Soul Cursed Protector

Many days had now passed since the bandit attack on the caravan, and since Ellyn had joined the group. It still haunts Gawain’s thoughts as to why a caravan would be helping thieves, what could they possibly get in return? Also why would a fight break out between the two sides if all was going well? And why would the caravan have prisoners for the bandits, what could they have been up to? None of it made any sense to Gawain whatsoever, but deep down he had a feeling that at some point down the road, he would get the answers he sought.

“Master, Gawain. You seem to be deep in thought, is there something troubling you?” Leon asked. “You also might want to think about setting up camp soon, it is getting closer to night fall.”

Gawain looked at Leon and smiled, “You need not trouble yourself over me child, all is

well.” he answered. Gawain agreed that Leon was right about how close to nightfall it was getting, and

he knew this area well enough to know you don’t start setting up a campsite at night, unless you want to invite some unwanted creatures to join you when your back is turned. “Hmm, I do see that nightfall vastly approaches. This what I want from you, take Ulrich and Ellyn, search the area for some wood for a campfire. Whatever you do, don’t try and cut on the trees, that is all I shall say.”

“As you wish, Master Gawain.” Leon put his fist over his chest and bowed before walking

away.

I hope that you’re ready for what’s to come, young Leon, Gawain thought to himself as he watched Leon until he was out of sight.

Ulrich was leaned back against a tree with his legs stretched out taking a nap, until Ellyn

walked up upon him and kicked at his feet. “Hey.” she shouted. Ulrich didn’t pay no mind to her at first, “Hey. Wake up.” she kicked at his feet once more.

Ulrich opened his eyes slightly to look up at her, “Can’t you see that I’m trying to sleep?” he mumbled. “What do you want?”

“I need to train, will you spar with me?” she asked, looking down at Ulrich with her bright green eyes.

“Do I have to?” Ulrich asked, trying his best to ignore her.

“I guess I will have to go and ask Leon if he’ll spar with me.” Ellyn giggled, and acted as though she was going to walk away, she knew exactly how to get what she wanted from him.

Ulrich jumped to his feet, “I was fooling around with you, of course I will spar with you.” he would be damned if Leon was going to get a chance to do anything with her before him. “What do you want to do? Shoot a bow and arrow, ride a horse, or learn some hand to hand combat?”

“Silly boy.” she laughed. “I need to brush up on my sword fighting skills.”

“What?” Ulrich asked nervously. He was skilled with the way of the blade, but for some reason he didn’t want to lift his sword against Ellyn. “I don’t have my sword, it’s strapped to the side my saddle

and I really don’t want to have to go and get it my lady.” he did his best to figure a way out of his own words, but Ellyn wasn’t going to have any of that.

“Don’t worry, I brought your sword along with me.” Ellyn smiled, tossing his sword over to him. “It’s still sheathed, I didn’t do anything to it.”

Ulrich leaned over to pick up his sword, “You had this planned.” he sighed. “If this is what you want.” he unsheathed his sword and pointed it straight at her, “I will just have to do as you ask.”

“That’s more like it.” she smiled excitedly and unsheathed her blade as well. “Don’t think that this will be an easy win for you just because I’m a girl.”

Without warning she swung her blade at Ulrich with blinding speed, and at the last minute he blocked her blade. “Is that all you got?”

“You haven’t seen just how good I am.” she laughed and swung her blade at him again, this time in a slashing motion.

Ulrich sidestepped her attack without even trying, instead of trying to counter, he slapped Ellyn on the back with the flat side of his blade. “I thought for sure you were going to show me your best.”

Ellyn regained her composure and turned to face Ulrich yet again, “You’re good, not even my skill is match for you.” she smiled. “But I’m curious to see if you can handle my special move, taught to me by one of the finest knights in all the land.” she started to whisper something in a language that Ulrich had never heard before, and vanished into thin air.

Her special attack has increased her speed, I better watch my step. He scanned the area, but was unable to track her movements no matter how hard he tried.

Just then Ulrich heard a whisper in his ear, “I got you now.” the voice claimed, however before he could react something took his legs out from under him and he fell to the ground, back first. When he looked up, standing over him was Ellyn with the tip of her sword up against his throat. “Looks like I

was finally able to get the better of you.”

Leon came walking out of the woods, only to see Ulrich on his back with the young girl they had rescued standing over him with a sword to his throat. “What is going on here?” without thinking twice he unsheathed his blade, taking another step closer. “This is how you repay us for saving your life, by trying to take one of ours?” Ellyn giggled at Leon which only seemed to infuriate him further, “You find this funny?”

“I find this whole situation funny.” Ellyn laughed. “I’m not trying to kill your friend, we were just sparing with each other.”

Ulrich made it to his feet and calmly reached for Leon’s sword, “It’s okay, like she said, we were merely sparing with one another.” he explained. “I don’t know how she got the better of me, but she did.”

