AN: Warning
1. This is my first story and English is not my first language, so please take it easy (Or not, I can't really do anything about it) so some criticism on that would be nice thank you.
2. There's going to be a lot of pseudo-scientific explanation on my end, with some help from Halo lore and intellectual sources, hopefully I get it right for it to be understandable.
3. No beta-reader, if there's any mistake on grammar or structure. Let me know. But make no mistake, I do try my best.
4. This is a Slow Burn Story, There will be a great amount of world building and Characterisation. So expect short timeskips and massive word counts.
Thanks for clicking btw. I'm making this story to train myself on the Shakespearean flair of story telling, hopefully i start and progress well throughout the journey.
Prologue: The Steel Star
Once in time immemorial, A star has fallen upon the edge of the summer sea, right on the island near the Torrentine Rivers. Like a blade of light splitting the skies open, the falling star brightened the night if only for a moment. Displaying its mighty and incandescent shine though fleeting its duration of encompassing glow may be, it is more than enough to show in that short brilliant moment, the mighty spark in its parade of majesty.
As the heat recedes from its body, the once conquering luminous light renewed into a calm and collected milky white glow. Showing its rough circular small rocky shape beneath a crater larger than a small castle. The stone is such a small thing, no larger than an anvil you can find in the nearest blacksmith. Yet the pit of its making has illustrated its true power, without mentioning the smoky burned marks that follows it wake after its crashing, nothing less than a complete disintegration.
Naturally of course, there are those who have laid eyes on such an event. And even less who dared to venture towards it. Though few they may be, they exist still. And yes, they have come bearing the name of Dayne.
Dared to venture. Dared to look upon it. Dared to touch it...
And indeed, they Dared to forge it.
And therein exist the sword of the morning star, DAWN. The symbol of house Dayne, forge from the heart of the fallen star. Those who wield it, empowered by it. A small light that becomes the brightest star. Just as it split the sky open, the swing of the sword cleaves through any darkness. The once mighty will become truly unstoppable.
So, it passed on from wielder to wielder of the name Dayne who are deserving of it. Wielded by generations of the family for ten thousands of years. Not from father to son, no...
But from sword masters to sword masters with the name of Dayne, who are greatly accomplished and skillful may lay their hands on it, the best of the best. The finest of the family. The sword will not settle with any less...
But that was a long time ago, and the sword has yet to dull its eternal majesty. With its great existence that beckons nobility, no one dared to question its history. And many have thought that such miraculous event can never be overshadowed or replicated for the house of Dayne...
UNTIL...
The Year is 247 after Aegon's Conquest, in the realm of Dorne there exist the Castle of Starfall. Build on the edge of the Torrentine River, right on top of the once crater of the falling star. The seat of the great house of Dayne. Sitting beautifully with its white walls and creamy rooftops, elevated greatly from the shine of the sun, amplifying its illustriousness.
The morning dawn has come, and already the noble residence of the castle lie awoke, their servants taking their time preparing the breakfast feast, ensuring its immaculate result and taste. Most noble houses would most likely still be slumbering at this time, or at least waiting on the table for their food. Striking dull conversation with weak and weary eyes and a sore dry throat.
But not the Daynes, the moment a speck of light revealed itself on the horizon, there is only one thought that comes to the mind of all Daynes. The Storm of Swords.
The courtyard of the castle is brimming with fiery spirit, grunts and war cries littering the area complimented with clashing steel and momentous winds. Master-at-arms and soldiers alike striving diligently in their practice of warfare on many of its form, sword, spear and the likes. Steadfast and true in their training.
On the centre of it all comes a father and son, wielding blunted sword they swing against each other. Both calm and vigorous, both are resolute, yet only one stand unflinching and tall. Yet still the aura of devotion for the sword exists on both. "Not good enough..." says the father "strengthen your grip son, you are slipping".
Adamant in his passion to strengthen his prowess, the son heeds the lesson well. Both hands on the sword wrapped tightly rivalling a vice, he may be breathing hard but a steady mind still persist and triumphant over his weariness. Adjusting his feet, focusing his eyes and locking his elbows, the son proceeds to lunge valiantly towards the father.
And thus, the rhythm of steel sings once again unto the air of Starfall. Feet planted deeply unto the ground, the son swings solidly against his father, each consecutive strikes as hard and focused as the last, the clash of steel spark dazzlingly with each contact. Alas the son can only manage eight moves before the cold steel of his opponent lie smoothly half an inch besides his neck.
"Getting better Gedric..." says the father as he withdrawn the blunted blade from Gedric's Neck "still not enough..."
Gedric Dayne, The firstborn son of Erick Dayne of Starfall. still but a boy in his 5th nameday, already he yearns for the milky blade that is sheathed coolly on his father's left hip. Every morning he dedicate himself to the blade, with little room for respite no matter tempted he may be. First to come, last to leave. If he is not practicing with his father than the soldiers of the house or squires will do. Though already have defeated many squires twice his age, he has yet to defeat a single grown man in mock combat. But the great and unnatural talent is there, and he knows it, his father and his bannermen knows it. All that needs to be done is to cultivate it. "My time will come one day..." Gedric thought to himself "and I shall reap what I have sowed"
"What is the matter?" Asked Erick, looking down to his exhausted son with a grin on his features "crestfallen already?... perhaps even practice steel is too much for your comely hands" he taunted.
This is not the first-time japes such as these has been thrown. Gedric realized what it is, a voiced weapon meant to degrade the enemy's mental fortitude. Yet knowing the purpose it may be, the words stung nonetheless. And so, he stands, coming to his bearing, catching his breath, eyes focused towards victory no matter how far it is.
"You rise well" Erick continued "still... that is barely half the battle"
Wrought from the basics, Gedric lunged with any force he can muster, starting the battle once again with an overhead lunge. Followed by three swings that ended with an overhead feint, the father aimed to block it, falling to the will of the son. In which Gedric Proceed to withdrawn it and immediately strike low towards the shin.
Unfortunately, his father manages to compose himself faster than Gedric can follow the momentum. Steel has brushed once again, eradicating any chance for Gedric to follow through with his plans. But the battle is far from over. hardening himself. Gedric promptly re-connect with several rapid slashes, refusing to let his father gain the upper hand.
Woe is he though, as the father gives no signs of struggle against him, regardless how much relentless he is in the bout.
Still, although the training ended with a lost, which is to be expected considering the young heir is fighting against the father who are deserving to wield the sword DAWN itself. Much Progress has been made.
Gedric have yet to defeat a grown man, yes... Many have said to struggle against his martial ability in combat, especially considering he has only but trained in under 5 months with blunted steel, there has been heaps of close calls when full-blown soldiers fought him. And just as many who believe he will be a knight before he even reaches his 10th nameday, though even Gedric Believe they exaggerate.
