Chapter 14: Kill the Councilor

“Let the match begin!”

The championships of the tournament already started after the sun was gone. Arth heard the people’s screams and cheers all around him. Torches circling the arena gave light to the whole place.

Throughout the tournament, Arth managed to make it to the finals without a single sweat. His previous opponents were just too dumb that he never even needed to use his sword.

But this time was so different because he’s now facing a strong opponent.

Tristan from Cold Hills village, huh? He’s the one I saw yesterday when we went here in the capital… the dual blade wielder. Arth thought while looking at his opponent.

Arth was at the same height as Tristan. Only that his skin was lighter than Arth. He also noticed that from Tristan’s black eyes were filled with passion and sense of duty. Arth knew that he’s probably a knight in the capital.

“You’re quite skilled for a young man,” Tristan told him as he was pulling both of his swords from his back. “I admit you got my attention earlier when you fought with those weaklings.”

Arth’s side lips rose. “Same to you,” he replied as he pulled now his sword. Blackwinter, let’s beat this one up.

When the bell rung for the match to begin, Tristan immediately charged towards Arth. He swiftly swung his right sword literally aiming to Arth’s neck.

Woah! He’s already trying to kill me so fast!  

Arth blocked it with his sword but then the second sword was about to pierce his chest. He angled his whole body to dodge the second sword and jumped backwards. He’s faster than what I’ve seen before. Arth thought with his brows furrowed.

“Nice reflexes,” Tristan said.

He’s literally trying to eliminate me as quick as possible! Arth made a stance trying to find out how to deal with both of his opponent’s swords at once.

The two warriors rushed to each other and their blades clanged loudly every time they hit. The people kept on cheering while seeing both of them attack and defend with their swords.

Arth was already having a hard time keeping up with Tristan’s fast blows. He kept on blocking the first one but was almost caught up with the second one if he won’t react in time.

He grunted as he exerted force against Tristan’s sword. Tristan was forced to step back but immediately advanced again. He thrust both his swords on the ground as he jumped and gave a hard kick against Arth.

Arth almost fell out of balance after blocking the powerful kick using his arms. He took a few steps backwards while catching his breath. His arms were already tired from moving his heavy sword so fast.

He bent his knees to make a stance while sharply looking at his opponent.

Tristan walked slowly towards him while the sharp points of his swords were sliding on the ground. The screeching sound of the two blades drifting against the ground was heard as he was dragging them.

“Come on, come at me,” Tristan said with a smirk.

I just can’t keep on blocking and dodging his attacks. I need to start my offense. Arth thought while his breath was still racing.

He charged towards Tristan holding his sword on his right hand. He plunged his blade towards his opponent but it was immediately swiped by Tristan’s first sword.

Arth grunted as his sword on his right hand was pushed away. But then he didn’t notice Tristan’s second blade. He wasn’t able to dodge it in time!

He got wounded in his left arm by the sharp blade of his opponent but managed to bend his body to dodge the whole slash. If he didn’t react in time, his arm would’ve been sliced already.

Damn it! His moves are so unpredictable. Arth thought while touching his bleeding arm. The left sleeve of his cloak was torn off already. The stinging sensation of the wound made him grit his teeth.

“What’s wrong? Is that all you can do, Arth from Frostwood?”

Tristan charged to him again. His attacks were so fast that Arth couldn’t keep up with two swords at once. Another cut was made on Arth’s right cheek.

If I can’t kill him, then I guess I just need to take him out of the ring. Arth grasped the hilt of his sword tighter. He stomped his foot hard against the ground and dashed forward towards the opponent.

Arth was now giving the offense but Tristan still managed to block and evade his blows. However, Arth’s plan was not to make a cut, instead he needs to force Tristan to the edge of the ring.

He gave a powerful swing of his sword. Tristan was pushed back while blocking Arth’s strike using both of his swords.

“Why you-“ Tristan locked his feet against the ground and tried to stop Arth from pushing him to the edge of the ring.

Tristan grunted as he gave much force to keep his body still. He moved his head away and then gave a powerful head-butt against Arth’s forehead.

“Shit!” Arth was forced to step back as his head was bashed heavily. It’s like his skull was almost crushed with intense pain. He almost lost consciousness but he knew this was no time to withdraw. He needs to keep on attacking.

Arth yelled as he raised his sword and struck Tristan downwards.

“You’ve done enough already!” Tristan said as he parried hard and knocked –off Arth’s sword away.

Arth’s Blackwinter was blown away and it landed a few meters from him. He knew he wouldn’t make it if he tried to get his sword back.

“This is the end,” Tristan slashed his sword aiming at Arth’s neck.

Fuck I’ve got no other choice! Arth closed his eyes.

Suddenly, a bright light shone from Arth’s hand. An ice sword was created and Arth used it to swiftly block Tristan’s attack.

Tristan’s eyes widened in shock, “What?!” he said as he was almost pushed to the edge.

Arth immediately moved down to the ground and swiped his opponent’s legs with his strong sidekick. Tristan lost balance and at one blink, Arth smashed Tristan’s face using his fist.

