Chapter 10:

The Unbending Blade

Victor's Hollow was not everything that Ophilia expected it to be. Their group had settled their lodgings for the night at the inn with it's innkeeper, and had split up to search the city for answers. Yet, she had not made much progress. Moments after they had parted, she had been assailed by a young woman, pleading for her assistance. There had been only one possible answer for her, and so here she was with a young man lying in a pool of his own blood because he'd challenged someone above and beyond his ability. They hadn't been particularly merciful.

She softly prayed to Aelfric for strength as she poured healing magic into him. His injuries weren't mortal, but she was fortunate to have gotten to him so quickly either way. Ophilia did her best to tune out the boasting and bragging of his opponent as she recalled what Olberic had told them of Victor's Hollow; it was just how things were here. She finished up healing the young man, who opened his eyes.

"Thank you, Sister." His voice was subdued.

"Oh yes, praise the Sacred Flame. Thank you Sister!"

Ophilia shook her head. "Now now, no need for thanks. As long as you have learned something of your own limits from this. Do your best not to worry your friend here, yes?" They both nodded at her words as the young lady who had dragged her here, helped him to his feet. The both bowed respectfully.

"Thank you sister!" They spoke again in unison, before departing. Though, Ophilia could hear the lady berating her friend for his recklessness. She got to her feet and turned her attention to his opponent, who was flexing and showing off. She rapped him on the head with her staff.

"And don't think you're getting off so easily either! You should respect your opponents, and even those who are not as strong as you." The man was so surprised, that he didn't respond when she forced him to sit down and examined him for injuries. There were a few, but they were superficial at worst. She tended to them quickly. "Being humble is the mark of a truly great fighter."

He was still speechless when she turned and left him there, with the few others around that he'd been bragging to just watching on.

Ophilia sighed to herself, suddenly recalling that she was supposed to be looking for a man named… what had Olberic said his name was? Gustav? Of course, she didn't get far before someone else asked for her aid.

Thus it was that she spent most of the day running around Victor's Hollow and tending to the combatants of various challenges and duels. Some were worse off than others but she treated them all equally, no matter who won or lost.

Ophilia woke with a start, and while she immediately felt panic that she did not recall when the stars had come out, or where she was it settled when she saw Primrose's amused expression looming over her. She shifted a little when the dancer spoke.

"Comfortable, Sister Ophilia?" Primrose asked, and that's when Ophilia pieced together that her head was lying in Primrose's lap. The cleric stifled a yawn and rubbed at her eyes a little before she made to get up, but the dancer shook her head.

"You can afford to rest a little. Victor's Hollow will likely be singing songs of the angel who descended upon them to offer them succor in their eternal quest to become stronger." Primrose's tone reflected her expression and Ophilia pouted.

"I-It's not my fault! I just..." She trailed off, looking away as her cheeks reddened.

"I know Ophilia." Primrose responded gently. "You can't help yourself. If people need your help, then you're there. It is quite endearing. But you forget to take care of yourself. Like with the boy in S'warkii. Perhaps it was the Flame smiling upon the both of us that I was there to catch you when you practically dropped from exhaustion?"

Ophilia was quiet for a moment before she did push herself up, much to Primrose's chagrin. But instead of getting to her feet, she just shifted to sit next to the dancer. "… Did we end up finding out anything about the man Sir Olberic was looking for?" She was still waking up fully, but couldn't deny that she was still weary. It had been many moons since she had such a truly exhausting day.

"I believe he has come across a lead or two, but it requires a little more effort on his part… Something about a series of duels on the 'morrow?"

Ophilia nodded at Primrose's words. Her expression turned into something apologetic as she spoke. "My apologies, for being a burden like this Primrose. I did not mean to impose..."

"It was no trouble at all Ophilia, though I did not think I'd be able to carry you back to the inn." It was only then that Ophilia noticed the book by Primrose's side. She must have been reading.

"I should then we should return then. Sir Olberic and H'aanit must be worried." A frown touched Ophilia's lips.

"They both passed by earlier. Olberic was concerned about how hard you've been pushing yourself but I convinced him that sleep was what you needed at the time. Especially since he was in a bit of a hurry."

A small sigh escaped Ophilia. "I will need to make an apology to him then." She got to her feet, with Primrose rising as well.

