Fog rolled across the narrow bridge at dawn. The river beneath whispered cold and still as Remar stepped onto moss-slick stones, torchlight dancing in muted orange. Behind him, Mael watched with clenched jaw—his loyalty heavy in the misty hush.
The bond pulsed across Remar's spine—not just steel but fate imbued.
Across the river, the herald knight stood in silent challenge, helmet framed by torchlight. No words came. Only tension held the crossing.
Remar's goal: face whatever awaited. His path forward demanded courage—alone, as promised.
⚔️ Confrontation Begins
He advanced. The herald lifted her cloak, revealing sheathed armor beneath. Without speaking, she moved forward and drew her blade in a slow arc—silver-edge glinting.
The sword in Remar's hand resonated. The runes throbbed violet.
They clashed mid-bridge. Steel rang in small echoes. Every strike sent spray of mist across damp stones.
The herald was fast, disciplined, trained. She countered every swing with hawk-like precision. Remar stumbled—but focused. The bond lent him a flicker of speed he never knew.
💥 The Duel Intensifies
They circled. The bridge trembled under armored steps. Water crashed below. Remar pressed forward, the sword humming with purpose. The herald's helmet rose; she spoke at last:
"We know your contract. We know the bond's schedule. The Order sent me."
Pain shot through Remar's side. He tasted iron. Each breath carried sharp agony.
He replied through clenched teeth: "Then ask—did it choose me?"
A flicker of surprise across her visor. She turned to reply—but Remar struck first.
🛑 The Herald's Revelation
The clash froze mid-strike. The herald caught his wrist and slammed her sword across his chest—enough to stagger him, not kill.
Blood trailed from his wound, torchlight glistening against wet stone.
She withdrew, holding distance—but her voice softened.
"You walk by choice. Not fate's whim. The bond demands you commit or unbind."
Her words echoed across the river. Below, foam churned.
🤔 Storm of Choices
Remar inhaled pain and fog. He leaned against the cold stone. The sword felt impossibly heavy.
He thought of villagers safe beyond the crossing, of Mael's unwavering vow. The cost of the bond weighed more than steel.
From torchlight behind him: Mael called softly, "Remar."
He turned; Mael's face glistened with cold resolve.
"Whatever happens," Mael said, "the vow came free—or we throw off the contract."
Remar swallowed. The herald stepped back but watched closely.
💭 Emotional Pivot
Remar exhaled. The bond pulsed again—tone changed: expectation, not demand.
He touched his side. Rain glimmered on stone ribs. Pain flared like thunder. But resolve settled.
"I chose this bond," he whispered. "I carry it by will, not fate."
His voice rang across empty water. The herald's gaze shifted—respect or doubt.
🌪 A Sudden Interruption
From the eastern forest, horns sounded: a new force arrived.
Shouts echoed across the gloom—knights, riders emerging through mist. The Order's vanguard.
The herald turned sharply, helmet rattling. Remar braced.
The sword's runes glowed bright violet, then burst with light. The mist scattered. Rain fell harder.
🛑 Cliffhanger Charge
The herald lowered her blade. She bowed once—silent, deliberate—and stepped aside. Remar pressed forward and crossed the bridge.
As he reached the far side, the Order's forces halted before the riverbank—mirrored flank to flank by his presence.
Mael stepped beside him. Pain bloomed in his limbs.
Ahead, the herald watched from the bridge's center, torchlight framing her silent silhouette in promise or threat.
Remar closed his eyes. The Dark Sword thrummed heavy in his hand. Behind them, crossing torches flickered—but only his shadow moved forward.