Kaelen was different.
He was older now — just barely over 14 years
All trace of the boy who stumbled into this camp was gone.
His demeanor has changed,he was now a cold blooded killer,barely flinches now when he takes a life.
It has been five months since Soren died . Kaelen's humanity died that day. Now, he was just a trained warrior waiting for the kill order.
Every moment was spent training with the Masters, five of them especially Vyla, Kohr , Elara, Serah and Sillan. Each of them pounding their different methods into Kaelen.
Kaelen trained day and night for the past five months . Even when he was tired and his body screamed to stop,he still pushed on with training. He got faster, stronger and better with each passing day.
Kaelen was now a mercenary — a weapon made to kill, no emotions, no feelings— just blank, clear like glass.
He was now ready to move out the camp. To be sold.
To become someone's weapon, a new master.
And he had a buyer.
A Warlord had come to purchase a weapon, he had big plans for himself.
Thavarel of Vol'tari
This Warlord had come from a faraway kingdom,the kingdom of Vol'tari — a kingdom beyond the sea, a seasoned veteran warrior who has given his life fighting for his kingdom. Thavarel's King has ordered him to conquer a neighboring village, so the king can add to his vast empire.
Thavarel had heard whispers of the camp where they trained perfect weapons, and his found his way here after traveling through sea and land for two months.
He was here now and he wanted a weapon,their best weapon.
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"Your best, that's what I ask for" Thavarel said to Master Kaelven. There were in the dueling room, a watch chamber overlooking the arena below.
"Demanding is one thing, affording is another" Kaelven replied.
"Gold is not the problem, I just need the best". Thavarel said again, growing restless. "Not one of the best, the best"
"Our best weapon would cost you 55,000 gold denaria" Master Kaelven replied, sizing up the Warlord, as if watching to see if he could afford it.
"I'll need to see him in action before I pay" Thavarel said, becoming a bit relaxed.
"Of course" Kaelven replied. Kaelven then sent for Kaelen.
Kaelen came into the chamber a few minutes, sweat racing down his bare chest. He had been at training as usual.
"You sent for me, Master" Kaelen said, tone cold and unreadable.
"Your time has come" Master Kaelven started speaking. "But you have to past one last test". He said, eyes fixed on Kaelen who was returning the gaze.
"I'll call him two other boys, if he beats them,that's a good enough test right". Kaelven said to Thavarel.
"No, I'll test him myself" Thavarel said, shifting his gaze from the master to student. He took a few minutes to study Kaelen, reading and measuring him.
"I'll give him one of my best warrior" Thavarel finally said, pointing to one of the three guards with him. "If he survives, I pay. If he doesn't....well"
"I'll take the three of them" Kaelen said, eyes burning with an intense fire.
A hush settled over the chamber
"Boy, you are young, barely 15, you can't take on three elite fighters" Thavarel said, surprised at the Kaelen's resolve.
"Don't call me boy" Kaelen said to the Warlord. "Except your men are weak, you won't be scared of a young boy,would you?".
"Cheeky" One of the guards said, causing the other two to laugh.
"No, confident" Thavarel said, apparently still measuring Kaelen.
"And he's got the skills to prove it" Master Kaelven added.
"Alright, let's go then " Thavarel said.
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In the dueling ground.
Kaelen moved to the weapon wall slow and deliberate.
He picked up his twin swords,they felt lighter — like weightless extension of his arms.
For a heartbeat,he looked at where Soren had fallen. A dark stain still marked the spot, maybe his blood, maybe someone else's.
He then looked up at the three fighters who had taken their stance around the boy, slowly encircling him like wolves
"You better don't hold back" Kaelen said to the fighters.
Clang
In a blur of motion—Kaelen lunged attacking the one who has the lowest defence.The guard only managing to block at the last second.
The guard shoved him back,shocked by how quickly the boy moves.
He got his defense up, readying himself for the main encounter.
The hunt was on.
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