Chapter 37: Chapter 37: trial by combat
* The news had spread around Adje as fast as the rumors in a courtyard full of women. Everywhere on the island one spoke only of this impetious warrior who had dared to challenge a warrior beyond his rank. But there was a reason why this simple news had such a big impact on the local populations, if it is true that usually attacking an elite warrior or even a Legion commander would immediately result in beheading or death. sentencing to the death penalty, he was curious to know who had attacked the master in question. Somewhere deep in a village it was already whispering *.
-You know ? The guy Helmborg attacked was Hakim.
-Hakim? But he's a kid, what's going through his mind?
-And you don't know the most interesting thing is that he flaunted 10 of his guys in no time. All expert warriors.
-Haha stop your bullshit like a kid who hasn't even peaked at his potential could do that * a guy laughed at another table *.
-Hey you all forget who this guy's mother is. She only gave birth to monsters. Nova ... Hussein ... And even recently this kid there ... * he said as he searched for the name *.
-Dagur. * Said a voice as a hand rested on his shoulder *.
* He turned slightly and saw a tall, fair skinned warrior. He had a native mane *.
-L .... L .... Lerch? S... Sorry we didn't know that ...
* Lerch smiled at him and grabbed him by the hair violently then addressed whoever was sitting next to him *.
- Tell me more about this rumor. The friend.
-Y ... Yes sir.
* In the town to the south west of the island was a kind of library upstream on the neighboring hill as well as a large house serving as an orphanage and training place for orphan Killicks who lost their families fighting or being completely abandoned after being deemed unnecessary or too weak. The Lord of the County was called Warren a high ranking Expert warrior who was respected by all. He was also a scholar whose favorite hobby was studying maps and books. That day in the library people were very agitated because one of the men was hastening to come and go. He had his death horse waiting for him at the entrance while he had retrieved his sword and some books for the road. He was a tall man but not particularly muscular, he had blue hair cut to a point and he wore a grayish silk tunic. A similarly dressed woman was trying to hold him back, her hair was braided and her skin was black *.
-I tell you not to go, you have better things to do, Hussein.
- Yes indeed I have better things to do. But because of what he did I have to go there to understand his motives. Otherwise I won't have peace of mind.
-It's not the first time he's been in trouble by himself. There he looked for it. And why are you carrying a sword?
* He finished fixing his satchel then put his sword in the holster *.
- Believe me or not but Hakim is anything but not an idiot. So I go there either to plead his case or to understand it. As to why I carry a sword ...
* He turned to the girl and stared at her with a firm gaze *.
-We are Killicks Valerie. We will always need a sword.
* From the library door a shadow appeared. It was a man in a tunic with his arms crossed, his eyes obscured by the shadows. By his presence Hussein calmed down and refrained from riding a horse *.
-Where are you going to go like that? Hussein * He said calmly *.
-To the capital, Master Warren. I have things to take care of. * He explained in a low voice *.
- Things more important than your work here? * He asked *.
-I ... Master family business. I have to get there.
* The tension was felt for a moment then the pressure due to the aura of the master relapsed. He folded his hands in his sleeves and let out a sigh *.
- Either come back within a week. *He said before returning to the library*.
-he's creepy when he gets down to it. * Said Valerie *.
* Hussein hugged her very tightly and gave her a peck on the cheek before smiling at her. He then mounted his death horse which roared like a wild beast before setting off at a gallop *.
-Don't worry, I'll be back home before you have time to say phew.
-PHEEEEEEW. * She shouted *.
-That doesn't count. * He replied before taking off *.
* North East of Adje was a rather special place to see a sacred place for many Killicks. For those who follow the path traced by the stories of the original warrior this place can only be sacred. Indeed in this mountainous region with arduous paths was the headquarters or rather the fortress monastery of the Alpharion circle. Legion Alpha is the first and most powerful of all of Adje's legions. It is named after one of the original Killick and companion in arms of the Original warrior, one called ALPHA. The Alpharion circle is made up of 4 other legions who follow the codex, precepts and teachings of Duke Alpha and are considered to be the spearhead of Adje's army. The elite of the elite. In this place, far from the sight of ordinary people, was the great monastery where the scholars, priests, monks and wizards of the Legion were trained. It was a sacred place and a place of prayer. In this place a warrior of the legion had set foot there to deliver a message to a particular man, the seal of the message carried him as far as his rank could, then he was blocked before being able to enter the room which was. interested, that of the great Haz of Alpha *.
-It is enough Soldier, you are not authorized to enter this room. Royal seal or not.
* The guard that had blocked him was huge, his body was inside onyx blue armor like the Efrat and he had a spear in his hand. It looked like he could crush him with his fist if he wanted to *.
-So... Sorry ... I just have to take this message to one of your scholars.
-Tell the name of this scholar and I will carry it myself. * Said the guard in his mechanical voice *.
