Chapter 205: Fracture XII

Chapter 205: Fracture XII

A challenge. One likely designed to test my limits while reminding me of my limitations. Nothing particularly surprising. If I looked at the sequence of events rationally, from the skirmish where I punched him in the face up to now, it was strange that he hadnt done this sooner.

I was ready for it. Had been ready for it.

What was surprising, was that he intended to administer that challenge himself. It wasnt about besting him, of course. He was a king of unreasonable expectations, but that was more unreasonable than most. More realistically, he wanted a good showing.

Still, his readiness, his attire, the slab of metal on a stick all spoke to his intention. There was no getting out of this. Not now.

So I searched for it, sifting for a nerve, a spark of rebellion, some natural curiosity of how Id stack up against him.

I dug deep. And came up with nothing.

There was a rustling of leathers as someone stood beside me. Theres got to be a more effective alternative. Mari said. She was high-strung at the best of times, but somehow looked more ill at ease now, her back ramrod straight.

What the fuck did you say? King Gil snapped, leveling his attention on her in an instant. The air grew heavy with tension.

Mari, to her credit, weathered the storm well, wavering, yet never succumbing to the pressure. She lowered her eyes, showing respect that did nothing to soften her words. I fecking said, your highness, that perhaps there is a better way of testing my captain than a spar.

There some criticism youd like to air on the subject of how your king raises his son, Banner Lieutenant? He growled.

Mari didnt blink. Instead, her eyes grew cold. I was about to get between them, when she spoke. Few years back, I served as a training officer in another unit. Littered with boys not yet men, though Ill go to my grave attestin that they showed more heart than any battalion twice their size. We had a standout though. Half-elf lug named Arion. Wasnt much between his ears other than flowers and poetry, but the man was built like an ox and had a mastery of the oversized bastards you lot favor. Mauls, axes, feck-off-swords. Didnt matter what. When he swung it, it was like watching an artist work. She cocked her head. Remember em?

With a relaxed motion, he swung his blade up and rested it on his shoulder. I immediately tensed and instinctively reached for my hilt. No matter how relaxed or passive he appeared, it didnt matter. My father loved a surprise attack, ending a conflict quickly and definitively. His change in stance was meant to look casual, but the truth was, with the sword on his shoulder, we were both easily within striking range. I ignored him and watched the blade. It was both heavy-looking and considerably long, at least as tall as me. But for a high steel blade, it lacked the usual sheen.

Smiths barely touched it. Untempered.

I returned the gesture, simultaneously summoning water and navigating it from around the back of the fountain, attempting to mask my focus as I led a small stream of water through the grass towards his feet. As far as I could tell, he didnt notice, his attention entirely fixated on Mari. Something akin to respect flashed through his eyes, gone in an instant, replaced with casual disdain.

Instantly, I grew more wary. That Mari was only indirect in her insubordination shouldnt matter. The king would only see the insubordination. The only reason she wasnt bleeding out on the ground right now with me above her, negotiating for clemency, while Maya tended her was because Gil was pleased with her resistance. Which meant he was testing for it. If he pivoted right now? Changed the terms? It wouldnt be because of Mari, brave as she was. It would be because he intended it from the start.

Perhaps, there is wisdom to your words. My father cocked his head, flexing his fingers on his hilt slow and thoughtful. What then, boy? What would be a proper contest?

Havent had a decent joust in a while. I tried. It was the one martial event where Id stand a chance against him. Assuming I dodged the lance and didnt take it on my shield.

Thought you hated horses? The King frowned.

Thats right. I hadnt really taken a liking to the beasts until I was thirteen or fourteen. In my defense and opinion, a horse was terrifying when it was twice as tall as you.

Lets say Ive expanded my horizons.

He waved dismissively. Regardless, a joust is too simple. Too quick. And no more a show of capacity for leadership than a spar. All at once, his expression went cold. Ah. I have it.

I braced myself.

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