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Shaping Courage
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Adam was then approached by his father Randor. "Son you know the life that is set out for you; a kingdom awaits you."
Adam nodded and he brushed a hand over his blonde cut locks. "Oh yes father, I will follow your wishes and hope to be as greater king as you one day."
At hearing this the king quickly turning his head to look over at the captain, who stood to his left. Duncan picked up on the king's proud smile. "Therefore my son it is time for you to join the ranks at my military academy, so that you Adam can learn skills so needed to be a soldier' he addressed, his son's blue eyes looking up at his father attentively. 'A great skill that I feel is needed to be a future king of Eternia."
"I respect your wished father, and hope I never let you down nor disgrace your name." Randor was heartened to hear that Adam was taking his duties and responsibility so seriously. 'As he truly come of age?'
A few days later, Duncan saw fit to visit the king. "I stand before you my king as your trusted soldier; I ask of you one single favour."
"What is it Duncan, speak now my captain of the guard, tell what you require?"
"I only ask that you allow young Keldor to join up, so that he too can train alongside Adam; I feel that he will become a great guard and soldier for Eternia one day!"
"You know as well as I that only son's of noble blood are seen able to be in my guardsman Duncan."
"Yes sir that I do, but...'
Duncan was stopped by the king who had mulled over the captain's request and did not need to hear any more. "No doubt you have great trust in the boy or you no doubt wouldn't have called for this meeting! If this Keldor is of great important to you then I will view him as your son as you and your family see him!" The king taking the brave step of changing the ancient ruling and agreeing to allow Keldor to join his military.
"Thank you my king, yes my daughter's will see me proud one day in other ways, but to see Keldor fight in your name would been much to me and Sarah!"
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At 16 both boys had started their training under the captain of the guard; Duncan allowed Keldor to aid Adam on a number of his training sessions in hopes that some of Keldor's humble nature would eventually be past on to the young prince. Adam followed Duncan's teaching; trained everyday in the ground and by late evening Adam would go to join the royal advisor Raenius who served as the prince's teacher in the city library to learn the history of Eternia.
Under the watchful eye of the advisor Adam would study hard; books and journals open all around him; spending his time gaining the knowledge of his kin; keeping to his father's guidance.
Adam and Keldor training was often joined by fellow Eternian soldiers; Krass, Jaxton, Chopper and Ritter. Krass a large and bulk of a soldier; driven by brute brawn and a kind heart, whom stood proudly wearing his family's ancient armour. Jaxton trains well, who very much wants to become a royal guardsman; he shows himself to be a brave champion of Eternia and an expert in hand-to-hand combat and weaponry.
Chopper is a young noble training to be a great soldier; he soon gains great skill in martial arts. Ritter a young Eternian who would become a master of the blade and a ruff warrior for the future of the kingdom.
Duncan's second in command Malcom would often offer help and advice to the prince's training; as Keldor's training continued the young male soon realised that one day in his future he hoped to be like Duncan and become the captain of Eternia.
Adam trains harder than most other students due to the need to prove himself to his father and the kingdom; Adam almost after everything he did came to speak with either Duncan or Malcom. Keldor had from time to time noticed Ritter keeping a close watch Adam's training intensively and would from time to time pass comments of scrutiny to the others around him. After one day of fighting Keldor had heard him say to Chopper in passing. "I'd love to get close to our prince in training; my skills with the blade clearly out matches that of his."
"You think!" replied Chopper.
"You've seen how he fights, Adam time and time again as to battle three times as hard to equal that of Keldor."
Duncan had also picked up on this; the captain of the guard decided not to allow Ritter to train with the prince, even though Malcom stated other wises. "You've got to let them get this out of their system Duncan; if Adam is to become a define king then Ritter could be the one to actually help bring something out of Adam."
"I understand what you are staying, but Ritter is rough he may not be willing to aid the prince only willing to prove his worth and to get one over Adam... No I can't take a risk like this; if however things change then rest assured Malcom Adam will face Ritter one on one!"
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Over the course of their training the youthful and head strong Ritter definitely didn't see eye to eye with Adam; and knew for a fact that he was been kept apart. Ritter strongly felt that the prince was weak and if not for his royal blood someone he come easily take down in battle.
Adam could from time to time be found in the cities library studying books based on Eternia's history. Keldor would come looking for him one night and as they left the library; the pair had a little run in with Ritter in the barracks. "It looks as though they are taking it oh so easy on you!" he said placing his hand on Adam's book and looking the prince right in the eye.
"You know as well as I do Ritter that Duncan never shows me nor anyone here any favours! He treats us all as equals!"
"And how it should be." addressed Keldor, casting Ritter a look of unease.
"Duncan as trained us right and just; one day we could be called to defenders of the palace and I will never shirk off my duty as king!" snapped Adam in reply.
Ritter raised an eyebrow as he believed differently. "Oh is that so future ruler, than please ask yourself this; if you are getting no better treatment then why haven't you come up against me yet? Maybe if you paid better attention to Duncan in training he would see fit to put us side by side in a training battle with yours truly!"