"I think we should go back though." The cleric began. "Bed sounds so very lovely." There was a note of weariness in her voice as she spoke.

"Oh? So my lap wasn't that comfortable?" Primrose's smile grew as Ophilia squeaked in response.

"N-No! It's not that at all. I. Um." She stumbled over her words for a few haphazard moments before Primrose broke into a chuckle, and waved dismissively.

"Come, let's go then." Primrose said as she grabbed Ophilia's hand and led the way toward the inn. The cleric went along with it in silence. She pulled herself from Primrose's grasp to catch a child's doll as it slipped from their hand.

"Here." Ophilia pressed the doll to into the little girl's hand and she made a small delighted sound, before running to catch up with her mother. The cleric smiled and waved before she turned back to see Primrose just watching.

"… Yes? You look like you have something to say." Ophilia tilted her head as she spoke, but Primrose just shook her head and once more led the way back to the inn.

The next day came all too quickly. The sun was high in the sky when they left the inn. Ophilia was still feeling her exertions from the previous day, but came along with her companions despite Olberic's protesting that she should rest if she needed it.

So it was that they ended up here on the edge of town. There was a man waiting for them when they got there, and a few others who were just there to watch.

Olberic stepped forward, drawing his sword as he did so. It was also then that Ophilia saw the spear on his back. His opponent also drew his blade. They exchanged some words that Ophilia couldn't hear, before the contest began in earnest.

The bright ring of steel on steel brought a few more curious folks to watch.

Olberic was living up to his title, The Unbending Blade indeed. He deflected his opponent's sword with ease before stepping in with a thrust and flicking the blade from his enemy's hands.

"W-Wait. I yield!"

And that was that.

The small scattering of an audience applauded with cries of Olberic's swordsmanship. One of the ladies even came up to him and asked him who he was.

Olberic drew himself up to his full height.

"I am Olberic Eisenberg, Knight of the fallen Hornburg. I am the Unbending Blade!"

The spectators broke into a clamor over it.

Ophilia heard Primrose and H'aanit speaking quietly behind her as she stepped away from them and went to the man Olberic had challenged. "May I lend my aid, sir?" He seemed surprised, but gave her a nod. True to Olberic's skill, the man had a few scratches and grazes. She mended them quickly and gave him a smile before moving to check on Olberic. But she couldn't quite get close enough through the throng so she settled for waiting and hunted around for Primrose and H'aanit.

Before long though, Olberic declared that there was another challenger for him waiting near the town square and the crowd left ahead of them in anticipation. Ophilia gave him a once-over and determined he had managed to avoid injury in that last battle. It gave her a new perspective of the knight, even as he thanked her for her attention.

"Truthfully, Sister Ophilia, this is a bit of a ruse." He told her when it was just them. "I have to gain some recognition here in Victor's Hollow. The reason being is there is a tournament being held, but the challengers have already been chosen. If I can challenge one of them and beat them, then I can enter the tournament in their stead."

"But why Sir Olberic? What does the tournament have anything to do with your journey?"

"Gustav, the Black Knight. The man who trained with Erhardt has entered into it. He will not give me answers unless I defeat him." He frowned, running a hand through his hair. "Nothing is ever easy."

"I understand though, Sir Olberic. We'll be here to support you. You know you can count on us."

He gave her a smile. "Thank you, Sister Ophilia. The lady who asked me what my name was is Cecily, and she is in a way helping to pave the way for my entry to the tournament. It was she who I met yesterday while you were busy."

Ophilia gave him an embarrassed smile. "… I may have gotten a little carried away. But when people are hurt… It is our duty to help them."

"A sentiment we both share, I assure you Sister. Now then, shall we go?

H'aanit and Primrose were both waiting for them up ahead near the square.

"The crowd has grown twofold it seems. This Cecily has been working them up into quite the anticipation." Primrose said.

"Then I must be sure not to disappoint them." Olberic rumbled back.

Sure enough, his opponent was waiting for him. Brandishing a spear, the man spun and twirled it across his shoulders before taking up a stance. "The Unbending Blade hm? Straight from the pages of legends… I'll have to test your strength for myself!"

Olberic drew his sword as the crowd parted for him to step forward. "You will find that I am every bit up to the challenge."

