The young man watched out the window scanning the landscape beyond. The rolling hills and tall mountains stood in the distance, wide rivers flowed through the valley and through the dense forest. He turned his head from the valleys and mountains with a sigh. He was nervous, knowing what was to come, but no idea when it actually would. He’d been waiting for a long time now.
Turning from the window he brushed his fingers through his wavy brown hair. His eyes were a dull marble gray, a hint of exhaustion lay in his features as his shoulders sagged and his hair stuck out in every direction. He walked out of the tower, onto the curtain wall that fortified the kingdom, his armor clattering with each step he took. His eyes looked into the distance out of the kingdom and he tightened his grasp on his sword, before turning his head towards the kingdom. Houses lined the streets, and shops surrounded the town square with people bustling around. He let out a sigh and looked forward, where he noticed an older man with armor and a sword running towards him from the other wall. The young man quickly adjusted his blue tunic and tightened the sword belt around his waist. He fixed up his hair and tried to hide the tired and anxious look just in time for the man to turn the corner through the tower opposite him. The man stopped before him and bowed deeply before rising and addressing the man.
“My King, the Dezar warriors have been spotted on the south side.”
“Already?” the king sighed, “Gather all our warriors, Reeve, we must be ready for battle.”
“I’ll be sure they are prepared, King Kaelan.” Reeve said before bowing and running past Kaelan into the tower. Kaelan felt a wave of terror flash through him as he realized the full extent of the situation. The shadows of the distant mountains seemed to grow larger as he tried to steady his racing heart before entering the tower. The second he opened the door inside, clanking of armor and rustling of swords filled his ears as his soldiers prepared for the battle that awaited.
The head soldier rushed up to him, “Sir, what are our orders?” He asked hurriedly.
“Rally the archers on the southern wall,” Kaelan commanded as he attempted to steady his trembling voice, “We must keep our ground and protect the civilians. I trust you will do your best, Aldric.” Aldric nodded but stayed by the king’s side,
“And if they breach the southern wall?” He questioned, his face etched with a worry that made Kaelans fear worsen.
“We’ll fight as one. We mustn’t let our fear dictate our actions, we will fight to keep everyone safe.” Kaelan answered even while doubt gnawed at his insides. Aldric quickly rushed off and organized the archers to the southern wall and everyone else to the southern gates. Kaelan stood in the tower, looking out into the distance as fear threatened to take hold.
A servant boy rushed into the tower with his eyes wide open, “My king, they’ve breached the southern forest, they’re almost upon us!” He warned quickly as Kaelan turned sharply.
“Sound the Alarm! Gather all the villagers and hide!” Kaelan ordered, rushing out to the southern gates. The Dezar warriors surged forwards, swords in hand and dark armor, sparks flew as Kaelan swerved through the battle helping fight and bringing the wounded to a safe place. He rushed back into the battle as a black sword swung through the air that Kaelan barely dodged, leaving a gash in his left cheek. He turned and his eyes widened as he came face to face with Zephyr, the son of the warlord king’s greatest ally. Zephyr was known for his brutality in war and ruthless skills.
“King Kaelan.” Zephyr sneered, his voice cutting like daggers, “Playing hero are we?” Quick as a cheetah he darted towards Kaelan and swung his sword down as Kaelan brought his sword up to block. The clash of steel rang in Kaelan’s ears as he parried and struck, Zephyr’s attacks were strong and relentless making it difficult for Kaelan to keep up. Kaelan thought the battle would be lost when a deep voice called out from the Dezar ranks.
“Fall back! We must regroup!” Kaelan turned his head to see the Warlord King turn with the Dezar warriors following.
“This isn’t over, Kaelan. Just you wait.” Zephyr taunted before disappearing into the shadows.
Kaelan stood breathless as his heart pounded in his chest. He knew the battle was far from over as he scanned his weary soldiers knowing he had to pull himself together. He couldn’t let fear dictate his actions, not now when so much was at stake. Kaelan moved swiftly among the injured soldiers giving them the aid they needed. Seeing all of the injured soldiers broke Kaelan’s heart and he knew he had to fight to keep his people safe. As he carefully wrapped an archer’s shoulder he glanced up to see Aldric giving the directions to uninjured archers to keep an eye out before turning and joining Kaelan in tending to the injured.
“Your Majesty,” Aldric spoke at once, his voice filled with concern and exhaustion, “You must rest. You can’t carry this burden alone.”
“I can’t,” Kaelan replied, shaking his head sadly, “Me people need me, I can’t rest while they suffer from the injuries of a battle they fought in my honor.” He continued to treat the wounded even with Aldric’s worried look. He couldn’t shake the cold gaze and harsh battle with Zephyr. Twilight began to fall when an archer called from the wall,“They’re coming back, prepare for the second attack!”
Kaelan glanced up and called the order.“We must hold them off as long as we can, be prepared.” He stood at the front as the Dezar warriors rushed back and began their attack once more. Before he had gathered his thoughts, a silhouette emerged from the shadows, Zephyr stood forward and Kaelans heart pounded as they locked eyes.
“Back for more?” Kaelan called his voice edged with defiance. Taking a step forward he readied his sword.