"I've learnt fine Ritter..." The two now locked in a stare down.
On seeing their tempers flare, Keldor stepped in between the two, pushing them apart in hopes of putting a stop to this before it got out of hand. "Come on Adam, you know true well you don't need to do this; he speaks out of line and needs to remember his place!"
At this Ritter laughed and looked victorious over at his prince. "It seems you've got yourself a baby-sitter!"
However, Adam wasn't done; his friends words hadn't cool him down; he brushed past Keldor and took a step forward; the prince stood nose to nose with Ritter. "I don't need anyone speaking for me! Peace has come to our home, because of my father's actions and I will be just like him;' To which Ritter merely rolled his eyes, 'Keldor please now step aside."
Keldor turning his head to look Adam in the eye. "Our king my father Ritter as driven out all who threatened us years ago and so will I! Ritter you can either stand beside that or yes one day face me!" Adam commanded; trying to force Ritter to make his next more.
Keldor saw Ritter place a hand on his hilt; Keldor actually though that this was it. 'I hope you're ready Adam...'
"Oh Adam, I quiver with fear!' Ritter replied mockingly; as he stood strong getting right up into Adam's face. 'You sound so brave and ready, please don't make me laugh."
Adam didn't back down; the prince knew what it would mean if he did show weakness even to this little fight. 'It was going to happen, it must happen.' Were the thoughts of the prince, as he took his stands. "Now Ritter don't sound too confident, I'm not one for backing down... Not today not tomorrow!"
This show of force was for now enough to stop Ritter's need to force Adam in a fight and sure enough has the prince had hoped Ritter loosened his grip on his blade and backed away. Adam whispered to Keldor. "I know that one day he will answer to me proudly; I've just got to have him watch my progression and then he'll learn that I deserve honour and respect!"
Keldor placed a hand on his should and stated in relief. "And that you will, now are you all right my friend?"
Adam nodded. "Yes fine and hey thanks back there Keldor. I fully understood that you were only trying to help; however I needed to show my worth to the likes of him! And hey no doubt there are other's alongside him that see the same in me." they shock hands their friendship unchanged.
When word of the night's evens reached the ears of Duncan and Malcom; the sergeant truth be told was actually rather pleased to see Adam step forth and stand up for himself and even gain some sense of victory.
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The two young daughters of Duncan would often come to the academy grounds and watch young cadets training together. "He is definitely improving father, you do the king well." stated the captain's daughter addressing Adam's skill and abilities; both with weapon and mind.
Duncan nodded with a smile to his daughter. "You come here often Teela to watch our fair prince, now I do believe that there are other means behind this than merely congratulating me on his improvements."
She flushed with redness. "Is it that transparent?"
Duncan again nodded, "It truly is my sweet Teela. It truly is." He was expecting her to say that she had fallen for the young Adam, but that wasn't the reply he received as Teela had other hopes.
"I do wish to be a fine soldier like yourself one day father, Evelyn sees fit to follow mother and become a healer, but I however do not. Oh father I do so wish to train under your guidance and prove your name's worth and standing."
He was initially taken back by all this, but soon understood her wishes. "The family name would no doubt prosper Teela; I will send a request to the palace immediately. After your birthday you will join the ranks and train to be a fine soldier. I hope you are ready for what lays ahead of you young lady." Teela smiled heartedly back at her father and knew she was ready.
Teela for many a month continued to watch every move her father that taught the boys, waiting for her day to train; from time to time Evelyn would stand by her sister's side and comments on Keldor performance and prowess; never hiding her true feeling for the man of her eyes. In age both Teela and Evelyn would develop feelings for the two young gentlemen. Teela liking the blue eyed, blonde haired Adam and Evekyn would take a shine for the green eyed and dark haired Keldor.
Following her birthday as her father had stated Teela joined the Eternian forces; she spent much of her time alongside Andra, Orius and Kartor. Andra a young female warrior who like Teela was willing to stand strong and brave. Orius trains alongside Teela; they are close friends as they share a love for the staff and knowledge. Kartor a noble Eternian from the north who was ready to stand for his country; he shows promise in weaponry. Kartor would become to stand by Ritter as they shared a skill for the sword.
Andra became a close friend to Teela, as they trained alongside each other in the academy. Whereas Evelyn would follow in her mother's footsteps to be a healer.
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The kingdom was soon expecting another addition to the royal family; as Queen Marlena was with child once again and this time it would be a girl. Marlena herself came to tell Adam about this news; Adam looked in his mother's eye with a warm and loving smile on his face. "Oh mother I feels overjoyed! This is truly perfect." he stated feeling a new found sense of purpose in life.
Marlena eight months later on the 11th day of the second month cycle of Befurary when the blues were blue, the sun shining bright and clear, with everywhere was cold and icy; had given birth to a girl of such beauty. Adam visited the palace to see his sister. "I my sister will protect you no matter what; after all that is the job of a big brother is it not!" and he leaned in kissing her on her forehead.