They both stepped forward and Olberic tapped his blade against the man's spear. Just like that, they both fell back and leapt at each other.

It was clear to him from the offset that this opponent was not one he could take lightly. Olberic deflected the man's spear before trying to move in close but found himself falling back as his opponent took advantage of the spear's reach.

But he remained undaunted, pushing in heedless of the spear cutting a bloody line across his face as his sword arced around twice. His opponent managed to deflect the first strike of the Cross Strike, but was unable to stop the second as it struck home.

"I am not yet defeated!" He proclaimed as his spear snuck around Olberic's defenses and it's haft drove the breath from the knight's stomach. Olberic swept out with his sword to buy himself some room before he set his sword aside and drew the spear from his back.

"Neither am I. Show me the strength of Victor's Hollow!" Olberic brandished his spear with a roar and the duel's pacing changed. The spear spun in Olberic's hands as he deflected a blow and countered it with a sweep of his own. When the man struck with the butt of his spear, Olberic turned it aside and stepped forward while raining a flurry of his own blows against the man's defenses.

Slowly, more and more of his strikes broke through the man's slowing parries and blocks until Olberic simply overwhelmed him.

"I… I yield!" The crowd roared with applause.

"The Unbending Blade has done it again! Would anyone else face him? Is there no one else who can best my fighter?" The woman that Olberic had mentioned was named Cecily spoke up as she moved around the crowd.

Ophilia stepped close and tended to Olberic's opponent as the knight slung his spear, and sheathed his sword. It had been a good decision to pick up another weapon he was quite familiar with, in case he needed it. But he did not boast, instead he waited before giving his opponent a hand up when Ophilia had finished.

"That was a fine match. Your spear is fearsome."

The man smiled at the compliment. "Not quite as fearsome as yours, Unbending Blade. A title well-earned I see now." He replied.

"A title I wish to test myself." There was a sudden hush that settled in through the crowd as another man stepped through. His leathers and violet bandana seemed a little out of place. "So, ye are the Unbendin' Blade. When a name reaches me on the high seas, I reckon the man who wears it done somethin' to earn it. The name's Victorino, they call me the Buccaneer's Bane and I am one of the champions of the tournament." There was something in his gait that told Olberic that the man knew how to use both of the cutlasses at his waist.

"As I watched ye fight this one, and the one before… I could not help but wonder. Could you be better than I? A question posed that demands an answer." He drew one of his blades.

Cecily intervened. "Hold! First, Olberic should be allowed to have his injuries tended to. This battle should also be held at the Plaza. There should be a bigger audience."

Both men looked to her.

"I'm willin'. The bigger the crowd, the bigger the stakes. I'll see you there, knight." A grin broke across Victorino's face as he turned and headed right for the plaza to wait. Most of the crowd went with him as Cecily practically bounced with excitement, her silver hair shifting in the wind.

Ophilia frowned, but she kept her words to herself as she asked Olberic to sit down so she could tend to some of the cuts and injuries he'd sustained but not noticed. "Thank you, Ophilia."

"You are welcome as always, Sir Olberic. Not that I fancy fighting for fighting's sake but..." She made a face as her hands glowed with warmth.

"I understand. But in this case..."

"I know, Sir Olberic. I think Primrose and H'aanit went on ahead. So once we're done here…"

"Once you're done here, you can fight Victorino for a spot in the tourney!" Cecily was still bouncing with all of that energy when she chimed in. It made Olberic shake his head, but he couldn't keep the smile off his face either.

"It reminds me of my days training with the other knights, to become better so we could defend the people of Hornburg and our King." Nostalgia found it's way into his voice. "The eternal quest for strength… Hm..."

Cecily bounced from foot to foot. "I'll go on ahead. Don't keep us waiting Olberic!" And she was gone just like that.

"… Thinking about something?" Ophilia's soft voice roused him from his thoughts.

"Something I've been struggling with, is why I wield my blade." He looked to the weapon at his side, and rested his hand on it's hilt. "What do I fight for?"

Ophilia wrapped up healing his last injury before she set her hand on his. "I'm not a world-weary traveler who has all the answers Sir Olberic, but… if I didn't know better, I would say that you fight for the sake of the innocent, and those who need protection. That is the calling of a knight, is it not? A blade to protect."