“I’ve come for what’s mine,” Zephyr replied, a menacing tone in his voice, “This time, I won’t hold back.” He rushed forwards and their swords met with a sickening clang, strike after strike they fought each other. Adrenaline surged inside Kaelan and he knew he had to win this fight, not just for himself but for his kingdom. Zephyr fought using brute strength, relentless strikes meeting Kaelans sword. Kaelan however learned from the first fight and found Zephyr’s weakness and anticipated his moves, dodging and countering every attack Zephyr made. Taking advantage of Zephyr’s confusion, Kaelan launched his attack and disarmed Zephyr, his sword clattering to the ground. Breathing heavily, Kaelan stood over Zephyr, sword at his throat.
“Yield.” he demanded with a firm voice, but tinged with compassion. Emotions flashed behind Zephyr’s eyes, fear, surprise, and then defiance,
“You think you can show mercy?”
“I’m not your enemy, Zephyr.” Kaelan replied, lowering his sword just slightly, “You fight for loyalty to a father who cares only for conquest. But what about your own beliefs? What about the people who suffer because of this war?” Zephyr hesitated, Kaelan could see the conflict inside him between loyalty and morality as the fire in his eyes slightly dimmed.
“The king that you fight for was once a soldier,” Kaelan continued lowering his voice, “He knew honor before ambition. You don’t need to follow his path.”
Zephyr’s expression turned defiant once more, “You think you can change me?”
“I don’t think that. I think you can choose.” Kaelan responded with hope, “You decide who you are.” After some time Kaelan stood back and lowered his sword,“Go, think about what you want. Don’t let others shroud your thoughts in darkness.” Zephyr stood, thoughts rushing through his mind as he grabbed his sword and ran. As the Dezar warriors retreated once more behind the warlord king, Kaelan turned and sheathed his sword.
“Your Majesty! All the injured have been treated, what are our orders?” Aldric rushed to him.
“Rest. We’re all exhausted from the battles, now is the time we rest and prepare for their return.” Kaelan said as he turned and headed towards the tower once more and stared into the distance. He didn’t know how long he stood there watching when he drifted off into sleep.
It wasn’t long before the door burst open and the servant boy came rushing out,
“My King! Your Majesty, wake up! They’re back!” he exclaimed. Kaelan drowsily jumped to his feet and stumbled before rushing through the door and towards the battle raging below him. He rubbed the sleep out of his eyes as he ran and drew his sword to meet one that was coming down on one of his soldiers. Pushing the Dezar warrior back so the soldier could get up. Kaelan darted throughout the battle keeping his soldiers safe, when he stood scanning his surroundings before a sword pierced through his stomach, looking down he saw the tip of a sharp blade before it was pulled out and Kaelan collapsed to the ground in agony. Painfully he turned onto his back to see his attacker and saw the warlord king standing over him with a grin on his face.
“You were quite the easy kill. I thought I’d have a big fight with you, but I guess not.” He sneered before turning away and returning to the battle. Kaelan lay there clutching his stomach, trying to stop the blood. Zephyr stood frozen in the shadows nearby, he had witnessed the attack and didn’t know what to do. Stay loyal to his father and finish Kaelan off, or have a sense of morality and save him. Zephyr looked around him and shook his head, rushing to Kaelan. Kaelan tries shoving him away in fear but his energy slowly ebbs away and he gives up. Zephyr carefully wraps Kaelan in a bandage and carefully carries him away from the battle around them. Kaelan slowly wakes again and meets Zephyr’s eyes trying to edge away but winces from the pain and just lies down again.
“Why did you save me?” Kaelan asked with interest in his dull eyes.
“I don’t know. What I do know is that I hate how much you’ve rattled my brain.” Zephyr responds.
“You listened to what I told you then, I’m glad.” Kaedan smiled as he pushed himself up through the pain that shot through his stomach. When Kaedan opened his eyes again his eyes widened with fear,
“Watch out!” he shouted, Zephyr turned quickly and unsheathed his sword, as a sword pierced through his stomach. He looked up at the wielder and locked eyes with the warlord king.
“You have betrayed your people, Zephyr, your father. You save the enemy king’s life.” The warlord king twists the sword and Zephyr lets out a gasp of pain as the warlord continues, “You did what he asked. You’ve befriended him, when you should’ve killed him.” Each time he spoke he twisted the sword and pain erupted in Zephyr. Kaelan tried to stand and attack the warlord king but he let out a cry of pain trying to move and stand.
“You used to be better than this. You were a soldier who knew honor, what happened to you!” Kaelan urged.
“I found the fun in ruthlessness. I realized that I could be a king myself, and make others do what I want.” He grinned menacingly, “Now, I want you both dead.” Pushing the sword in further he then yanked it out of Zephyr and he collapsed to the ground unconscious, “Soon, King Kaelan, soon I will have you dead and this war won.” The warlord king turned and ran off, calling to his warriors, “Let’s go! Retreat!” The battle was over and Kaelan moved through the pain to Zephyr’s side and placed his hands over the bleeding wound in his stomach.