Adam stood by his father and mother's side to welcome into the world his baby sister; Marlena named her Adora, because all who saw her simply felt the tranquillity she will bring Eternia.
Again in jubilation all of Eternia's nobles and people were welcomed to the royal palace; the sound of horns rang out signing the joyous news. "A girl oh how the king is blessed!" stated a noble man to his wife.
His wife smiled joyfully and in agreement added. "Oh yes, she will no doubt be the most beautiful and splendid figure in all Eternia!"
Adam stood tall and proud; he knew as he stood by his family that he had come a long way since his own blessing. "Look at her she is a true jewel; her magnificence is without equal; she will be loved and honoured to one heart one day." said Marlena to her son.
Adam smiled and turn to see the Winged Watcher enter the great hall in all her splendour and majesty; he had no true recalculation of the winged warrior's blessing all those years ago, but in his heart know who she was and felt her energy inside of himself. Her energy and grace seemed to lift everyone spirits; the prince even saw Keldor seemed to beam from ear to ear.
Adora like Adam before her was blessed by the Winged Watcher of Castle Griogair. "The grace of Eternia as shined upon us once again; she is tranquil and steps brightly into this world of wonder. Adora will witness greatness and light." Adora is held up by the winged watcher for the all kings and queens; warriors and warrioresses; masters and mistresses to see.
The ruling class who had come to the palace once again bow to Randor and Marlena's child. "There is truly much ahead of Adora, but we all have a place in her life to guide her to good and truth.' Adora was passed back to her loving parents, who smiled down at her and held a hand on her forehead. 'We have been moved yet again; will too change us all. Her circle will lead her into a new world. Let joy fill us all, let us all be lifted by her path. May the light shine down on her path through love and through hope."
"May we all be blessed." called out the crowed; Adam too spoke these words in glory of Adora; he stood proudly by his mother and father to welcome his sister. And yet again the Winged Watcher's words carried volume.
Adam was happy to return to the base; however both Duncan and Keldor saw a change within him. Adam wanted now more than to learn how to be a soldier and how to protect his kingdom.
Duncan was always there for each cadet; teaching them all both the skills of a royal guard as well as the way of the court and because of his guidance and mentoring each of his cadets always succeed.
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Some months later Sarah became very ill, Duncan tried his best to help make her life more comfortable; even the king sent his best doctors to her aid and all tried their best medicine to save her. Sarah asked for her husband to be by her side. "My love come close... I want you by my side."
Duncan without hesitation moved in close to his wife and held her cold hand tight. "My love for you is never ending Sarah!"
"I need you to tell the girls that my heart with always be with them throughout their life's no matter what their crossing and burden; and please Duncan I ask you to keep a watchful eye over Keldor, see that he becomes a kind man and a soldier for Eternia."
"I will do all that I can my dear love.' nodded Duncan as he held back the tears in his eyes and the sorrow he was feeling deep in his heart. 'I will love and watch over them all no matter what their paths! That my dear I promise you." Duncan complied.
The doctor came in and gave Sarah his medicine, but in the end his wife Sarah died. Keldor took this news badly, as it took him back to his grandmother's lessons of gain and rule. Soon after Sarah's death Keldor's attitude to Adam slowly started to change, he didn't have any respect for the young prince any longer.
Duncan recalled to Teela the first day they met; this was over heard by Keldor.
A few days later Keldor asks the captain of the guard. "Duncan you've been a great teacher to me; I truly do appreciate all that you have done for me and I truly value your opinion."
"Yes boy what is it please continue?!" said Duncan wanting for the boy to continue; hoping that he could rebuild the boys friendship.
"Duncan do you honestly think that I'm ready to be a royal guard like yourself?"
"You are a skilled fighter Keldor with a top mind; I feel that the king would be safer in the palace with a man like you by his side!"
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One afternoon drawing a training session things slowly started to boil out of hand; Keldor had battled hard with Adam and forced the prince to strike where he wanted him to. "You must be more careful Adam, I am your friend today, but a move like that can see you getting killed."
And Keldor sent Adam backward to the ground; Adam looked up to see Evelyn laugh and a look of concern on Teela's face, and even though their feelings were different either one in truth could believe what they had witnessed.
Duncan stepped forward and helped Adam to his feet. "Are you all right?"
"Yes sir thank you." answered Adam, shaking off the cobwebs and looking rather down.
"You have to be more vigilant in combat Adam, even a prince needs to train." snapped Keldor sounding rather cold. His comments got a raise out of Ritter; who had his arms folded and giving an agreeable node.
"That is enough Keldor! Don't ever arm another soldier like that again, do I make myself understood!?' shouted Duncan trying to keep them apart. 'You have step out of line once more; it is only you who's letting yourself down young soldier."
Duncan spoke with the king about what had happened between Adam and Keldor earlier. "It should never have happened, I recall taking a change on this Keldor boy on your word Duncan..."
"Sir please, you must take a second and understand the boy has been through a lot! Let me speak with him please, he's had your sons back in the past, I hope he will again!"