"Very well done..." His father says, as he examines the practice sword he wields "you have not been training long... but your might is there" a prideful smile appeared on his face "be wary young man..." the smile persists, but the father's eyes become focused and narrow "for now on I will be ever watchful... and I shall expect more from here on out" he turns his back and begins to walk away, even now the beaming crook of a smile can still be sensed as his figure disappeared into the castle tower.
With the practice concluded, Gedric stride towards the side line of the courtyard and lay for a moment. This is the first time he fought against his father, yet it feels like he is fighting ten knights wielding Valyrian steel. Only now he recalled faintly of his father's face during the exercise, still and collected there are no openings nor any sign of struggle, even against other soldiers there are at the very least signs of minor strain during the mock.
But not his sire, no... He didn't even use his upper body to drive the momentum of his strikes and deflect Gedric's sword, his one hand is more than enough as he twirled and swiftly strike with only a modicum of effort. All with a sleek smile on his facial features. Truly the journey is far from over if he seeks the legendary great sword of the stars.
Looking down toward his sword, Gedric run his hands along the edge of the steel. Many moons ago the sword was sleek and straight with nary a hint of coarseness. Now more than a few chips and bent can be felt along the lines of the once polished blade, though Gedric finds no chagrin on the circumstances. A dented weapon is a tested weapon, "and this sword is mine own" Gedric thought to himself. "With every bruise and wound upon my body, strength will follow... and I will become ever mightier".
Not even a brief moment after, he raises again with the same sword sheathed on his hip. Walking towards the courtyard once more he took a weighted blunt sword from the nearest arm cabinet, one that is heavy enough to strengthen his arm without compromising his agility. Gedric continued his training and devote himself again to the cold steel. The concept of time lost in his mind as he endlessly swings and strike the air with great discipline. Unrelenting, Unwavering and without rest.
Unbeknownst to him, all eyes on the yard are stupefied looking upon his figure. Great admiration and speechless respect upon the future lord of Starfall as they watched the bout against Lord Erick. More so as they see Gedric decided to press on the practice after the great struggle against his own father. Many expectations have been exceeded on this day, yet still then sun have not yet shown itself on the morn, merely its light.
Not an hour after however, the radiant ball of light finally reveal itself on the border of the world. Gleaming bright and true, with Gedric deciding to halt his training for a moment to glimpse at its splendid illumination. All warm and soothing, his body feeling invigorated already, with seldom any ache, though surely it would be truly felt in the hours to come. Quite unfortunate though the heir of Starfall can no longer continue on his practice, as a footstep can be heard behind him with a message.
"Good morning, my lord" The servant spoke "your mother has called, breakfast has been prepared"
"Of Course,"
Standing upon the tower of the Palestone sword looking towards the sea is the great lord of house Dayne, "it is a surreally comforting feeling to watch upon the sea from such heights" Erick thought to himself. The house has its own Solar for all the work of the great lord, a place of thought and aspiration for all the ideas that would be concocted and solution for any issue on the region. But the lord finds the tower to be much more comforting to the mind than his own office "Mayhaps I should move the solar here..."
For Lord Erick Dayne life has given him many boons. The realm is prosperous with little to no troubles, other than trivial issues his castellan can take care of, the treasury is rising and the people are happy. Other than the occasional pirates and banditry, Relative peace and prosperity truly come for the realm of Starfall.
This leads to more than an ample of free time to do as he likes, despite the fact that there are little in his life that Erick finds to be enjoyable other than swordplay and family. Even the soldier and servants under his employ found the days to be dull as of late, hence many of the former are eager to take the bladed task the minute they heard of bandit raids or the likes. There is a certain standard of skill to become a sworn blade under the banner of the sword and the falling star, so most if not, all warriors serving the lord are fighters at heart, eager to test their prowess.
Even now the sound of colliding steel in the courtyard can be heard even on top of Palestone, more than a few of soldiers still resides on the training grounds. even his son it seems, judging from the commitment he has shown these many moons. It won't be long now until he actually defeats at least one man-at-arms, "Give it a year or two... and then he'll find the strength" Erick thought "Defeating a swordsman under the age of six... what a tale that would be".
Even Erick did not find such martial talent when he was at his sons current age, and the first time he took up the blade was when he was on his 8th nameday. And that was after careful coercion and pleading with his late mother, The seven blessed her soul. After which it took him three years to even give a grown man a struggle. In consideration to that, one would be curious what have driven Gedric to go so far in his devotion.
"Perhaps I do not know my son well enough..." Erick thought. The father and son have conversed many times as of late, all small talks of course, but many times they have spent together. Although many of said free time have been used for doing and watching each other's training. It was only this day that they actually in the first time of their lives clashed blunted steel with one another. "Yes... a discussion is due for this...". it would seem a sword of the morning is on the making once again...
In that moment, the door of the tower decided to creek itself open, revealing a full-bellied woman, with a brunette hair and gray eyes. With her fair skin that seems to glow in the light, further mystifying the room of the tower that they now stand on. It helps that a form of sweat seems to further glistened her body. "You are brooding... here... again." She voices her thought, with a playful huft and indignation. Albeit with a jaded tone, considering she had to take the many stairs to reach the height of this high-rise belfry.
"I told you to wait downstairs..." Erick said with a concerned voice.
"I told you to come down, when breakfast is almost ready" The woman says with clear grievance mired on her face, although it done nothing to dim her beauty "as a matter of fact, I also told you to stop coming up here while I'm pregnant" the frustration grows with her voice "Can't even keep such small promises, do you find pleasure in displeasing me..." she says sitting on the chair at the edge of the room, face turned to the side with a sprightly scorn, her hands on her expectant belly.
"that's quite an escalation of thought" Erick spoke near the window "come now, it has been three months since I came here, a little leniency would be lovely". He walks calmly towards the back of his wife, wrapping his hands around her shoulders whilst pecking her cheeks sweetly "I wasn't planning to be long here you know, you shouldn't have come... now you are exhausted". He says as he finished wiping the sweat of her cheeks and forehead with the nearest napkin.
"You were taking too long..." she griped "And I am quite curious and worried on Gedric's well-being". The intonation in her voice further aggregated her statement while in a taxed state. Understandably so, a mother does worry so much at most times.
"To say that he has done well would be quite an understatement..." Erick elucidated "He has progressed tremendously, it is without question he has a talent on the art of martial warfare... he might surpass even my father" He says proudly "he has already surpassed me when I was twice his age."
"Then... perhaps we can withhold the training for the time being" she spoke gently, with a pleading voice "if he has grown greatly in such a short time, then perhaps we can reward him with a respite." She continued the appeal "he is your future heir, there is much I can teach him regarding our family's history! And especially regarding the intrigues of court. The gods know I deserve to spend time with my first son".