Leon sheathed his blade, laughing, “I didn’t think anyone could best the greatest warrior in the wold.” he laughed again. Ellyn and Ulrich both joined in on the laughter as well, the three of them shared a heartfelt laugh between friends, a memory that will stick with Leon for a lifetime.

When the laughter faded, Leon was all business. “Ellyn, Ulrich, I was ordered to find the two of you and get you to help me collect firewood for the campsite.”

“Did the old man send you?” Ulrich asked sarcastically.

“Yes, Master Gawain sent me.” Leon answered. “Why do you have to keep calling him old?” “Because he’s older than us.” Ulrich joked. “If the old men sent you, then I’m not going to

help.”

“Why are you so hard on him?” Leon asked. “What did he ever do to you?” “He’s not my master, he just thinks he is.” Ulrich hissed. “Caine is my master.”

“Since when?” Leon asked loudly, he was still young and didn’t quiet understand how the world worked, but hearing Ulrich say that cut him like a knife. He felt like his best friend had betrayed Master

Gawain, not only that, Ulrich betrayed him as well. “Since a few months back.” Ulrich answered.

“Why would you throw everything Master Gawain has taught us away like that? Why, Ulrich?” Leon questioned out of anger.

“You wouldn’t understand.” Ulrich sighed.

“What would I not understand? Tell me.” Leon snapped at him.

Ulrich lowered his head chuckling, “Gawain is weak, he teaches about being just in our decisions, and how to be honorable when dealing with others. He even makes us show kindness to the filth outside of the Academy walls. Why should I have to bow down to peasants?” he clinched his fist tightly. “When I went to Caine with my feelings, he decided that it would be best if he became my master and train me on how to be a true warrior. And I agreed with an open heart, and mind.”

Leon fought against the urge to hit Ulrich, “Are you foolish? Caine will only poison your mind, he is not to be trusted. You know this. Master Gawain has warned us about him many times.”

“You are such a child, Leon.” Ulrich laughed. “The old man has lied to us for far to long. Caine has taught me that with power I can shape the world into whatever I choose, the old man is afraid of such power and holds us back for that reason.” Ulrich pointed his blade at Leon, “And if you don’t believe me then I shall prove it to you.”

Leon drew his blade yet again, “If that’s the way you want, fine by me.”

Ellyn jumped in between the two young boys before they could do harm to each other, “There’s no point in fighting like children.” she told them. “Put your sticks away before you both do something stupid. Ulrich, you have your beliefs and Leon has his, just like I have my own as well, but there’s no need to fight about it is there?” she looked at both of them with her pleading green eyes. “Lets just forget about this and gather the firewood, if not for each other, then do it for me. Please.”

“Fine.” Ulrich grumbled, sheathing his sword back to his waist. “But this isn’t over yet, just

know that Leon.”

Leon did the same, turning to walk away without saying a word. Ulrich is going down the wrong path, and it’s up to me to save him.

Later that night around the campfire, Leon and Ulrich was hardly speaking to one another, which made Gawain suspicious. “Has something happened between the two of you?” he asked. But his question had gone unanswered. “Miss Ellyn, do you know something about this?” he had thought that the two boys may be fighting over her, and if anyone knew the truth she would.

“I have no idea good sir.” she innocently smiled.

Gawain was no fool he could tell by her facial expression that she was hiding something from him. “I will not ask you again young lady, you are hiding something from me and I want to know what that is.”

“Master Gawain, Ulrich and myself had a little spat.” Leon explained. “It was nothing more than that.”

Gawain looked over at Ulrich, “Is that true?” Ulrich nodded in agreement with what Leon had said without even looking at the man. “I see.” he said with a look of disappointment. “It’s time to call it a night, we have a long road ahead.” he got to his feet and walked over to a tree that was just a few feet away and laid up against it, that was his resting spot for the night.

Ellyn laid back on the ground and looked up at the stars, this time she wasn’t very talkative and kept to herself. Mom, Dad, I will get revenge for what he has done to you both, I promise. She closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep.

“Psst.” whispered Ulrich. “You still awake Leon?”

“I am.” Leon whispered back. There was a brief moment of silence until Leon whispered again, “What do you want, Ulrich?”

“I just want to say thank you.”

“For what?” Leon asked, looking over to make sure Gawain wasn’t listening to them talk. “For not telling the old man what you had found out about me.”

“No matter what happens Ulrich, you’re still my best friend.” Leon whispered. “Just promise me that you won’t let Caine poison your mind.”

“I do this of my own free will, Leon.” Ulrich said. “I’m sorry that I pulled my blade on you, my friend. But that’s the only apology I offer.”

“I will prove to you that Caine’s way is wrong, you’ll see.” Leon said before closing his eyes.