- NOVA
* Elsewhere in a village in the south more precisely upstream of the river, Lerch had just returned with a bottle of wine in hand. Ralph was chopping wood with his ax and ToB was helping to build a new house. Visra trained with a rather wild girl who had blue hair. Having said that handling the Efrat didn't help her win these little duels but she kept pace. Ortega was managing the finances for the week *.
-Hi guys. Want to hear good news?
-I'm listening to you Lerch. * Said Ortega jaded *. Who knows that will not squeeze on one of your conquests this faith.
-It seems that a master of Legion was attacked not long ago you believe it?
-Oh really Lerch? * Said Visra Sarcastic *. It's amazing it's just a story everyone is talking about on Adje.
- Please tell us something we don't know.
-Oh ok. I suppose you already know that Hakim is in jail. * He said as he sat down *.
-What are you talking about Hakim is learning in his fortress monastery, how he would be in prison? * TOB asked *
- Wait, are you not aware of? * Said Lerch smiling *.
* The kid tried to impale Visra with a thrust but the Killick picked her up by the wrist and slammed her to the ground *.
-What is this Lerch, do you know something we don't know?
-Bah obviously. * He said indignantly *. I'm trying to tell you that the guy who attacked Helmborg was little Hakim.
* Ralph missed a piece of wood and hit the ground when he heard this. The others were dumbfounded as Ralph resumed his routine *.
-You're talking bullshit. * Said Ortega *.
- Don't care that you don't believe me. By the way Olenna your mother's weak point is her footwork disturbs her with subtle movements and she will collapse.
-Thank you Uncle Lerch. * Said the kid who got up painfully *.
-Hey I heard too. * Said Visra *. More importantly, someone has to go tell Sephora.
-She already knows. * Tob said wiping his hands *. But you know what she has to do with her children. One of us should go and support him anyway.
-Yes I guess we owe that to our pupil. * Said Visra *. Lerch ....
* But Lerch was already far away and was giving them raised fingers *.
-I fuck you. * he hummed *.
-Good Ortega. You were the closest to him, it's you who stick to it.
- Are you going to get by without me? With county expenses and everything.
-Oooh stop being like that, you're useless here.
- Fuck you Tob. * He said as he walked towards the stable *.
-Ah one last thing Orthis.
-What ?
-Take a sword. * Advised his friend *.
-I will do that yes. Dear takes care of Mathias and the kids.
-Get out hurry up. * Visra told him *. Anyway, I do everything in this home.
* After changing quickly he will collect some things and go to the stables. As an average warrior his own horse was normal, but no big deal since he was familiar with the forest and some shortcut. As he sealed his horse he sensed the presence of a girl in the stable. She was lying in the straw covered with a sheet. She must have been around 14 years old but her gaze made her look mature *.
-Sinlay is that you? Don't stay in the stables, you'll freak out my horses.
-Where are you going like that so early in the morning? * Asked you she extremely tired *.
-You heard us, didn't you? Your brother's in trouble so I was going to go check it out. You do not come ?
* She gave him a finger and scowled in her blanket *.
-Yeah, that's more what solidarity between Brothers was. I would say a sweet word to him from you.
-Don't forget to close the door on your way out. I prefer when it's dark.
-Yeah yeah yeah.
* Ortega thus left his lost village for the capital. A few days later a rather atypical trial was held. Attacking a legion commander was rare that Adje's judges even thought about removing this part of the law. After all, challenging an elite warrior was at his peril. But alas the law is the law and contrary to what one might think the Killicks also have theirs. Standing in the midst of an assembly made up of a majority of Dedalus members and the few acquaintances Hakim faced a firm and impartial Jury. At least on the surface. The young killick had his hands in peculiar metal handcuffs and the guards were all on their guard. The one who chaired the session was none other than Vincent an elite warrior feared and respected. His mere presence had already cooled the mood in the room *.
-Young warrior of expert rank ... Hakim. Are you aware of the seriousness of your crime? * Vincent asked *.
-Absolutely.
-In spite of this you have insisted that none of your acquaintances plead your defense.
-That's right.
- And so you admit yourself fully guilty of the charges with which you are accused.
-That's right.
* Everyone in the room let out a woaaah of amazement. Hussein covered his face with an indignant palm *
-What an asshole. * He said *.
-Well in this case. * Said Vincent *. We don't need to go any further. I find you guilty of attempted murder of Legion Master of Dedalus.
-He ... Hey no wait. * Said Hakim surprised *. Won't you even listen to my side of the story?
- What good is it a waste of time you have to admit everything.
* The guards grabbed him and tried to pull him out of the room but he struggled *.
-So what's the point of organizing this semblance of a trial? * He shouted *. You just wanted to see me dead, right? In this case just organize my execution and not my trial.
-I suggest that we listen to what he has to say. * Said Hussein in the assembly *.
-You shut up, you aren't allowed to speak. * Vincent told him *.
* He froze instantly when he saw the murderous gaze of the Killick while he was all shaking *.
-And you little one thought you got away so easily but even here in Adje we have laws. Contrary to what most people off the island believe we are not a savage barbarian people our culture is just atypical. After all, we are not human. * He said, scratching the desk with his claws *. Keep send him to the dungeon.