Erick chuckled lightly "He'll grow to resent you for it" as he pecks softly on her cheeks to soothe her despair "need I remind you that the training is what he asked for on his nameday?".
"I do"
"Then you realize the training itself is the gift." Erick makes his point "I believe he will take the rest as a punishment rather than an award". Both parents sighed on the implication "Heavens know where he get such ambition for it" He stated bewilderedly.
She turns her body towards her husband, one hand on his cheek "it's you, you know" she says "as is all sons right to make their father proud, and he wants it greatly". She leans her head on his shoulders, as the other hand daintily caress the hilt of the sheathed legendary sword "that and for this damned blade." She finished with an impish tone.
"Come now..." He unsheathed the sword for her to see its nobility "many men have died for lesser dreams, at least with the current path he is taking, he will grow to be unmatched to all man in the kingdoms" the point is made "tis the kind of world outside of this castle walls, peaceful our time maybe, there are more than a few unscrupulous individuals prepared to do depraved Schemes for nary a small fortune... you know I sleep soundly knowing he can match them back with his might". He recalled one key event, that happened some time ago "it has been more than a decade since the last blackfyre rebellion... I wonder when is the next one? I hear there's another one still lives out there somewhere, biding his time. One with two heads if I recall".
"Such Monstrous image you have given me, love" a hint of cringe and disgust appeared and face in a moment, followed by a reply "All things in life is a battle, but not all through clash of might. In the days to come, our son and his brothers and sisters will be tested in wits and cunning of the tongue" all her attention is on his eyes now "Would you deprave him of that teaching?".
"No, of course not" He replied. "Feel free to ask of him, I am quite sure he can't deny you." A smirk revealed itself "As am I". there comes a kiss on her forehead now.
"And if he refuses?" A brow raises on her features.
"Then I'll take his sword." With a stern voice he speaks "And the privilege to train as well."
"Too harsh that would be..." she retorts softly "that is as you say, his nameday gift from us after all".
"You are correct in that..." a solemn emotion ran through him "though I'm sure we'll find some other ways". He sheathed his sword back, and proceed to carry her wife in the way a groom carries his bride.
"Good" she gave a dreamy smile "there are more things in life than swords, if you must know" she says whilst squirming to positioned herself comfortably in his arms.
"And what things would that be?" he asked.
"Breakfast"
"Of course..."
Before he goes towards the dining room, Gedric decides to make a detour to his room. Sweat and even grime on his figure would not do well when breaking the fast. although this is no ceremonious event, as a lord or even a son of one, certain etiquette must be followed. Lest he will have an outrage from his mother and perhaps even scorn from his father.
With the room residing on the upper floors of the castle, Gedric must climb many stairs to reach his abode. even now he feels ache in his arms and the unsteadiness of his legs dominating him. "Stupid breakfast and stupid stairs" He thought to himself "I don't even feel hungry, blast it all".
On arrival, he bared in mind for a moment if he should just stay in his room and rest for a while, an hour or two perhaps. He has a good reason after all, bounteous bruises of it. But on a second thought it won't do well in the end, he is planning to carry on again after breakfast. Taking a reprieve now would be considered hypocritical.
Alas, after he washed himself, he settled to change his garment for a more fitting one, one that has at least a bearing of grandeur and nobility. A black and purple regular tunic with a tint of a golden outline, with a regular black silk trousers of no importance. "Least I can eat comfortably with these...". Gedric do not see the merit of appearing grandiose on such a frivolous occasion.
but his mother does demand it of him much to his dismay. And considering her state of pregnancy, there's not much he can do other than relent, for fear that it may disheartened her. Feeling that she needs all the delight she could get in such critical times, "Or so my father told me... he knows more of this than I, surely" Gedric thought.
As he goes down the stairs, turning from corner to corner as he wades through multiple servants, nodding his head for every honorific his subordinates decide to greet him with. His mind went back to the courtyard swords as per usual, hoping that he have more time for it other than the teachings from the maester over many things inconsequential and the various discussions regarding his future of being the lord of the house by his own father, and occasionally of course mother would also come to play.
"Why do I have to suffer from this..." Gedric voiced in his head "I saw father in command multiple times in the castle, just point and order, that's all he does...". he thought, recalling his affair on shadowing his father on the times he is recovering from his practice. "Being a lord is child's play, I have no need to learn of it, I'm sure It would be effortless when I took the mantle."
Every time Gedric passes a window on his way to his destination, he always took his time to see the courtyard. Even walking is a dismal proceeding for him if it doesn't lead to swordplay. In his mind Gedric already know his true calling, no matter if he is a knight or a simple warrior, he shall wield sword in hand with honor in heart as he vanquished his foes. "Court intrigues Is truly not my forte... I should reall- huh?".
For a moment, as he looked out a particular window, a constant blinking light show itself upwards on the sky. A consistent red light that does not seem to end in its activity to draw attention for any onlookers that it has prompted. "I've... never heard of a shimmering star before" Gedric thought. The morning dawn is still young, some stars and the moon itself are still visible at the time being, despite the glowing shine in the horizon, but Gedric never heard of a star such as this, especially one with such brilliant crimson colour "Hmm... Perhaps the maester will know... or father" he continued to think "It's just a star... like any other, I'm sure it's nothing".
Without him knowing Gedric abruptly lose himself in his mind, daydreaming immediately after his bewilderment regarding the suspicious star. He ended up wandering the castle walls with nary a conscious thought, looking mildly dazed as he walks aimlessly. That is until he heard a rigid strict voice summoning him from his stupor.
"GEDRIC!" the voice wailed "Where do you think you're going?!". Recalling himself to the world of reality. Gedric recoiled slightly as he tries to assess where exactly in the part of the castle he accurately is. "The dining room is right here, young man"
"Of course, mother."
Every end of hard labor will always be pleasing if followed by a good rest, it's always a heavenly feeling to lay down on our beds with after a subsequent showering. But what many have realized is the pleasurable tinged of satisfaction for every food and water swallowed in the midst of resting.
All man who lives in an arduous life will always appreciate greatly of a good feast. The weary and exhausted body after an ordeal compliments it more so. So, it stands to reason for Gedric to greedily munch through the whole plate for every meat and fruits that he lay his hands on with great unrelenting force.
"Slow down sweetling, the food is not going anywhere" the mother voiced. Everyone on the table have graciously decided to eat with bearings of nobility. For Gedric however, an act is an act. It makes no difference how one does things as long as it is effective and ethical, as his father taught him. In this case however, he decides that the latter part is too much of a hassle to upheld considering his frustrated stomach at the time being.
Gedric waited until he swallowed his food before he graced his mother with a reply, "The day is short mother" he chewed some left-over remnants of food in his mouth and proceed to swallow "and I have many things to be done." Giving no mercy to the rest of the nourishment, he subsequently reaches to the nearest one.
