Post by beardalot on Nov 4, 2010 17:22:15 GMT -5
"Raise the gates, and clear the main streets!"
Balathon rode ahead clearing a route to the castle, his slight frame allowing his chocobo mount to race ahead of mine.
I was to meet with Sir Valiant as soon as I returned to Alexandria, I did not know why but I knew I would soon find out. I rode through the main gates into my hometown, and although it was late the streets were still busy, the Royal Summons were just days away and visitors had come from all over Gaia to watch the greatest warriors of their time battle for a chance to be crowned the tournament Champion, the highest honour they could hope to achieve. Although I held the competitors in the highest regard I had no interest in the spectators, they did not understand the delicate nature of battle, did not understand how someone's strengths could be used against them, or how what may seem an insignificant manoeuvre could alter the outcome of the fight. All they were interested in was their own entertainment and trying to make money gambling on a battles results.
After a few minutes I had reached the castle, I left my chocobo with Balathon telling him to ensure it was cared for properly after being pushed so hard this evening. I entered the castle and made my way to the Royal Quarters where the Royal Aide informed Sir Valiant of my arrival, and within 30 seconds I was being ushered inside the ante-chamber. As I entered the door Sir Valiant was assigning guards to watch over Queen Garnet's personal rooms, she must have retired for the night, while a maid prepared a table for us in the far corner.
"Sir Beardalot!" he welcomed me "I trust your assignment went well?"
"The Mistodon is dead" I informed him "the merchant route is safe once more"
"And what of Balathon, how did he perform?"
"He was of more use than the trainers who are usually sent, he accepts his duties and performs them well and is not afraid to dirty his hands" I replied, not bothering to hide my dislike of the distant relatives of wealthy Lords who had gained their status as a trainer by bribes and blackmail rather than hardwork and experience.
"I shall tell the Head Trainer one of his apprentices finally has your approval" Sir Valiant said, half in jest, half knowing that I had high expectations of all military personnel, and that if I acknowledged Balathons abilities then he would one day make an excellent trainer. As we sat at the table my mentor fixed his gaze on me, seeming to analyse my soul with his mind "I think it's time we moved on to more important matters"
"As you wish, I will not lie, I am intrigued as to the nature of my next assignment" Finally I would get the answers I was looking for.
"As you are aware the Royal Summons is upon us…"
"And you'd like my assistance in your training" I finished off for him, annoyed that I should have realised all along that this was the reason for my being here, having sparred with the Captain for a few years now, helping him to prepare for his inevitable victories
"Haha, don't sound so disappointed, and don't jump to so many conclusions or I may grow to regret what I am about to say" He sounded amused by my reaction, however I saw no other reason for this meeting. "I called you here to tell you that I am retiring from the tournament, our future lies in the hands of youth, which is why it has been decided that Alexandria needs a new champion to take up her mantle"
"But there is none so capable as yourself in the whole of the army" I protested "who would the Fates have take your place?"
"You Alexis, you are the best the Alexandrian Army has to offer and the only one capable of taking on the role"
I would have thought this was a practical joke had I not known Sir Valiant for most of my life, however I was still stunned by his response "but who would I be fighting?" was all I could manage to ask.
"A Burmecian by the name of Thadeous, a Moogle messenger delivered his invitation not long ago and reported some interesting news on his way back, apparently the Moogle witnessed a fight between the Burmecian and a Wendigo and witnesses an extraordinary attack, based on the description I believe he may have unleashed his Trance"
"But how…" I was still in shock, and then I felt realisation dawn on me "A Trance… I can't hope to compete, I haven't learned to wield such a power yet…"
All of a sudden the doors burst open and a soldier ran into the room, his face as pale as a sheet "Captain!" he panted "on the plains… heading for the city… a Behemoth!"
The Captain immediately rose from our table "close all entrances to the city and prepare the Bomb cannons" he ordered one guard, turning to another, "assemble the Royal guard, have our best Black Mage and our best White Mage accompany myself and Sir Beardalot to confront the beast, all others will defend the city incase we fail" then finally to me "it's time for you to complete the last part of your training, and for everyones sake I hope you learn this as fast as the rest of your training" with that he turned on his hell and strode from the room, I followed with a dread I'd never felt before…
Balathon rode ahead clearing a route to the castle, his slight frame allowing his chocobo mount to race ahead of mine.