His surprised expression only lasted a moment. "Perhaps… but I have not been the Unbending Blade in many years since Hornburg's fall. Only recently when I came across that man wielding Erhardt's sword..."

Ophilia's sunny smile bloomed. "Would you like to talk about it then? Later, when the duels and challenges are settled."

"I'd like that, Sister Ophilia." He responded. She gave his hand a gentle squeeze.

"To the plaza then?"

"To the plaza."

Victorino was waiting for them, along with a still growing crowd as Cecily announced who would be fighting.

"Come see it! The battle between the Buccaneer's Bane, and the Unyielding Blade of Hornburg! A once in a life time opportunity!" Her voice cut through the crowd's banter.

Ophilia gave him a pat on the shoulder, though she had to reach up to do so. "Good luck, Sir Olberic." Her smile was still there.

He returned the smile. "I'm sure I'll need it. Thank you." As he stepped through the crowd toward the center where a space had been cleared for them to fight, he could see Victorino composing himself.

"Hmm.. Ye have arrived. Shall we cut to the chase then?" In a flash, his cutlasses were in hand.

Olberic drew his sword. "So we shall." He saluted Victarino, who returned the gesture with a flourish before charging.

The knight met his pinpoint thrust with a lightning fast parry, stepping around a second swing as he brought his sword down in a deadly arc. But Victarino was fast too, dancing around Olberic's blade as he stepped in close and unleashed a flurry of cuts and slices. But Olberic was ready. Many an opponent liked to get too close for him to retaliate properly.

Olberic ducked under one cutlass before taking a swipe at Victarino's head that the man only barely stepped back in time to avoid. "I can tell, Unbending Blade. You're a cut above some of the other blades here." They exchanged a few more blows as Victarino turned aside Olberic's sword.

"You're quite the swordsman, Victarino." He parried a cutlass with the hilt of his sword in an unorthodox fashion before thrusting in past his opponent's guard and scoring a cut alongside Victarino's arm.

As they both accumulated light injuries from the exchange of blows, Olberic could sense Victarino's pride in his skills.

Victarino struck with both of his blades and Olberic brought his weapon up to meet the blow, forcing the two of them into a deadlock and a contest of strength.

"My blade is Unbending!" Olberic roared as he drew back, only to push with everything he had. In that moment, he overpowered Victarino and swept one of the cutlasses from the man's hands – it skittered across the ground out of reach.

Unbalanced by this development, Victarino cut and hacked to try to keep Olberic back. But the knight pressed the offensive undaunted.

"I yield!" Came the words just as Olberic knocked Victarino from his feet. So instead of a finishing blow, Olberic offered his hand and gave the man a hand up.

Victarino raised Olberic's hand. "And there you have it my friends! I have been defeated by the Unbending Blade. A tremendous man of honor. With how things are here in Victor's Hollow, he has earned my spot in the tourney by force of arms!"

The crowd went absolutely wild.

Ophilia was sitting and just watching the stars. She'd tended to both of their wounds and they'd gotten swept up in the townsfolks' desire to celebrate that last duel. Olberic had been dragged off with Victarino to the tavern and H'aanit had gone to make sure he wouldn't be by himself. So Ophilia had stolen off into the night and found a nice quiet spot to sit down and reflect with her diary. The lanthorn was hanging at her side as it usually was. She used the light from a regular lantern to write though.

It has been some time since I've had a moment to properly write in my journal, but I must admit I am finding this journey to be quite enjoyable. My companions make it all worthwhile. The road to Victor's Hollow from Stillsnow was long and once we entered the Woodlands, there were plenty of outlaws as well.

I still do not know H'aanit very well and do not speak to her very much – she is confusing to listen to at times. I must rectify this as she is apart of our journey as well and since I am on good terms with Sir Olberic and Primrose, I should aspire to reach good standing with her as well. She is always asking Sir Olberic questions about this and that. At the very least, I know the two of them have a strong bond.

I learned today that Sir Olberic knows not what he fights for, or his reason for wielding the sword. It… saddens me, but I think it may be an answer he must find for himself. He did agree to speak with me later on the subject, but he is every bit the honorable man that The Unbending Blade must have been in the past. He fought brilliantly today and never tired, despite all of the battles. And it is when he is wielding his sword that he shines brightest. It isn't quite the fire that adorns Primrose when she dances – for that is like the fire of life itself. Instead it is more of a quiet and determined radiance of a precious jewel that will endure for time itself.