"The morning is young still, little one" his mother speaks gently with a tint of morose tone "can you not at least spend some of your time with your mother" there is a greater emphasis on the last statement, one with loftier amount of distress. "For me..." she finished.
A smidgen of ache revealed itself on Gedric Belly. One aside from training it would seem, one that tugs his heart ever so slightly. Looking on the other side of the table, he could see the narrowed eyes of his father. Critically expecting an answer from his mother's plea "Damn... seems I must tread lightly" Gedric thought, and yet the truth is, he would have accepted her request regardless of his father's judgement. Gedric loves his mother, of that is without question. To question it is silliness, he is sure of any kind the request she wants, it is not of the absurd kind for him to object.
"You need only ask mother" Gedric replied "No reason for me to deny you". Seems to be the right thing to say as his father's eyes soften and mother's feature seems to be delight personified. Gedric caught both of them glancing slyly and with slight bafflement at each other, as if they are expecting my disputes. He couldn't help but thought they planned this.
"Very well..." Her smile brightened the room, she seems to be glowing also. Pregnancy characteristics is what Gedric hypothesized on such occasion whatever she intends to request, he is sure it will help on her current delicate moment, considering that it seems to temporarily revitalize her solely by his prerogative acceptance. "We'll speak more of it after breakfast, alright" she says as she beamed "I must speak of your father as well on this".
After such words have been spoken, father's features seem to give a puzzled distinction. "Quite strange..." Gedric thought, as he continued to chewed his mutton relentlessly. in this moment, although whatever it is the mother is scheming about is still in the realms of the unknown. And overthinking things will just drain and kill the pleasant moment more, so Gedric decide to relent for now.
"Now then..." the mother's eye gazes upon the son again "Tell me about your training... how well did it go?". All the male in the table beamed on such a question, which is to say, only two. And the lord of the house seems to be looking at his son, awaiting his response on the query. On this topic of conversation of course, Gedric would be happy to accommodate an answer.
"Well mother! I have defeated most if not all squires of our house! In fact..." Gedric proceed to elaborate on all of his experiences that has occurred during his martial education. In such a moment, he actually forgot of the half-eaten chicken thigh he held. There were no facts being purloined, Gedric decided to put forward everything he had experienced on his many practices bout against everyone he tallied with, boys and men alike.
His father even contributes on the quite informative embellishment, one could say there is more than a tint of vanity in his voices and words as he expresses approval to every actuality his son decides to relent. The mother of course listened with great resolve; head leaned on the palm of her hand as she acknowledges every bit of information that her son has voiced. A bit of hums and a nod of the head, even though she does not understand some teachings on the art of warfare.
But looking upon Gedric's passion and sparkling expressions is more than abundant for her to know everything is well, seeing him eating, talking and moving as her and her husband's living legacy manifested in the form of pride and joy will always be a surreal and gratifying moment as a mother. With such thoughts she can't help but think about another child writhing in her belly now. Another one to love and care, and one day he or she will repay in kind with the same.
All things are well... life is good
"It was quite a bout I say... I can't even land a hit, mother. Not even once" Gedric said. Elaborating his experience when practicing with his father. The great excitement in his voice is clear for all to hear, and he still forgets to swallow his food "I was exhausted really, father gave no mercy at all!"
"If I gave none, son" Erick says with bemused features "you wouldn't be standing" He finished with a slight chuckle "least not properly". His wife elected to pout after such statements, all the whilst giving an irritated glare. Erick however, decides to kept his gaze on the food with wide playful eyes, displaying his declaration as a jest, as to not ire her fragile being.
The conversation continued lightly around the table, servants and the likes proceeding to serve the sweets and the drinks. The family knows nothing but each other in such times, the outside world Is gone for all they care, what's left is just blood and love. They strike as many topics as they can, father speaks regarding the castle, as he plans to recondition and extend Starfall whilst enforcing fortifications against any sea attacks, in between he occasionally asks Gedric on his opinion on such matter. His answer on the issue is quite more than satisfactory, considering there are crags of rock island surrounding Starfall, Gedric thought that they would be large enough to build small forts or at the very least towers on top of them. Quite an answer for one as young as him, as his father seems to be more than satisfied with his response, though the young Dayne would assume this is merely just a test, his father always have a better answer than his all the times.
The mother however talks regarding trade and profit of the like. she voiced that her family the Redwynes seems to have innovated another form of Arbor wine, one that tasted sweeter yet less intense than the other varieties of Arbor alcohol. Good for light occasions or if one seeks to have a relaxing evening or day. though they are quite a hassle and delicate to create, the underlying specifics on its making though has not been informed to mother unfortunately, so she brushed the topic at the time being.
"There is something quite peculiar though..." Gedric spoke "I saw a star...".
"You and the rest of the world..." His father japed. Gedric huft on the statement.
"It is no odd thing to see a star this early in the morn, young man" His mother replied "even the moon is quite visible in such early part of the day, typical occurrences and all".
"N-no... not like this one" Gedric recalled "Its red and its large, and also... it is blinking as well". Both parents eye brows are raised ever so slightly, whether it is of bewilderments or amusement on the news Gedric cannot say. "I saw it I swear, shimmers and all".
"I'm sure you have, Gedric" his father states "Perhaps we shall see it when we arrive at the courtyard". He wipes his mouth and proceed to stand "do not be long and finish your food, if you want to continue our martial escapade" He walk to his wife and give her more than a numerous peck on her face.
"I'll be going with you as well" Mother spoke to father "something else we need to speak about..." She rises also and go on to hug Gedric from the sides and a kiss on the cheek before strolling away with her husband.
Gedric merely sigh on their lack of care regarding the astronomic news. "Perhaps it was nothing after all" he thought, wisdom of the skies is not really his specialty, for all intents and purposes perhaps mother was right on the fact that it is just a normal event. Discarding the thought from his mind, he immediately carries on consuming the rest of the bountiful nourishment.
"The courtyard swords await me"
The yard is much livelier in this time of the morning, most of the soldiers of the house now have revealed themselves from their weary slumber. Most are either committed to the sword or the spear, some of the rest are attracted to ranged weapons it would seems, varying from crossbows to regular short and longbows.
Near the centre of the field is a stocky man, broad shoulders, large legged and all with short gray hair and gruff gray beard hiding his sculpted jawline. This man is Ser Orlo the Bulwark Beast, said to participate in the battle of the Wendwater bridge during the Blackfyre Rebellion. Holding out dozens to hundreds of men, stopping them from surrounding the king's army lead by Duncan the Tall. Many men would have died if he does not stand tall in such a battle. Though Gedric cant exactly recall the details of itself. Nevertheless, His valour and Accomplishment are quite well known at the very least by lord Erick Dayne and if not all of Westeros. Now he serves as house Dayne Master-at-arms. Training the garrison to fight as fiercely as he does.
