Chapter 13: The Grand Finals

"Go now to your posts,"

Kael ordered his knights wearing silver armor and blue capes. The knights nodded and marched towards the audiences on guard. The circular arena was almost getting filled up and the loud noises of their cheers are already heard.

It was almost noon but there was light snow falling from the gloomy sky. Kael still observed the people, trying to find some intruders he can spot. He knew that Forgotten Winter will be there. And his plan was ready.

Kael was standing beside councilor Rowan who was sitting on the high seat. The small grandstand they were in was roofed by a thick and dark tent.

Suddenly, he saw grand knight Bryle and Sadon walking in and stopped on the other side of the councilor. They were Rowan's guards and have always been with him at all times.

"Eyes and ears open," Kael reminded his members as he turned to them. The three nodded and then gazed at the people around the arena.

If Forgotten Winter will attack the councilor now, we are prepared. But if they will take the bait later after the tournament, then my plan will be perfect. Kael thought.

The tournament has started and the audiences' cheers thundered around the arena. The wide circular stage at the center was now occupied by the MC.

"For the first match, we have Merek from Vale and Caston the Blackdog!"

The two warriors went up the stage and drew out their swords. They started fighting and the sounds of two swords clanging echoed throughout the arena.

Kael just sighed and shook his head. The fight started with no interest for him. Those warriors were just swinging their swords with no meat and meaning.

Oh gods, really? Kael needed some real fight.

A few matches have been called and then it was time for the next match. Kael's eyes were caught by the blue cloaked warrior stepping into the circular ring.

He noticed that the young man was carrying himself like a warrior as he went to the center. It's like he knew what he was doing. The confidence in his movements made Kael think he's a fine warrior.

"Arth from Frostwood and Barak of Winterrun!"

Arth? Interesting name. Kael couldn't see Arth's face because he was turning his back to him. When the bell rang for the start of the match, he saw Barak drawing out his own sword while Arth was just standing in place without moving any muscle. His opponent was a tall and muscled man.

The people were loud enough to cheer for Barak. He's probably famous because of his fit body and figure.

Barak charged towards Arth while swinging his long silver sword from the right. Arth was swift enough to evade the attack as he only took a step to move.

The big man grunted as he continued making swings trying to slash Arth but his attacks just couldn't hit him. He rotated his body and kicked Arth from the side with much strength.

Arth blocked his strong kick with just his arms crossed. While Barak's one leg was still on air, Arth quickly moved down to the ground and swiped Barak's other leg with his own kick.

Barak lost balance. His huge body slammed against the stone ground and he groaned in pain.

"You brat!" Barak shouted as he plunged his long sword towards Arth's legs but Arth jumped high with much speed to dodge. He landed on the big man's neck and then used both of his strong legs to forcefully twist Barak's head. A loud bone crack was heard from his neck.

The audience made a gasping sound around the arena as Barak fell to the ground, dead.

Arth stood up and then walked out of the circular stage.

"A... Arth from Frostwood wins the match!"

"That warrior's not bad," Kael heard the councilor. "What do you think, Kael?"

"He's more experienced than any young warrior at his age would be," Kael thought while forming a smirk on his lips.

His eyes suddenly widened when he finally saw Arth's face up close. His brows furrowed as he caught a glimpse of the young man's blue eyes.

Is he... what I think he is? No... it's impossible. Those blue eyes could be fake. Kael wondered but was already interrupted when the bell rang for the next match.

Another set of boring matches for him. His interest was still caught by Arth earlier. He kind of sensed something familiar from the young warrior but he couldn't tell what exactly.

The match of Tristan came so Kael now got his attention on the ring. Seeing from the earlier fights, he knew that it was Tristan and Arth that would be left in the finals.

The bell rang and as what have Kael has expected, Tristan already slashed his opponent's neck in one blink. He never even gave his opponent the chance to strike.

The audiences were still speechless because of their amazement. It was like this match ended in less than ten seconds. Tristan's opponent was already on the ground as dark thick blood flowed endlessly from his wounded neck. Kael nodded slowly. The circular stage was now filled with blood.

As the knights immediately cleaned off the stage before the next match begins, Kael surveyed the faces of the audience again if someone he would expect shows up.

"Your subordinate really is talented, Sir Kael," he heard councilor Rowan beside him.

"He never disappoints, Rowan," Kael replied without looking at him.

"I might need someone like him in my guards. What you say?"

Kael turned to the councilor and shook his head slightly. "He's under my team now, councilor. Find your own man."

He heard the councilor's chuckle. "It's fine. I already have two of the strongest grand knights in the capital," Rowan said and then turned to Bryle and Sadon who was standing on guard beside him.

It was almost sunset and the finals were about to begin. As Kael has predicted, Tristan and Arth were the grand finalists.

"On my right, entering the stage is Arth from Frostwood!"

The crowd cheered for him.

"On to my left, his opponent is Tristan from Cold Hills!" the MC announced.

The audience's cheers grew louder in every second as Arth and Tristan entered the ring. They were both wearing their blue cloak only that Arth has a darker color shade. From Kael's perspective, Tristan's advantage was his speed. But still, he knew only a few things about Arth so he's not yet expecting who would win the match.

"Now this is interesting," councilor Rowan said while clapping his hands in amusement.

Kael gave a smirk as he looked at the two young warriors facing each other now in the center.

"Yes, it is."