“Come on, Zephyr. Please, please don’t leave me.” Kaelan spoke quietly, he heard footsteps sprinting nearby and a voice calling out.
“Where’s the king?!” from the end of the alleyway he let out a call, his voice tinged with pain. He stood to motion where he was at as he saw a figure rushing by.
“Over here!” The figure turned his head and ran into the alleyway towards Kaelan, the pain started to intensify and his vision began to blur as he wobbled on his feet. Aldric appeared from the shadows and caught Kaelan as he fell to the ground.
“Save, Zephyr.” He gasped out before letting the dark sea of unconsciousness take hold once more. As he slowly awoke feeling the softness of a bed beneath him and his senses became overwhelmed by the smells of herbs.
“What even happened? Why would he want to save Zephyr, didn’t the king defeat him?” The voice of Aldric filled his ears as he talked with a group of injured soldiers. Kaelan pushed himself up with a wince and opened his eyes. The soldiers looked frightened to see him.
“My King, we meant no disrespect, we-” The stumbled over their words before Kaelan lifted his hand to stop them.
“It’s alright, I understand why you’d question me. Zephyr is the son of the warlord king’s greatest ally, and a ruthless and relentless fighter. He’s changed though, I had been mortally wounded by the warlord king and he saved my life, for that I’m forever grateful. The warlord king saw this however and wounded him terribly.” Kaelan explained to the wondering group of soldiers before turning his head to Aldric leaning against the door frame, instantly he straightened, “Relax my friend, what happened to Zephyr? Did he survive?” Aldric answers by pointing to a bed in the far corner.
“Zephyr was terribly injured, we didn’t think he would make it, but he’s going to be alright. Although he hasn’t awoken yet.” Kaelan attempted to look towards Zephyr before turning back to Aldric.
“Will you help me over to his side?” He asked and Aldric’s eyes widened.
Hesitating he spoke, “But sir, you’re injured as well, you shouldn’t stand just yet.” He warned.
“I’ll be fine, I must see the man who saved my life.” He smiled at the soldier and Aldric walked over to Kaelan, helping him up and out of the bed, supporting him, the two reached Zephyr’s bed and Aldric grabbed a chair for the king. Kaelan sat there for days until he was woken up by a voice.
“How long have you been sitting there, idiot?” Kaelan shot awake and grinned at Zephyr.
“Oh you know, a few days or so.”
“Now, why would you do that, I’m the enemy.” Zephyr spoke and Kaelans grin disappeared.
“Not anymore, my friend, not anymore. You’re our ally now, Zephyr, I would trust you with my life. That’s why I saved yours, will you fight by my side?”
“Now why in the world would I choose to fight by that idiot warlord king’s side now that I’ve realized the truth. I won’t fight by your side, I’ll win by your side, Your Majesty.” Zephyr grinned, sitting up, then groaning at the pain which arrived from the quick movement.
“Together we’ll win. Together, we’ll keep this kingdom safe.” Kaelan said firmly as Zephyr pushed himself off the bed with a small wince.
“Now let’s train.” Zephyr grinned as they walked out of the medical room and down the halls to go outside. Soldiers fought in the field as Kaelan emerged with Zephyr by his side. When the soldiers saw him they all stopped and kneeled before him.
“Rise, my friends, for today we train and prepare to win the final battle. Zephyr is on our side now, treat him like your own brother. Now let’s win this war!” He called out and the soldiers cheered before continuing their training, Zephyr and Kaelan began to battle, meeting each other’s swords with such intensity that the soldiers all stopped to watch. Every swing of a sword was blocked and parried by each fighter. Eventually Kaelan disarmed Zephyr and held his sword to Zephyr’s throat on the ground, he sheathed his sword and held his arm out to Zephyr, who grabbed it, and helped him up. The servant boy came running out as the soldiers spoke with Zephyr and Kaelan.
Kaelan turned to the boy, “They’ve returned! They’ve broken through the gates, heading this way!” Everyone turned and readied as they saw the first warriors reach the field. Swords met and sparks flew as Zephyr fought Dezar warriors. Kaelan stood on the steps until he met the eyes of the warlord king, they fought on the castle’s steps.
“Today, I win and you die.” The warlord sneered as he fought Kaelan, strike after strike blocked until he quickly pulled a knife while their swords met and pierced it through the bandages wrapped around his wound. He let out a cry of pain as he became disarmed and fell to the ground.
“This is the end of your kingdom. Any last words?” He smirked as he lifted his sword,
“Yeah, you’re wrong about that.” Kaelan grinned through the pain and the warlord king’s smirk faded as Zephyr ran up the steps behind him and his sword pierced through the warlord king’s stomach. Kaelan stood painfully and pulled the knife from his stomach and thrust it into the warlords chest,
“This is the end of your kingdom.” He whispered into his ear the two pulling their weapons from the warlord and he fell rolling down the steps to the ground. Turning Kaelan addressed the fighters as he clutched his stomach.
“We’ve won! Dezar warriors go home, your king is dead.” He spoke confidently and turned, “Thank you.” He smiled at Zephyr and put a hand on his shoulder.
“Anytime, My King.” Zephyr smiled.