Gedric approach the man as he looked upon the dozens of soldiers that are now being instructed by the bulwark. His screams are loud and strict, one word from him and the footman's and knights alike cant help but jitters at his baritone. "You are right on time..." said ser Orlo, right after his commands to the instructed garrison "usually, you are early".
"Mother seeks my audience" Gedric answered "I cannot deny her demands, lest I risk being suspended from training".
"Say no more, I understand" Ser Orlo says as he grabbed the nearest blunted steel sword and threw it to Gendry "you will be fighting squire Franklyn there". He pointed towards a lean young boy, that seems to be no more than 8 years of age. He is half times bigger than Gedric, with wearing nothing more than gambeson and leather trousers.
"Franklyn! Come here will you lad" As the master call upon the squire, Gedric decided to warm-up his sword hand. A little swing here and a little stab there and some twirl to prepare the wrist, he also jumps side to side all over the place, footwork is just as important as an arm swing, his many bouts these last months have taught him that the hard way. Many bruises wouldn't exist if he just dodges or strafe. His bout with his father yesterday convinced him of that.
"Go on Gedric, he is ready"
"Very well, so am I" Gedric took his side of the field and make his stance.
"What is this!?" squire Franklyn exclaimed "why am I fighting a runt? This is really beneath me"
Ser Orlo face immediately brightened with excessive red heat "You little cur! This is..."
"it's alright Ser Orlo" I assured him "Carry on with the bout, if you may...". "This one must be new here..." Gedric thought, but rather than being offended, he sees the potential in this fight. Most man and boys here already know how Gedric move and vice versa, so a fresh face can help him to see where he truly stands in a battle with less familiarity.
The squire boy reads the room and realizes he spoke the wrong words, so he decided to kept his mouth shut, that is of course before he took his position in the opposite sides and let out an insolent scoff. "Oh, this lad..." Gedric thought "Ill put him in his place...".
Some man stopped their activities to watch the fight, the wind breezes through the castle walls and the second the shine of the luminous sun divided the line between Gedric and his opponent, Ser Orlo said the words "FIGHT!".
Gedric choose to waste no time at all. He lunged ferociously with his blunted sword in a stabbing motion towards the chest. The squire immediately lifts up his shield in surprise, the strike connects and he stumbles backward slightly. Gedric instantly recovered and go for an overhead swing, the squire promptly tries to block, Gedric feint and at once do a slash motion to his heels easily taken due to his shorter height. Franklyn fell to his knees and Gedric straightaway smack his face with the bluntest side of his sword.
Franklyn fell back and hold his bleeding nose as he grunts in pain.
"Ah... damnit all" Ser Orlo whispered, still a smug look came to his face followed by a sigh "go on boy, get up you are well" He grasp Franklyn's arm and lift him up "This is a good lesson for you, keep your mouth shut and let your weapon do the talking, will you" the squire can only nod his head.
"All right, stand on the mark again son" Ser Orlo said.
"W-what... but... my nose" the squire whimpered.
"No words..." the master replied "in here you will fight and respect the battle, treat every fight as it is a real one" he puts his hands on Franklyn's shoulders "If this was a real bout you would've already be dead, strengthen your will and continue the fight through the pain" he takes his place in the middle once more "you are here because your father wants you to be strong and I assume as a man you are as well. Your time is short here, so make use of it, boy".
The squire chooses to fortify his resolve, whatever left of It he has. Putting on a strong face whilst his nose profusely bled out, he again stands his ground and takes his position. "I... I am ready". He plants his feet and takes his breath.
Gedric lazily lift up his sword though his stance proof true and steadfast. Unlike before however Gedric choose to wait for his opponent first strike, feeling a smidgen of pity towards him. Both young fighters are circling around each other, though Franklyn approach the fight with more caution than the last.
Naturally, the squire decided to strike first as Gedric shown no interest to do the same. The young lord who was lazing about in the field mere moments ago immediately formed his stance faster than the squire can attack.
The older boy rapidly swings his sword all bluntly and without finesse, thus it is with ease for Gedric to merely avoid or block any coming assaults from his opponent, much to the frustration to the older opponent. The dismay can be felt In the air around him, it is to be fair quite an embarrassment considering the losing party is more than twice the age of the winning one, much more when taking account the fact of the slight before the bout.
Knowing that this battle won't give him the proper challenge he needs to improve himself, Gedric decided to end his feeling of pity and guild over his opponents. And straightaway dodged the squire's overhead swing which followed by Gedric's stab towards his belly.
Again, just like before the squire keel over, failing to see the hit as he clutches his belly with one hand whilst stumbling backwards, turning away his body from the younger man. "En-enough..." he manages to voice with jaded breath "I... I yield" He fell to the ground sitting still aching. Gedric lowered his weapon sighing with an expression of frustration coloring his features.
Ser Orlo merely shakes his head in disapproval, unknown to the young Franklyn, he incidentally goes against a tenet of sparring, granted it is unique to the house of Dayne only. "That is not how it works here boy..." The master spoke "the spar can only be concluded when I say so or if you are bowled over"
"But... I have felled" Speaks Franklyn.
"No, you haven't boy..." The Master replied "you're still breathing, you're still speaking and now you still hold your sword in your hand". The squire looked down on the ground, terrified and bewildered on the proper procedure on the practice, Ser Orlo sighed "It's alright young man, it is your first day here..." He picked Franklyn arm and raise him up as before "Don't do it again... do you understand?". The young boy simply nods his dead in the middle of the aching pain. "Good..." Ser Orlo points towards the nearest weapon cabinet "Go put down your practice blade and go to your master knight... this afternoon you will come here and we will remedy that god-awful arm you have, considering your lousy swings". Franklyn merely nods yet again and scarcely walks away.
Gedric truly have not paid attention again to the conversation between the two, to busy having fun striking knightly poses and having practice swing with a stupid grin on his face. Not for the reason that of his victory, but simply because it is entertaining. "I could do this all day" he thought to himself, some days he was worried that he will grow bored holding cold steel. But it would seem that day won't come anytime soon, if at all. Feeling the momentum of his sword slashing the air is a surreally pleasant notion to him. It is as if he holds unto his own little powerful world, that is until the master-at-arms decide to pull him off his sweet dreams.
"Gedric" Ser Orlo spoke "put down that blade, and get the weighted one on the top of that weapon holder..." he gestured toward the edge of the courtyard near the bush. Gedric proceed as command, skipping his way to his destination, on arrival he looked upon the upper most holder with confusion "Take the 3rd one from the right..." Ser Orlo shouted lightly from his place. "Correct that one"
As Gedric took the sword from the safe-keeping of the holster of the cabinet, he tried to practice a swing with one hand, it is lousy and sluggish. With both hands he manages to slash with finesse, but barely "Ser Orlo... this one is quite hefty...". Gedric pleaded gruffly to the instructor.