Later that night Ulrich was awakened by the sound of voices. He could only make out one of the voices, and that was of the old man. But he didn’t recognize the other voice coming from within the darkness, he could however tell that is was a females voice. Ulrich did what any young boy would do, he got up to investigate. Ulrich slowly sneaked through the wooded area making sure to keep himself out of sight, until finally he came upon them. He made sure to stay hidden out of sight behind one of the trees, Ulrich would only peer around the corner every so often. The boy recognized the silhouette of the old man, but he didn’t know who the female was, she also had a hood over her face to conceal her identity. He made sure not make any sudden movements, for he didn’t want to be found out as he listened in on the conversation.

“Did you survey the area ahead?” Gawain asked the hooded woman. “I did.” she replied.

“What did you find out?”

“In the morning you will near your first trail, “The Cave Of Sorrow.” It won’t be an easy task, the cave is riddled with monsters, and ghosts of the fallen.” she explained. “There will also be certain monsters that will take the most skilled to over come.”

“That sounds easy enough.” Gawain joked. “That is where we shall find the pieces of a blade.”

“Not all the pieces.” she said. “Ancient lore claims that there is only one small piece of a powerful blade hidden deep inside.”

“Interesting.” Gawain muttered. “Sir?”

“It’s nothing.” Gawain replied. “Is there anything else to report?” “No, sir.” she answered. “But I do have a question of my own.” “You may speak freely.”

“Why did you bring Leon along on such a dangerous mission, Master Gawain?” she asked. “I do understand why you would bring Ulrich, he’s quiet skilled with the way of the blade, and handy with a bow. But why, Leon?”

“Are you questioning my judgment?”

“No, I was just curious. But are we not supposed to be protecting him?”

“Yes that is true, but it’s to risky leaving him behind now that Caine is the new Headmaster of the Academy.”

“But Caine is your friend.”

“Once Caine turned his back on everything that we were taught, he broke the bond of friendship.” Gawain said with a heavy heart.

“So now you put Leon in harms way.”

“He’s not in harms way, I will protect him.” Gawain said with confidence. “Besides that, it’s time for him to hone his skills. He has to be ready to accept his destiny when the time comes, “For he will be the one that saves, or destroys the world, with the power of the gods.””

“Save or destroy the world with the power of the gods?” the lady sounded confused. “What does that mean anyways?”

“I’m not sure, it was in a scripture his father gave to me before he died.” Gawain answered.

“That’s also the reason I enlisted your aid, you’re an informant, assassin when need be, the best at both I’ve ever seen. If anyone can find the answers I seek, it is you.”

“You flatter me.” she joked. “Just keep the boy safe, Gawain. I will see if I can find out more about his destiny, and more on this so called holly mission Alistair has sent you on.” in an instant she was gone, like a ghost in the night.

Leon’s destiny? Power of the gods? Saving or destroying the world? Just who is Leon? Has he been hiding things from me this whole time? I must know the truth of these matters. Ulrich thought to himself.

The next day at sunrise, Gawain was standing over Ulrich kicking at his feet. “Get up. It’s time to do some training.”

“Do we have to?” Ulrich mumbled before falling back to sleep.

Gawain then turned his attention towards Leon. “Wake up, Leon. It’s time to train.” he shouted kicking at Leon’s feet like he did with Ulrich.

Leon barely opened his eyes, “Just a little longer.” he said, and then he was asleep once more. “Damn kids.” Gawain shouted out of anger. He calmed himself down and did some thinking,

“That’s a perfect idea, I’ll show them.” he laughed. Gawain disappeared off into the woods, when he returned he had a pail of water in his hands. Gawain noticed that Ellyn was up cooking them something to eat while Ulrich and Leon were still sleeping. He smirked and walked up to Leon first and looked down at him while he slept, “Wake up!” he shouted before pouring half of the water over Leon’s face.

Leon jumped up shivering, the upper half of his body was soaked with cold water. “What in the hell?” he shouted. “Who did that?”

Ellyn could barely contain her laughter when Gawain dumped the water on Leon, but when he turned to pour the water on Ulrich she burst out laughing and almost fell off the stump she was sitting on. When Ulrich woke up cursing and reaching for his sword, she actually laughed so hard that she fell

to the ground. “What’s so funny?” Ulrich hissed. “Y-You.” she pointed and kept laughing. “Did you do this, Ellyn?” Leon asked.

“No.” she took a few deep breaths and pointed. “He did.”

Both Leon and Ulrich turned around to see Master Gawain standing before them with an empty water pail in hand, and an angry scowl on his face. “M-Master Gawain.” Leon stuttered. “I-”

Before Leon could get another word out Gawain interrupted him, “Save it.” he snapped. “I tried to wake you both several times, if this had been an attack you would both be dead. Just pick up your training swords and follow me, it’s time to spar.”