Tristan still blocked it using his arms crossed but was already blown away because of Arth’s strong force. He landed hard on the ground outside the ring which then ended the match.

The people became quiet as they saw what happened. Arth was catching his breath while holding his wounded arm.

Sorry, but I still have a mission so I can’t just die today. He thought.

Arth already walked out of the ring. The audience never made a single cheer. They just whispered to each other after the fight. A few minutes later, Arth saw the MC walking on the stage.

“On the rules of the tournament was stated that any kind of weapon was allowed. Arth from Frostwood used a weapon made of ice. However, he still used magic which is strictly prohibited in the tournament,” the MC stated. “But his opponent, Tristan, was thrown outside of the ring so our judges have a tie vote. The match is decided in a draw!”

The people began to clap their hands and cheer louder. Arth saw Robert and Alice shouting at him on the other side of the arena. They were clearly teasing him for cheating in the match. Arth just smiled and shook his head.

“The two winners will split the grand prize!”

Arth let out a heavy breath. He then was called at the stage together with Tristan to receive their prize.

“Five hundred gold pieces for you, young man,” the MC gave the bag of gold coins to Arth.

“You got me surprised out there earlier, cheater,” Tristan pointed at Arth’s face while looking at him with narrowed eyes.

“Man, you almost killed me. I don’t want to die yet,” Arth sighed and shook his head.

“I’ll get you next time for sure,” Tristan leered at Arth before walking out of the ring.

Arth just stared at him as he walked towards the small grandstand. He suddenly saw the high councilor walking towards him. Behind the old man were his two grand knights.

His eyebrows suddenly rose as he tried to figure out what to do. 

Should I… no. Arth shook his head. I can’t kill him now. His guards and the Frostguarde are here. I need to be patient.

Arth looked at Robert and Alice and saw their eyes widened while looking at him. He muttered a curse in whisper as he noticed that the councilor was already in front of him.

“You’ve put up a great fight earlier, young man,” the councilor said in a cranky voice. “I have to say, you entertained me well and got my interest.”

Arth just faked his smile and nodded.

“The thing is, one of the reasons why I upheld this tournament is to find someone to work for me,” the councilor was now serious. “And I think you’re the one better than Tristan.”

Arth clenched his fists while looking down trying to calm his nerve. He couldn’t believe the councilor would ask him to work as one of his dogs under his corrupt and evil doings.

“I’m sorry, sir, but I can’t,” he tried to be polite as possible even if he was trying to keep himself from blowing up.

“How much do you need? I can pay you in advance,”

Arth suddenly looked with furrowed brows at the old man’s face. “No sir, I’m currently running some errands right now.”

“Oh that’s unfortunate. Well, try to reach me if you’d change your mind,” the councilor told him.

“Sir, it’s almost time to go back,” one of the grand knights reminded the old man. “The carriage is already waiting for you to take you back to the upper ring.”

The councilor nodded. “Hoping to see you again, young man,” he said before he walked away.

Oh yes you will see me very soon. And I’m the last thing that you will see before you die. Arth thought as he sharply looked at the old councilor.

He immediately looked around to find Robert and Alice. They were now gone to their seats. The people were already going home so the archways in the arena were fully crowded.

“What will I do?” Arth whispered panicking. “Do I have to find the two first? But I can’t just let the councilor get back to the upper ring. This is my chance while he will be on his carriage!”

Arth decided to follow the councilor. He was still feeling the sting on his wounded arm and cheek but this was no time for it. His mission comes first before anything else.

When he went out of the arena, he saw an elegant carriage that was enclosed. He also saw the two grand knights he saw earlier. They were on both sides of the carriage jumping on their horses.

I won’t let this opportunity get away. Arth thought. He put on the hood of his blue cloak to cover his head and started to walk. The carriage’s pace was not that fast for him so he managed to follow it.

The skies were fully dark as he tried to follow the carriage without getting noticed. How am I gonna be able to get pass through that grand knights?

He knew where and when he will attack and that is when they will reach the bailey of the lower ring. Lucas told him that the bailey will be a good place since there were only few people around especially at night.

When the horses of the carriage already stepped into the soil ground of the bailey, Arth held the hilt of his sword while walking. The bailey was an open space and was usually used as a training ground for knights on horses. It expands and has few kilometers in distance from the high walls of the upper ring. The whole area was already dark since there were no light posts and only the lamp from the carriage lit the path towards the upper ring.

Arth closed his eyes as he took a deep breath. Blackwinter, lend me your strength. He opened his eyes and bent his knees as he stood against the ground.

He was about to dash and charge towards the carriage but then at all of a sudden, the ground began to shake. He looked down below having no idea of what’s happening.

Arth also noticed that the carriage and the two grand knights ahead of him stopped.

“What’s happening?!” one of the grand knights said while looking around.

Suddenly, a huge ice shard rose from the ground in front of the elegant carriage and blocked the way towards the upper ring.