Primrose…

I don't know where to begin with Primrose as she continues to tease me and look after me all at the same time. I don't know why my chest tightens and flutters when she does so and we have not spoken about that night at all. It's almost as if it never happened…But at the very least I hope she feels she can trust me. Sir Olberic mentioned to me that he was surprised at her change of character, as she has become very involved and active with the group. He also mentioned that he was relieved, and that he felt like it was my doing. Seems he had seen me run off after Primrose that night in Stillsnow to bring her back.

I'm not so sure he's right.

I-

She was drawn from her words when she felt rather than heard someone settle down next to her. A quick glance told her it was Primrose too.

"Shouldn't you be mothering over them to make sure they don't drink too much, or get hurt?" Primrose teased, and Ophilia chuckled lightly in response.

"Perhaps I should be, but hopefully a man like the Unbending Blade does not need mothering over." Ophilia looked up to the stars again as she closed her journal and tucked it away. "What brings you out here, Primrose? Did you need something?"

"I was looking for you, and you looked very much alone Ophilia. That's all." A smile warmed Primrose's features.

"Looking for me?" Ophilia was surprised to say the least.

"Looking for you. You have a tendency to throw yourself into trouble after all… If you had run off again by yourself to save another young boy..." Primrose's words carried a hint of reproach.

Ophilia felt her cheeks burn. "Yes yes… I think I understand that I made a mistake. There wasn't time, but..."

"But you did save him, and his mother was ever so thankful. So you bear watching, just in case." Primrose nodded.

Their conversation lapsed into a companionable silence for a few moments before Ophilia spoke up again. "Primrose?"

"Yes?"

"I think Sir Olberic struggles with something similar and- before you ask, no, your secrets are not mine to tell someone. But he spoke to me today about how he knows not why he wields his sword."

Primrose raised an eyebrow at Ophilia. "He knows not? Surely it should be obvious."

Ophilia shook her head. "He does not know. I think in some ways… perhaps he is lost as well." Hints of sorrow crept into her voice. "… and I do not know how to help him. I think it is a question he must answer for himself, but..."

"But he must decide that for himself. I think it makes sense. Olberic is a Knight. A knight's duty is to his country and his king. He failed that duty. It is something that haunts him, I suspect."

Ophilia was a little startled at how blunt Primrose's words were, but they rang true. "… Then it is something he must resolve for himself. But I can be there for him."

"My my… wanting to be there for everyone, aren't we?" There was a strange note in Primrose's voice that Ophilia didn't recognize, but she knew it to be something negative. The cleric reached over and clasped the dancer's hand and gave it a squeeze.

"We're all walking the same journey. I could do no less, yes? It does not mean I'm going to forsake you Primrose. I'm not going anywhere." There was a moment, before Primrose squeezed back.

"Forgive me Ophilia… old habits die hard. I am used to needing to fend for myself, and for people coming and going..." Ophilia shook her head.

"Not at all. I will remind you as often as you need me to."

They shared a nod and both looked up to the stars.

"The tournament begins in earnest tomorrow. Olberic will have to fight his way to meeting Gustav, to have any chance at the answers he desires." Primrose commented.

"Yes… but we will be there to support him from the stands." Ophilia answered. She could feel something hanging between them though and it bothered her. She didn't know what it was, nor how to bring it up.

"Do you feel well enough to head back?" Primrose's quiet inquiry caught her by surprise.

"Y-Yes. I'm sure they might be wondering where we went. Perhaps it would be for the best..."

Primrose got to her feet first, offering a hand and pulling Ophilia up just a moment after. But she did not let go. "Let's go then, Ophilia." She said with a smile.

Author's Note: This one was a bit longer than my usual chapters... to be fair, there's a lot that happens in Victor's Hollow. Up next is the tournament itself. : ) Today we hit 1000 views! I'm really surprised. : 3

EJ17: My goodness, writing the action is difficult sometimes. But we will get to see Olberic face off with Gustav soon. I didn't feel like I handled it well and that things shifted too much here in this chapter, but I was also trying to find a way to write it that I liked. As always, thank you for the review. : )