"Precisely, young lord..." Ser Orlo answered "Your technique is more than adequate at the time being, its your strength that needs some work". Gedric moved back towards his original position right in front of the Master-At-Arms "I saw your bout with your father, you would have done much better if there's some weight in your strikes" He continued "You've almost took him by surprise if you are but a little bit sturdier and more agile".
"You think I can manage to defeat him if I have?" Gedric asked with an amused smile.
"HAH! Unlikely" Ser Orlo answered "you may manage to get one hit but, that's all there is to it" He rested his hand on his hips and further elaborated "Even if you do, I doubt it would hurt, much less make him stumble, even against a soldier you see around you... your vigor is great for your age in comparison to your older peers, but it pales when you compare it to a good fighter here, much less your father...".
Gedric pouted on the declaration, he is not exactly known to be a patient boy, when he seeks something, he goes through with it head on, and if he failed on his endeavor, he would just swing a sword or two until he recovered his mood. "Can I fight against an older squire at least?" Gedric requested.
"If you progress well in with this weighted blade and the next, then I consider it" Ser Orlo spoke "That is... with the permission of both of your parents of course" He chuckled lightly. The Master-At-Arms understand the young boy need to be better, but a boy on his 5th nameday is barely a proper age to train in the ways of warfare. It is only because he bears the name of Dayne, a nobility that demands his prowess in blade that he is hardly allowed to do so, that and after consideration by his father and especially his worried mother.
"The oldest squire here is 10 years of age" Ser Orlo Answered "And he is staying here with his master for another 5 months... do well and I will ask of him". Gedric recalled this squire, he has seen him fought before. Melwyn of house Blackmont if he recalled, he manages to defeat one soldier some days before, and manage to hold two for a long moment.
"He would be a great opponent!" Gedric thought. With nary a moment longer, he took his place and begins his exercise, as the sun finally revealed itself on the horizon. Bringing light towards the courtyard, summoning a great big shadow from Gedric's figure. Once again wonder and excitement have renewed Gedric's heart already, the great heft and weight of the sword he holds is another challenge he enjoyed to breakthrough. In the coming days he'll swing it swiftly and then comes another heavier sword, and he'll conquer it as well. Until he finally reaches the true end of swordsmanship.
THE BLADE OF DAWN.
Goosebumps rejoiced itself on the body of the young boy Dayne "Imagine..." Gedric thought "A sword of the morning... under the tender age of ten". It is a foolish imagination, Gedric understand that. But to greatly exceed his and his father's expectation is half the pleasure on this endeavor, and such thought helps in significantly motivating him to do more than just the ordinary. Complimented on having a head start in his training bearing in mind his age.
And the time will come when his hands grasp upon the noble hilt of the milky blade, raising it proudly onto the stars as he avows himself as a knight of the morning. For now, however he can only dream...
Unbeknownst to the little Dayne however, his father and mother watch upon him on the nearby window of the castle walls, looking down upon the courtyard with both contentment and worry of their child. More so the former for the father and latter for the mother, it is quite a surreal thing to know years ago a babe can barely crawl and cry over the slightest of things. And now he swings his sword with unparalleled fervor with not a voice of contempt from his hardships. "He beckons it even" Lord Erick thought.
"You see..." Erick exclaimed with a playful smug look in his face "his enthusiasm is legendary; you concern over not a thing" He persisted "He will surpass us greatly". The smug look on his face replaced by a contented fulsome smile all the whilst hugging her wife with one arm over her shoulder.
"Yes, I know... I see it" his wife rolled her eyes "But in swordsmanship and the likes, not in wits and cunning". The mother of the aforementioned Dayne sighed "he has excellent passion for your combat ways, but none shared towards his noble and intellectual trades" she states her points. Over the years in his adolescent, Gedric has always shown wisdom beyond his years, he took up reading quite a fast but has no love for it. Many puzzles have been given by the maester of the house and he will always proceed to finish not a moment after, a pace so quick it slack-jawed the knowledgeable man himself. But he never sees it as a game, only as a chore, and he never took upon reading books unless it is about sword, dragons or wars.
"Come now, he is but a boy" Her husband tries to assured her "I'm sure he will come around in time, I remember when I was his age. All I do is run around the castle walls and prank every man-at-arms I pass" he recalled. "Every boy his age has always have an extremely smidgen attention span, Gods be good I'm glad he didn't follow my disastrous antics for jokes".
His wife looked upon her husband's eyes before a request "You'll agree with me, would you?" She pleaded "Olenna and my father is expecting him to come... there is so much he can learn from them..." she watered her eyes with tears to amplify her appeal, her husband is an honorable man and she is pregnant, he cannot deny her.
"Leyna..." Erick answered. "Four months..."
"But we agreed on six!" His wife answered, Leyna's dark orange hair fell down to one of her eyes. Further intensifying her beauty and splendor towards her husband "Please don't make me beg" She begged...
"Look at him Leyna, his progressing so well in his training. I have to ensure he continue in this momentum" He speaks lightly towards his wife.
She huft "you are coming with us remember... you can train with him there on Arbor..." she turns weary "and with me...".
He turns his head towards the courtyard once more, Gedric is running around while swinging and slashing his swords wildly towards Orlo, complimented with his humorous war cry "WATCH OUT, THE SWORD OF THE MORNING IS FLAILING ON THE WIND" Gedric screamed "HRAGGAARHARRRGGHHH!". The young boy is laughing in his ridiculous movements and Orlo is scolding him with exasperated voice, some of the soldiers in the courtyards can be seen and heard to chuckle and laugh on the young Dayne's bizarre escapade.
Seeing the preposterous event, Erick can't help but smile and snicker as well on the mere madness of the occurrence in the yard. Leyna notices the event as well, shaking her head with a content smile on her face "You see that Erick" she spoke "A boy... a beautiful young boy" she grasps his arm tightly whilst leaning on his shoulder "Let me have him... please"
"Six months..." Erick decided "And ill train him when on the way and after we reach Arbor" he continued "when he is not with you studying that is, or with your family".
"YES! I can agree to that" a bright glowing grin appeared on her face; she kissed her husband's shoulder repeatedly with a slight amorousness.
Leyna turns her head back again to the courtyard to see her son, but the childish undertaking seems to have stopped. In fact, almost all persons including Gedric seems to be looking up in the sky, all those who are in the yard, its surrounding and above the castle walls. "What's going on?" Leyna queried.
She can see Gedric points his finger to the sky as he gestured towards Orlo, a bewildered expression also can be seen in the Master-At-Arms movements. Truly something eventful is in the happening, and Leyna is currently none the wiser as he looked up towards her husband who seems to gape upon the sky as well with the same look of confusion.