I was to meet with Sir Valiant as soon as I returned to Alexandria, I did not know why but I knew I would soon find out. I rode through the main gates into my hometown, and although it was late the streets were still busy, the Royal Summons were just days away and visitors had come from all over Gaia to watch the greatest warriors of their time battle for a chance to be crowned the tournament Champion, the highest honour they could hope to achieve. Although I held the competitors in the highest regard I had no interest in the spectators, they did not understand the delicate nature of battle, did not understand how someone's strengths could be used against them, or how what may seem an insignificant manoeuvre could alter the outcome of the fight. All they were interested in was their own entertainment and trying to make money gambling on a battles results.
After a few minutes I had reached the castle, I left my chocobo with Balathon telling him to ensure it was cared for properly after being pushed so hard this evening. I entered the castle and made my way to the Royal Quarters where the Royal Aide informed Sir Valiant of my arrival, and within 30 seconds I was being ushered inside the ante-chamber. As I entered the door Sir Valiant was assigning guards to watch over Queen Garnet's personal rooms, she must have retired for the night, while a maid prepared a table for us in the far corner.
"Sir Beardalot!" he welcomed me "I trust your assignment went well?"
"The Mistodon is dead" I informed him "the merchant route is safe once more"
"And what of Balathon, how did he perform?"
"He was of more use than the trainers who are usually sent, he accepts his duties and performs them well and is not afraid to dirty his hands" I replied, not bothering to hide my dislike of the distant relatives of wealthy Lords who had gained their status as a trainer by bribes and blackmail rather than hardwork and experience.
"I shall tell the Head Trainer one of his apprentices finally has your approval" Sir Valiant said, half in jest, half knowing that I had high expectations of all military personnel, and that if I acknowledged Balathons abilities then he would one day make an excellent trainer. As we sat at the table my mentor fixed his gaze on me, seeming to analyse my soul with his mind "I think it's time we moved on to more important matters"
"As you wish, I will not lie, I am intrigued as to the nature of my next assignment" Finally I would get the answers I was looking for.
"As you are aware the Royal Summons is upon us…"
"And you'd like my assistance in your training" I finished off for him, annoyed that I should have realised all along that this was the reason for my being here, having sparred with the Captain for a few years now, helping him to prepare for his inevitable victories
"Haha, don't sound so disappointed, and don't jump to so many conclusions or I may grow to regret what I am about to say" He sounded amused by my reaction, however I saw no other reason for this meeting. "I called you here to tell you that I am retiring from the tournament, our future lies in the hands of youth, which is why it has been decided that Alexandria needs a new champion to take up her mantle"
"But there is none so capable as yourself in the whole of the army" I protested "who would the Fates have take your place?"
"You Alexis, you are the best the Alexandrian Army has to offer and the only one capable of taking on the role"
I would have thought this was a practical joke had I not known Sir Valiant for most of my life, however I was still stunned by his response "but who would I be fighting?" was all I could manage to ask.
"A Burmecian by the name of Thadeous, a Moogle messenger delivered his invitation not long ago and reported some interesting news on his way back, apparently the Moogle witnessed a fight between the Burmecian and a Wendigo and witnesses an extraordinary attack, based on the description I believe he may have unleashed his Trance"
"But how…" I was still in shock, and then I felt realisation dawn on me "A Trance… I can't hope to compete, I haven't learned to wield such a power yet…"
All of a sudden the doors burst open and a soldier ran into the room, his face as pale as a sheet "Captain!" he panted "on the plains… heading for the city… a Behemoth!"
The Captain immediately rose from our table "close all entrances to the city and prepare the Bomb cannons" he ordered one guard, turning to another, "assemble the Royal guard, have our best Black Mage and our best White Mage accompany myself and Sir Beardalot to confront the beast, all others will defend the city incase we fail" then finally to me "it's time for you to complete the last part of your training, and for everyones sake I hope you learn this as fast as the rest of your training" with that he turned on his hell and strode from the room, I followed with a dread I'd never felt before…