Hallow Crown

Chapter Two

Tyson

Leaving Oriana on her own, sprouted seeds of guilt in my stomach, but I needed to.  Oriana however, did not appear to share the same sentiment. I managed to catch a quick glimpse of her smile before I turned the corner. 

“So. That’s your bride? Not what I was expecting.” Carlos had magically appeared by my side and draped his arm around my neck. 

“That is true. Also aren’t you being a little too familiar, Sir Carlos.” I crouch down and free myself from his grip.  

“Well Your Highness, I was thinking you wouldn’t mind,” Carlos’ voice dropped and he leaned in closer, “I feel like I need to use your title while I still can.” 

I stop and look Carlos in the eye. His signature smile has dropped and I can see he regrets his words.

“I am sorry Ty, I didn’t mean it like that.” 

“Right, I am going to train.” I walk ahead. Carlos remains silent.  

I take the longer route through the courtyard; careful to avoid anyone. Even the walls have ears here. 

The further from the Heart Palace we got the more I felt the tension in my shoulders ease. I could hear the familiar sound of metal clashing against metal. War cries and painful mourns. The knight’s training ground always seemed to smell of musk and sweat no matter how often retainers came to clean. Which was why My Lady Mother had it move downwind of the West Wing.  

Once inside Carlos quickly retreated to find some of his other friends, while I made way to the sparring room. 

I waited around the edge of the arena, while hand to hand fights took place. The fights in the arena were more to prove one's strength and less about actual training. It was also where knights went to settle any arguments. 

I could see Sir Donnavan was facing Sir Andel but it was a brutal one-sided fight. It only took 5 minutes for Donnavan to have Andel on his back and out of the fight.  

“Who’s next?” Donnavan gestured to the onlookers. “I thought you were all Knights of the Realm?“ 

 I step forward and take a stance across from Donnavan.  

“Finally.” he bit out.

Donnavan bent his knees lowering his center of gravity. We circled around the arena waiting to see who would lose their nerve first. 

Donnavan charged forward and his fist pulled back. I dodge to my right. My fist connected with his cheek and Donnavan staggered back.  

“Shit.” Donnavan rubbed his jaw.  

I retake my stance. He charged again. This time I dodged to the left grabbing the back of his shirt. I knocked his foot, shaking his balance and sending him to the floor. 

“You are getting sloppy Donnavan. Did beating on the cadets inflated your ego and messed with your balance.” 

I held my arm out to help him up but instead of getting to his feet, he jolted my arm towards him. I stumbled and he took the chance to aim for my face.  I leaned into the fall and landed with my knees on his chest.  I used my free arm to block his swing.  

“Now, Sir Donnavan, that was hardly a fair move.” I applied more pressure to his chest. 

He stopped squirming, he lay his hands out by his side and closed his eyes. 

“Yea, whatever, you win. Your Highness.” 

I jumped to my feet and backed away from the ring. I went to the sparing posts settling into a rhythm, landing quick jabs rapidly.

I hand clamped on my shoulder mid punch; I swung my fist at whatever had me only for him to catch my fist in his hand.    

“How are you doing, Your Highness?” 

Stepping back I look at my former instructor.  He’d barely aged from the day I snuck into his sword training class. His long black hair still reminded me of a wolf’s tail that had been unsuccessfully tamed into a plat. Steel grey eyes that had the power to see into a man’s soul still stared down at me. 

“It is a pleasure to see you again, Sir Hallow, what brings you here?” I bow slightly. Behind him, I can see a small group of young men in training robes with wooden swords at their hips. 

“Showing some new recruits where the big boys play.”

The boy’s all look terrified. The look never fails to make me smile.  The fear of coming face to face with the Sword Saint. 

“I see…” I look them over. I know the truth half these boys won’t make it to graduation and even fewer will become knights.  

“Anyway, My Prince, would you help me with a small demonstration?” 

“It would be my honor.” 

“Thank you.” Hallow turned to the group and clapped his hands.  “Now with the help of my top student we are going to show you the levels you can reach if you try hard enough.” 

Hallow pulled out his sword displaying some standard swordplay but the faster he moved the blade the more the gem embedded in its Handel started to glow. 

He turned to me and I braced myself.  Hallow’s sword burst into a brilliant flame. The sword came arching toward me.  I focused on my dagger, on the red jewelry. My dagger flew from its sheath and met with the flaming sword.  I grabbed the handle and parried. 

“That cadet is the power of a true knight.” The swords went out and Hallow returned it to its sheath. “Questions.”

Hands shot up. 

“Mister Stone.” 

A tall boy with blond hair swept forward. “Is that the power of a Master?” 

“Yes.” 

I tried to muffle the laugh that rose from his one-word answer. He still wasn’t one for explaining I see. 

“I have a question,” another boy asked. “How is this any different to magic?”

The group went quiet and Hallow turned to give the boy his full attention. 

“Magic. Mister Lock, is a potential in some beings that cannot be taught; it is highly dangerous as the user draws energy from the world around them meaning there is the risk of a user having more power than they can control. A Master has a rare ability that is channeled through a Prism Gem and a Master can only be as powerful as their own strength.” 

“I still don’t see the difference.” Lock said looking around for some kind of support.  

“This is all you need to know. Magic is banned, Masters exclusively work for the throne.” 

And with that, all questions died. 

“Sorry to interrupt your training Prince, I will be leaving.” Hallow stormed from the hall with a meek flock following behind.  

“Well, that was a fun show,” Carlos said from somewhere behind me, “you calmed down?” 

“No,” I landed a light punch in Carlos’ gut, “now I feel better.” 

“I’m glad.” he wheezed holding his stomach. “The Queen has requested you.”