Chapter 6: The Trial of Unity
1010 Words
The discovery of the Resonance Shard changed everything.
By sunrise, security around the palace had doubled.
Royal guards stood at every entrance.
Archers lined the palace walls.
No servant entered or left without inspection.
Yet despite the increased precautions, King Joseph refused to let fear ruin the purpose of the Alliance Summit.
“If we hide behind our walls,” he told his council, “then the Crimson Order has already won.”
The summit would continue.
⸻
That morning, the rulers gathered in the Grand Council Chamber.
King Aldren of Valeris spoke first.
“If the Crimson Order truly has spies among us, we must find them before they strike.”
Queen Elenora of Mystral nodded.
“Our mages can strengthen the palace’s magical barriers.”
King Harald of Norhaven slammed a fist onto the table.
“And my soldiers will search every corner of this city.”
Before anyone else could speak, Cassian rose from his chair.
“Searching walls won’t stop an enemy who’s already inside.”
Several rulers exchanged uneasy glances.
King Joseph leaned forward.
“What do you suggest, Prince Cassian?”
Cassian’s amber eyes shifted toward the Royal Vanguard, who stood silently at the edge of the chamber.
“I want to know if Azul’s legendary protectors are truly worthy of guarding seven kingdoms.”
The room grew quiet.
Master Kael folded his arms.
“What are you proposing?”
“A trial.”
Cassian answered without hesitation.
“A friendly contest.”
“No blood.”
“No politics.”
“Just skill.”
He looked directly at Bashan.
“And honesty.”
⸻
An hour later, word of the challenge had spread throughout the capital.
The Royal Arena, normally reserved for festivals and tournaments, overflowed with spectators.
Citizens filled every seat.
Visitors from the allied kingdoms eagerly discussed who would win.
Taren leaned against the arena wall.
“I can’t believe diplomacy in Drakhar involves hitting people.”
Brakus chuckled.
“I’m beginning to understand why they’re famous.”
Nyx remained focused.
“This isn’t about winning.”
Liora nodded.
“They’re judging our kingdom.”
⸻
Master Kael addressed both teams in the center of the arena.
“This is not a duel to prove superiority.”
“It is a demonstration of discipline.”
“The first side to capture the opposing team’s banner wins.”
“No lethal attacks.”
“No outside interference.”
Cassian smiled.
“Fair enough.”
He turned toward his own companions.
For the first time, the Royal Vanguard saw the warriors of Drakhar.
A tall spearwoman with braided crimson hair.
A heavily armored giant carrying a battle axe.
Twin brothers armed with curved blades.
And a silent archer whose eyes never seemed to blink.
Five warriors.
Five veterans despite their young age.
Bashan grinned.
“Now this looks fun.”
⸻
The signal horn sounded.
The match began.
Immediately, the twin brothers disappeared into opposite sides of the arena.
“They’re splitting up,” Liora observed.
“They’re trying to surround us,” Nyx added.
Azul raised a hand.
“Don’t chase them.”
“Hold formation.”
Brakus planted his shield into the ground while Liora and Nyx took the flanks.
Taren vanished from sight almost instantly.
Bashan rolled his shoulders.
“I’ll handle the front.”
Cassian smiled from across the field.
“Exactly what I expected.”
With a single gesture, his entire team attacked.
⸻
The arena erupted into action.
The giant warrior crashed against Brakus’ shield with tremendous force.
The impact echoed through the stadium.
Brakus slid backward…
But didn’t fall.
“Still standing,” he said with a grin.
“I like you already.”
Nearby, Liora’s spear clashed repeatedly against the crimson-haired warrior.
Their movements were so precise that even experienced soldiers applauded.
Neither could gain the advantage.
High above them, arrows suddenly rained toward the Vanguard.
Nyx reacted instantly.
“Incoming!”
She disappeared into the shadows and emerged behind a stone pillar, narrowly avoiding the attack.
The silent archer frowned.
It was the first time anyone had escaped his opening volley.
⸻
Meanwhile, Bashan charged directly toward Cassian.
Their swords collided with a deafening crash.
Neither prince stepped back.
Cassian laughed.
“So the stories were true.”
Bashan smirked.
“I was about to say the same thing.”
Strike after strike echoed across the arena.
Power met power.
Speed met speed.
The spectators rose to their feet.
Even King Joseph couldn’t hide his amazement.
“They’re evenly matched…”
Master Kael nodded.
“For now.”
⸻
Away from the main battle, Taren quietly slipped behind the enemy formation.
His eyes locked onto Drakhar’s banner.
“Almost there…”
Just as he reached for it—
A voice behind him spoke calmly.
“I’ve been waiting.”
Taren spun around.
The silent archer stood only a few steps away.
Bow already drawn.
“So…”
Taren sighed dramatically.
“You finally noticed me.”
The archer released the arrow.
Taren smiled.
And vanished.
The crowd gasped.
The arrow struck nothing but air.
Moments later, laughter echoed from somewhere behind the archer.
“Too slow.”
⸻
Watching from the royal balcony, Princess Seraphina folded her arms thoughtfully.
King Aldren noticed her expression.
“What do you think?”
She kept her eyes on the battlefield.
“The Royal Vanguard isn’t fighting to outshine one another.”
“They’re fighting to protect each other.”
King Aldren smiled.
“And Drakhar?”
“They’re fighting to prove themselves.”
Her gaze drifted toward Azul and Bashan.
“I wonder which approach will matter more when a real war begins.”
Far beyond the cheering crowd…
Hidden among the spectators beneath a plain traveler’s cloak…
A man quietly smiled.
His eyes weren’t fixed on the contest.
They were fixed on the kings.
Slowly, he slipped a folded parchment into the hand of another hooded figure before disappearing into the sea of people.
The message contained only four words.
“Phase Two begins today.”
- Writer