The horses of the two grand knights neighed loudly as big spikes of ice from the ground pierced through their bodies. The grand knights were forced to jump and land on the ground. They turned around and pulled their own swords as they saw Arth from a distance.

“You!” one of the grand knight said as he pointed his sword in Arth’s direction.

“Yeah, we!”

Arth furrowed his brows as he heard Robert’s loud voice behind him. When he turned around, he saw Robert pulling his sword while Alice was touching the ground with both of her hands.

It was probably Alice that caused that ice shard.

“Don’t worry, Arth,” Robert told him. “We got this.”

The two went forward behind Arth as they faced the two grand knights.

“Brother,” Alice said in a low voice while looking at the knights.

Arth’s eyes widened as he looked at her. Wait. That’s his brother?!

“You’ve grown a lot little sis,” the grand knight with white hair the same as Alice said as he gave a smirk. “You finally showed up.”

“Arth, get to the councilor and kill him now. We’ll handle these two,” Alice told him.

“Are you sure?”

Alice raised her right hand in to the air. A bright light shone above and then a blue long staff appeared. She grabbed it and then pointed towards the two knights. “I’ve been waiting for this all my life.”

Arth saw the grand knight slapping his hand to the carriage. “Go!” he shouted and the horses dragging the carriage began to run in the left direction.

“Arth!” Robert called.

“Got it,” Arth stomped his foot against the ground and charged towards the running carriage.

The other grand knight tried to catch him but Robert came and stopped him using his sword. The grand knight blocked it using his own.

“Hey, hey, I’m your opponent here,” Robert said as their two blades clanged against each other.

Arth rushed towards the running carriage as the sharp point of his sword was drifting against the ground. Chasing beasts was not hard for him. He was already used to beasts faster than these horses.

Just hold on there you two, I’ll finish this quickly. Arth thought.

He was gaining speed and almost catching up to the horses. The high walls of the upper ring was still far so he still have the time. His breath shortened as he sprinted fast.

When he was already on the side of the running horses, he gave a full swing to slash one of the horses’ legs. The horse neighed in pain as it stumbled on the ground which also made the other one lost balance.

The carriage suddenly crashed hard against the ground together with the horses. Arth slowed down while panting. He now walked towards the broken carriage.

“Got you now,” he said as he opened the doors.

His eyes suddenly widened in shock when he saw no one on the carriage. “What?!” he even went inside to look if no one was really there.

Arth was stepped a back when he saw a group of knights charging from the gatehouse of the upper ring towards him.

“It’s a fucking decoy, damn it!” he clenched his fist and began running back to his companions. I was fooled!

He saw Robert blocking and keeping up with the grand knights’ powerful strikes.

The problem was for Alice who was already fighting his brother in close combat using her staff and an ice sword on her other hand. He knew that she was at a disadvantage.

“We have to get out of here!” Arth shouted to them as he sprinted fast. He was almost drained now from following the damn decoy carriage earlier, but he still tried to run as fast as he could.

Robert was blown away and rolled to the ground as he was hit by the grand knights’ sidekick. Arth noticed that Robert’s forehead already has a cut and blood was flowing from it.

The grand knight raised his sword and was about to swing it downwards to slash Robert but luckily Arth managed to intercept it with his own blade.

“Arth! What the hell are you doing?!” Robert shouted at him. “Where’s the councilor?!”

He heard the grand knight’s chuckle as he was exerting force against Arth’s sword.

“It’s a trap, Robert!” Arth said as he tried to attack and fight the knight. His attacks were too slow now because of his tired arms and body. The knight easily evaded all of his strikes.

Arth suddenly noticed that Alice was already having trouble as she created another ice sword. His brother never gave her the chance to cast any spells. She was hit again and almost lost her balance.

“You’ve grown so weak, sister,” her brother said as he raised his sword above. “It would be too sad for me being the only living Veillantif now.”

“Alice!” Arth called.

“Stand back, Arth! This is my fight,” Alice warned him as he attempted to charge to her brother. She quickly used her staff to block the strike.

Arth was about to reply but his opponent was now rushing to him. He blocked the incoming sword of the grand knight. With every hit of their swords, his arms were getting hurt more.

Robert was still recovering from the powerful kick he got from the knight. He slowly stood up while holding his left waist.

“They’re reinforcements are coming, we have to get out of here,” he said.

Arth saw the knights from the upper ring advancing now towards them, some were on their horses. He knew that there’s no chance he could beat this high ranking knight in his current state. But he still needs to try even if it’s almost impossible.

We can’t just lose like this! Arth jumped backwards and then tried to catch his breath.

Suddenly he heard a loud screech coming from the dark sky.

“What’s this?” he whispered. He looked up and saw a huge flying beast that has the wings of an eagle. “What now?!”

His eyes widened when he saw a group of people jumping out of the beast’s back. The wind blew hard as they landed on the ground a few meters from him.

When the smoke from the ground faded, Arth saw five blue-cloaked warriors standing from a distance.

Arth’s jaws dropped as he recognized the two faces of the people.

One was Divine Knight Kael standing at the middle, and the other was his rival on the tournament earlier…

Tristan.