*Sitting in his corner Helmborg observed the scene with folded arms*.
-It's stupid I was hoping for some action. Kind of witness at the helm.
-In this case I appeal to the law. * Hakim shouted *.
-She has already decided on your poor fate.
* As he struggled against armored Alpharion guards a wave swept through the city at full speed raising a large gust of wind. The wave headed in the direction of the courtroom and rushed in through the halls, avoiding the guards and employees before arriving at the trial room. She stopped dead there and we could see an individual wearing a forest green cape. The guy entered the room and with a spin kick ejected the two guards who were trying to take the young Hakim by force. The guy removed his hood and his square cut and black skin could be seen. It was Ortega who had come on purpose *.
-What's going on here? Is it already over? I knew you less promptly Vince. * He said a little out of breath *.
-Uncle Ortega. * Shouted Hussein and Hakim *.
-Sorry kids I lost my horse at the time the poor beast was no longer keep up. Anuway running is the best way to get somewhere in Adje.
-Ortega? * Said Raheem *. Who is that ?
-A veteran of the Voyageur Legion. * He said in a low voice *.
-What does an average warrior do in the middle of the city. We should behead him. * Said the lieutenant *.
-Try. * Said Borg *. But don't count on me to bury you. He might be an average warrior, but he grew up on the battlefield.
* The two guards who had been surprised by Ortega's lightning attack got up and took out their halberds *.
-Wow gently, I came in peace. * He said *.
-What do you want me Ortega? * Vincent asked in silent anger *.
-Listen what this kid has to say. Please.
-Is that so. * He said *. What motivated you to attack stronger than you?
* Hakim stepped forward and all the attention of the room was on him *.
-Hate. And honor. Legion Master Helmborg may be a great warrior with years of fighting behind him, but he dared to insult my mother the great Sephora Hyverson. He spread rumors by calling her a whore, saying that she would be ready to sleep with the first comer. I find that unpleasant. So yes in time as her son I had to obtain reparation even if it is by the blood of my enemy.
* Vincent was silent for a moment and kept his fingers crossed *.
-What's all about it?
* Hakim was shocked at his response *.
-You are not very original. I was expecting something even more cliché like he raped my mom.
-That ... You didn't listen to me? * Hakim shouted in anger *.
-Oh I listened to you well. You have your reasons, but let's be frank you could have simply challenged him to a duel that would have been less boring. But no, you preferred to challenge him directly without going through the official ways.
-I was angry and I doubt the official ways will work when it comes to an elite warrior.
-They are working. * Said Vincent who hit the stone table *. I'm here to make sure it work personally, just as I'm going to make sure you serve your sentence. Guards.
* The Alpharions guards approached but Ortega blocked their way *.
-Get away Ortega or I will have no mercy. * Said the guard *.
-You know you can always get around me. * He said sarcastically *.
-Hm ... I'm going to get through it instead.
* The guard gave a violent blow of the Halberd but Ortega stopped him by blocking him with his sword which he barely drew. Under his feet a slight crater and a sweat on his forehead *.
-Well, as waiting for the Alpharion circle, it's still hitting hard.
* For a moment his eyes turned blue and he did a pirouette where he pushed the two guards away, hitting them in the chest. One of them managed to dodge but the closest saw his armor cut off at the chest. The guard stepped back and touched the gash, realizing that without the armor he would be dead *.
-But don't worry, I brought my best blade.
* The Killick knocked down his blade and warned. The two guards rushed towards Ortega and a rather violent exchange of blows ensued. The warriors in the assembly couldn't believe he was standing up to the Alpharion guards. Ortega's style was to hold his blade upside down which allowed him to easily counterattack. He sliced off the bracelet of one of them but the second hit him with his fist. He stepped back, the guard approached with the halberd but he avoided it and sliced under the armor but not deep enough. The two guards having surrounded him assaulted him from all sides but he answered them each in turn by performing high velociity sword rotations *.
-You see Raheem ... That's an elder.
* Ortega let go of his cloak which blinded the guard and took the opportunity to pass him from behind. That said while he was going to slice it he did not see that the second was also in his blind spot and was about to slice it in two. Only the guard's halberd was stopped by another sword. Seeing this Vincent lost Patience. *.
-Hu ... Hussein? * Hakim wondered *
-I cover your rear Uncle Ortega.
-Tch I saw it coming eh. * Said he smirked *.
-My ass.
-That's enough. * Said Vincent, hitting his fist which cracked the table *. This is why I hate them .... Let's go. I see you are determined to make this trial a game so tell me what do you want?
* Ortega turned to Vincent, lowering his sword *.
-Hey, it's not me that you have to listen to. * He said pointing Hakim with the tip of his blade *.
-I request a trial by combat. * Hakim announced *.
* All the Killicks in the room were surprised even Ortega who was speechless *.
-A trial by combat? Very interesting ... And in absolute terms if I accepted who you would take to represent you.
-My brother .... NOVA.
* End of chapter *
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