Ulrich was soaked and mad as hell at the old man for throwing water on him, he picked up the wooden blade and followed behind, angrily stomping the whole time. While Leon already had his training blade strapped to his side in place of his real one quietly walking beside Gawain. Silence wouldn’t last for long though, Leon couldn’t help but fall back wagging his tongue at Ulrich. “Master Gawain seems angry with us.” he whispered. “Did we make a mistake by not waking up when he wanted?”

“I don’t care if the old man is mad or not, he had no right to embarrass us like that.” Ulrich hissed. “One day he will get his.”

“What did you say?” “Don’t worry about it.”

“Quiet.” Gawain demanded. “I didn’t give either one of you permission to talk did I?” he stopped in large clearing and surveyed the surrounding area. “This will do just fine, prepare yourselves for a fight.”

Ulrich took a few steps ahead of Leon then turned to face him, “Understand one thing, Leon. I won’t go easy on you this time.” he pointed the training sword at him, “Show me what you got.”

Leon drew the wooden sword, “I will give you all you can handle.” he said. “You shall not beat me again. This time I will defeat you Ulrich, even if it takes everything I got.”

“That’s the kind of fire I want to hear from you both. Begin.” Gawain shouted with excitement at seeing both of his students fired up.

Ulrich was the first to attempt an attack by side slashing his blade at Leon, however Leon was to quick and jumped backwards to avoid the blade that was coming at him. It was an attack that he remembered well, usually Ulrich will slash his blade at him making Leon jump backwards and then he will sweep his feet out from under him to end the fight quickly. But this time around Leon wasn’t going to allow the duel to end so easily, he jumped through the air swinging his sword down at Ulrich trying to catch him off guard, and it almost worked, almost. “I’ve got you now, Ulrich.” Leon shouted, bringing the blade screaming down towards Ulrich’s face. For some reason Ulrich refused to move, nor did he attempt to block the oncoming attack. Leon didn’t want to hurt Ulrich, and that made him hesitate, which gave Ulrich the opening he needed.

Leon found himself gasping for air, that’s when he realized that he had been punched in the stomach and thrown to the ground. When he glanced up, Ulrich was standing over him smiling. “I thought you said that you had me, what happened?” Ulrich laughed.

“How?” Leon asked, gasping for air.

“It’s simple really, when I refused to show my hand you thought for sure that I was going to let your blade connect with my flesh. The thought of hurting me frightened you, and thus you hesitated, that hesitation was all I needed.” Ulrich explained. “To think, you almost had me. But you seem to forget, I know you all to well, and your kind hearted ways will be your undoing.” Ulrich thinking that the duel had been won, turned to walk away.

“Where do you think you’re going?” Leon asked. “This isn’t over yet.”

Ulrich stopped, turning to face Leon who had now gotten back to his feet. “This fight is over,

you can barely even stand on your own two feet.” he smirked. “What would I gain by fighting with you now?”

“You think that you know me so well don’t you?” the tone of Leon’s voice was slowly changing, it was deeper, stronger. “Don’t be so full of yourself, thinking that you’ve won that easily.”

Ulrich’s eyes widened with surprise when he watched Leon lift the wooden sword up, How can this be? He should not even be able to stand, let alone fight. I infused magic with my hand to make the blow more powerful, just the way Master Caine taught me. Could I have done the technique wrong? “Hmph, no matter.” he muttered. “Lets finish this, Leon.”

Leon and Ulrich was prepared to attack each other once more, at the same time they charged at one another with their blades lifted in the air, screaming as they did so. But at the last minute Master Gawain appeared in between them and blocked their blades from connecting with his own. “That is enough for today.”

“Get out of my way old man, this fight isn’t over until there is a winner.” Ulrich demanded. “I said that’s enough for today, lower your blades.” Gawain commanded.

Ulrich held steadfast and refused to obey, “Tell Leon to yield and I shall do the same.” he said. “If he refuses then I will be forced to attack again, and you will not stop me. Even if these be wooden blades, I can still do some damage.”

If that meant that the fight would be over then Gawain had to get Leon to yield before Ulrich would do so. “Leon, lower your blade. Be the bigger person.” but his words didn’t get through to him.

“If I yield first that means that I submit, I promised myself that I would never lose to Ulrich again.” Leon’s strength was building, not even the combined efforts of Gawain and Ulrich was enough to stop Leon from being able to push them back.

“How did he become so strong? And why does the wooden blade not break?” Ulrich shouted,

pushing back against Leon with all his might.

“I don’t know. But we better find a way to stop him.”

Ulrich didn’t like the idea, but he had to use one of the forbidden arts to stop Leon before he did something terrible, even if it meant the old man would find him out. He quietly muttered a few words, and a dark orb appeared out of thin air. Ulrich hit the orb with his free hand and an explosion of dark mass sent all three of them flying through the air.