"The Star..." Erick said, and Leyna proceed to look towards the heavens as well...
And there it is, a blinking giant red light in the blanket of the sky. Ever-blinking and shimmering as it takes its place as the core attention to all who dare to gaze unto the sky where it lies with grandeur. For that moment in time, the world stood still. Every soldier who was practicing on the yard, every servant who are doing their task and even the flora and the fauna as well are either jittering in dread and anticipation or still themselves for any extraordinary occurrences.
"What is that?" Leyna asked with awe and fear in her intonation "It's... It's growing...". And she speaks true, yet it is not only the iridescent light that graces the vision of all that look upon it. As it grew bigger, a great big metal can be seen surrounding the centre of the light itself.
"Come" Erick said, holding his wife hand pulling her lightly as she followed his wake.
"Erick?" Leyna enquired as she tries to keep pace with her husband.
"The star" Erick spoke with urging tone "It's falling down".
In the yard, Gedric still holds his gaze towards the sky. Arms on his hips, he does not feel any dread or anxiety the way the others around him have shown to express on this spectacularly odd circumstances. In fact, he grew even more excited, "A blinking star growing bigger in every moment!?" Gedric Thought "Tis a sign! A good omen for House Dayne!". He enthusiastically jumped lightly up and down showing his glee on this momentous event.
"Ser Orlo!" He called upon the awe-struck man beside him "what do you think it means? Perhaps another sword on the morning?" Gedric suggested "it seems to be falling down... and it is still morning, no?" the humor in his voice seems to be disregarded by the Bulwark Beast, His face still stern and strict as he tries to understand the object in the sky.
One thing is for sure in the minds of the Master-At-Arms, the star is growing, and it's coming straight for them.
"Gedric" he took the young boy's hand "we are going to the castle, NOW!" he urges as he stride towards the castle wall with Gedric in tow. Gedric however whines on the way, wanting to look upon the star more before such occurrence end.
In the middle of their path, they met with the lord and lady of the house before they reach the castles opening, who both seems to be as alert to the situation as Orlo has. An urgent expression revealed itself on the face of the Dayne lord while the lady looked upon the young lord with concern, as her eyes met with her sons, she at once walks towards him and seizes his arm.
"Orlo bring them both to safety" Erick Stated.
"Erick, what are yo- "she never finished her words as Erick intervenes immediately
"Take our son and leave now" He exclaimed with a commanding tone.
Alas, the order came to late. A falling star usually brings great majestic light in its wake, a luminous outstanding shine that blinded all who gazes upon its downfall, such is what is told by the history of House Dayne.
But not this star...
As the object approach closer to the ground, it shadowed everything below its body. Darkness envelopes the land and the terrified screams of every man and woman on Starfall clouded by the deafening winds that have been summoned by the perceived falling object. And still, it grows closer...
And thus, it shaped appeared for all to see for what It truly is, for the star that has fallen is no star at all. A body of dark-gray metal in a strange form exposed its monstrous being as it covered the sky with its enormous figure. No light has been given mercy by its splendour.
And in just another moment, its body touch the waters beside Starfall. A great splash of water rises in its crash, drenching every person attending the courtyard and engulfing the castle with its shade as the giant contraption lands on the east side of the castle.
"By the GODS!" Ser Orlo exclaimed, lifting his body from the once shaken ground. "I still feel my heart beating". The adjacent area is clouded with dust in the air, reverberated by the quake and mist of water that were previously dashed by the falling metal entity. Erick however composed himself straightaway and march quickly towards his family.
"Are you two well" He asked.
"I am" Leyna answered, with a shaken voice.
"I as well" Gedric replied, with no sense of distress in his tone. If truth be told, there seems to be more excitement and a tint of wonder in his voice instead. With no patience to wait for his father's command, Gedric goes straight towards the wall besides where the thing has fallen with the haste of a restless rabbit.
"GEDRIC!" His mother screamed "COME BACK!"
Naturally of course, he decides to disregard her mother's plea, forgetting her frail and elegant circumstances of being pregnant. In but a moment Gedric figure has disappeared into the smoky dust, veiled by the mysterious object. "Erick... please" she began to plea "Get him back".
"I will" Her husband answered "Orlo, take her inside and make sure the maids watch over her". Wasted no time with but a nod, the Master-At-Arms escorted the lady of the house into the walls of the castle as Erick pursuit his son.
"Erick..." she called weakly "Be safe..." he runs toward the veil whilst giving his wife an assuring nod.
He called his sons name vehemently, but no answer comes from around. Erick quickened his pace into the smoke, hands on his hilt. He does not know what dangers this giant fallen metal pose to him or his surrounding, but grasping the legendary blade at least make him feel safe and secure on this bizarre state of affairs.
As soon as the smoke disperse in the environment, Erick saw his son on top of the crushed and ruined wall in the east edge of Starfall castle. Gedric seems fine, but it is not but a split second after Erick instantly turns his attention from his son onto something else. Something otherworldly and grandiose, the metal contraption itself, booming and roaring with surreal steel sounds. Getting his bearing he remembered the priority of why his here. Once more he sprints to his son side and grasp him.
"F-father..." Gedric turned in surprised.
"What are you doing you young fool!" Erick said with indignation "this is an unknown being, and you strode towards it" He continued as he grips both of his son's shoulders "do you seek to beckon death?!". He took and shove Gedric beside him and look upon the thing.
To say that it is enormous would be a sinful understatement, its height blotted out the morning sun for Starfall, and its length seems to reach the edge of the Horizon for all to see. The great metal beast seems to have odd placements of light throughout its walls, shining blue bright that decorated in a straight horizontal manner.
Another bewildering account have been made In Erick's mind again however, as there is some sort of rectangular entry point in the middle of its walls, in it seems to be multiple manners of contraption. The beings inside seems to be visible through it, ranging from some sort of winged creatures and littered steel boxes all over its ground.
But the one trait that is very catching however, is the words painted in the side of the metal beast itself, not much further on top of the bizarre gateway, in which it named.
UNSC LIGHT OF ALEXANDRIA...
Inside the castle, the maids are attending lady Leyna who is in trepidation and horror. Ser Orlo watch over her attentively in case other means of aid is in need for her to ask of him, he does not know the implications of child bearing but he does know a woman great with a child is a moment in her best and worst.
"Ser Orlo" Leyna speaks meekly "Go... go to them... my husband and child needs you" she implored. Her face is tinted with substantial weariness and worry, its clear for all to see, if she is concerned with anxiety, her health will also fell. "I can't... rest properly if they are not safe..."
Orlo do not know if his contribution would be amount to anything against the fallen star, but the well-being of the lady demands it and so she humored her request. "Worry not my lady, ill keep them safe" he declared, truth be told the maids here knows how to assist the lady better than he could in these conditions, especially considering her state of pregnancy. he'll be better of aiding his lord.
