Clan Irfis warriors broke protocol to reach out and cheer at their champion. -“NERO! NERO! NERO!”

  The Elders rushed to them to try to calm them down but it was all in vain. The Lords from the other clans watched in bewilderment, and the somber atmosphere that had clouded the Trial instantly vanished. Now, joy and hope filled the air, and even Nina couldn’t help herself anymore and began cheering at him too.

  Nero had already beaten four out of the five wardens, and victory was within his grasp. His entire life had led to this precise moment. He remained resolute through the whole ordeal, and watching his battle brothers suddenly cheer at him at the most important moment gave him the strength he so desperately needed. He remained confident in victory and smirked at his opponent.

  The warden took this as the ultimate insult. It took him a while but he finally realized his chances of winning were few. No matter the outcome, Nero would be the next Lord. Even if he made him bleed, Nero had already passed the Trial and won over his people.

  Winning or losing didn’t matter anymore; he had decided he wouldn’t live with this humiliation. As much as he loathed it, Nero had already proven himself. Whatever grudges were between them it would end today. Maybe it was a selfish decision but he would rather die an honorable death, and follow the late Lord to the grave.

  Mando charged at Nero with all his pent-up fury and all his might, one last time. Nero took the perfect opening and ran him through the chest with a quick, powerful strike. The warden let a gush of blood out of his mouth along his last breath before falling on his knees first, and then to the ground.

  The arena went silent. Nina had covered her face with her hands at the last second but couldn’t help taking a peek through her fingers. She watched Nero removing his sword from the warden’s lifeless body and gently closing his eyes. -“I avenged you at last, father. You can rest in peace now,” Nero whispered so quietly that she could barely hear it. He then turned to face the crowd.

  -“I stand to claim my rightful position as the Clan Irfis Lord!” he roared, raising his sword in the air.

  -“Selah,” Verkan replied. -“This Trial is concluded, the new Lord has spoken,”

  The crowd erupted in cheers. The Clan Irfis warriors raised their swords, chanting Nero’s name as he walked out of the arena. Nina let out a loud sigh, and turned to Verkan who smiled in return. Now it was time to tend to the wounded and veil the dead. Verkan would let her say the prayers for the fallen wardens later. And with a new Clan Lord chosen, their mission also concluded.

  They would have to depart soon.