"Good..." she spoke "Thank you Orlo..."
And so, he takes his leave to the courtyard of Starfall once more, his arms and legs still shaken by the event, but duty demands to be upheld, and the lords of Starfall could be in apparent danger. Unique the circumstances maybe.
He passes through many servants and man of arms alike, one half on their knees and the other some in lowly position on the edge of the wall cowering in fear, while the rest who are mostly knights and soldiers followed him through and asked for the state of affairs.
"Ser Orlo!" A knight called upon him, this one is a knight of Dalt if he recalled correctly, Deziel Dalt. The one who squired Franklyn. "What news do you have?!" he asked "Are we being attacked? What manner of assault could shake the foundation of this hold?".
"I don't know" He answered "what happened here is not of the ordinary kind...".
"Truly" Dalt replied "Speak plainly ser, all the man here are uneasy" he enquired, the truth is Orlo does not know how to elaborate on the situation without sounding like a mentally deficient escapee of the citadel. How do you inform everyone that the gods decide to fell down another metal from the stars?
"Come then" Orlo says "Follow me and let us discover this odd occurrence". After which they both gathered as many abled men as they can. whatever it is that fell from the skies, he and all the rest hoped they have the means to apprehend it if necessary.
It did not take long for them to reach the aforementioned courtyard again, but its state is truly horrendous. Many drills contraption of the like such as the archery hay, the mannequins and the weapons and Armor's alike scattered all over the fields.
Fortunately, all is clear and visible at this time. No longer there are smoke of dust that littered the air, still there is that giant object that covered the east side of the castle. All of the soldier cowered immediately, all the bravado they acquired fade as they saw upon the great metal beast in the edge of Starfall.
"Steady, man" Orlo said "I... don't think it is a living creature..."
"Surely?" one man spoke "Look at that thing... its vast and shaped rather oddly". All the man unsheathed their weapons from their hips and back. Orlo merely scoffs at the gesture as if their weapon can cut through such ostentatious entity.
"There Look!" Dalt speaks "it's them!" he gestured towards the broken side of the wall, revealing both the lord and his son staring upon the same thing as they did before. Orlo of course waste nary a time in this event and approach them quickly.
"My lords!" Orlo called, with a small retinue behind him "what... is this monster?" he asked.
"I don't know, Orlo" Erick answered "this thing... its huge..." he says matter-of-factly, such statement is quite obvious though understandable to be pointed out, as all man present is in a state of stupor "look, what do you think that is?".
Orlo followed where his lord seems to gesture, a shapely gateway it would seem, where a blue field seems to highlight its entry with blue light. What is behind the gate is quite visible considering the transparent state of the light that shimmers like wild glass being liquified.
There are many smaller objects in comparison to the fallen metal inside, one with shape like an odd bird made out of steel, some dark, some gray and occasionally blue. there are many other things of course, clearly seen through the shine, but no one really have the knowledge to know what they truly are, as for all them know the entities inside are otherworldly and of the unknown.
It is not but a second after that something decided to be in motion inside of the metal thing, visibly floating and flying slowly towards the lord and his man, piercing through the blue fields of the gateway. In that moment, alert came to all.
most of the man immediately took their fighting stance, preparing for the worst in these strange times. Erick unsheathes his sword as it glows brightly even though the sun has been blotted out. Aiming it at the flying beast.
"What the fuck..." a knight exclaimed.
"MONSTER!" another one screamed "KILL IT NOW!". All the man springs up on the yell and proceed to charge forward until stopped by the lord and the Master-at-arms themselves.
"HOLD!" Orlo shouted "HOLD YOU FOOLS" he pushes them back "We don't know what that thing is..."
"Scanning" The metal beast proclaimed, as rays of red light shot out from its body covering all man present with its menacing shine. "Commencing Genetical Analysis".
"WHAT... WHAT DID IT JUST DO!?" a man screamed in terror, of fear of the insinuation of what the light could be for.
"It... it speaks" another one voiced with dread. "By the Gods..."
"F-father?" young Gedric is in a state of nervous confusion. His arms holding tightly to his fathers trouser. Erick looks down in worry and assured his son with a touch on his head.
"Worry not..." Erick said "Go to your mother... NOW" he spoke with authority, leaving no room for objection. Gedric merely nods his head, all the excitement he has before exchanged by troubled distress. He walks away to the castle wall with shaky legs.
"What are you?" Erick questioned "Who are you?... Why are you here?". The beast seems like have no interest on the lord query, unmoved from where it is floating. SUDDENLY, the red light from the beast turns blue followed by another voice.
"Spartan Elite Class Candidate Detected..." it says.
Fear turns to confusion as all hear the words form the being "what..." Erick can only whisper in disbelief, all soldiers and knight looked to each other, unsure of what to do in such event. Orlo however moved right in front of the lord, intending to safe guard him in case of necessity.
"Registration Process completed" It speak once more, followed after by steel-like tendrils that jotted out of his figure.
"ITS DOING SOMETHING" a man screams in alert. Agitated by the circumstances Orlo also took out his axe with Erick preparing to strike, little do they know they are not its target as it flew by them onto...
ONTO GEDRIC.
Gedric didn't even have the chance to ascertain the situation before the metal tentacles swirled around his body, lifting him up on the ground and proceed to slowly fly back to the ship. "F-FATHER!" Gedric screamed helplessly as he tried to squirm his way free.
"NO!" Erick yelled "LET HIM GO". One of the men nearest to Gedric intend to slice through the tentacles, though it has been found to be wanting as the metal skin deflected it with no wound or scar whatsoever being left. The aforesaid soldier proceeded to be swiped by the beast, flying meters away from where he stands.
Erick followed with the attack and aim as well to slice the entities tendril away; the sword of dawn cleaves through its metal component like a heated knife through butter. Alas, another one merely takes it place and impacted the lord on his armored chest, throwing him far away as well.
The being continued carrying the young lord of Dayne towards the giant metal fortress, all the soldiers tried their best to fell it but all ends with no result or merely routed away by its steel flexible limbs. Orlo and another knight grabs Gedric by his feet aiming to pull him down and pry him from the beast. It works no different as its tendril grabs both man and proceed to gently lay them down to the ground.
"HELP!" Gedric pleaded "Someone please... FATHER!" though it matters not as he is carried through the gateway, vanishing from the sight of his father.
"No..." Erick whispered "This cannot be..." he stands once with gritted teeth "LET MY SON GO, YOU... BEAST". He sprinted to the edge of the broken part of the wall, and proceed to jump across the gap and into the gleaming gate...
Unfortunately, his entry has been refused... crashing unto the light as If he had hit a sturdy wall.
And fell down into the waters of the sea...