Cory gripped the sword tight, the soft leather of the hilt feeling comfortable in his calloused hands. He eyed Kavid warily. Usually, when they sparred, he could overcome the grizzled one-eyed blacksmith with superlative ease, but he seemed different today. It was obvious that he had trained hard for this day. His grip was more solid, his stance firmer, his eye as focused as it would be while he was pounding away at a hot iron sword blade with the hammer of his trade. Doubt began to spread through Cory's mind.
They were atop Death Mountain's summit, way up high where the air was thin and cool. The massive sky was clear this day, and if he wasn't keeping his eyes focused on his opponent he would be able to see all the way into the Gerudo Waste, across the rolling plains and countless tree stands that made up Hyrule's heart. The Goron chieftains sat several paces away, cross-legged atop three boulders. They watched with a critical eye. They had trained both he and Kavid in the art of swordplay and today was the final test...whoever won would be bestowed the title of Strongsword, and given the ancient sword of legend that had been wielded by swordmasters for generations.
The contest had been carried out for as long as there were Gorons but this contest was different, for this was the first time that two human swordsmen fought for the title. Sometimes there were human competitors, but the stronger Goron adversaries always overcame them. Whoever won this contest would make history.
Kavid made the first move, coming at him with his sword held out. He swung his sword in a hard vertical strike aimed for the center of the head. Cory parried just in time. The swords were dulled tourney weapons but the strike still probably would have killed him. Steel rang, echoing downward. Cory pushed Kavid away and stepped backward, nearly slipping on the loose, pebble-strewn ground. It made for horrible footing, especially since the tread on the bottom of his fur covered boots had worn away long ago. Cory pushed a strand of his red hair away from his face and mentally cursed himself for not deciding to tie it behind his head today.
He pressed the attack next, going at Kavid with a swift flurry of swings and strikes. Kavid managed to swat all of them away but Cory thought he had him on one particularly hard swing at his left leg. After his flurry Kavid struck back with continual vertical strikes, pounding away at Cory's sword blade with reckless abandon. At least he thought it was reckless abandon...until Kavid caught his hand hard and knocked the blade from his grasp. It clattered to the ground, several feet away.
Cory jumped out of the way, narrowly avoiding the blade. When Kavid swung low, aiming for his legs, Cory grabbed his shoulders and leaped over his head. When he landed he thrust his hands backward and found the cloth of Kavid's tunic. He pulled forward and flipped Kavid over his back. He hit the ground with a grunt and while he was struggling to get back up Cory was able to retrieve his sword and continue the fight.
Kavid, more wary now, circled him more carefully. Cory did the same, his sword held out in front of him. Kavid was the first to strike and break the stand up. He went for an amazingly fast swing at his abdomen. Cory couldn't bring his sword up in time so he shot his leg up, blocking his abdomen. Kavid's sword clanged against the iron of his shin guard and as the blade bounced off he Cory saw the perfect opportunity. He ducked down low, shot forward past Kavid and caught him in the back of his calves with a fierce backhand swing.
Kavid fell to the ground in a heap. Cory stood up and placed the edge of the sword on the blacksmith's neck. He had won. One of the Goron's clapped once, ending the fight officially. Cory stepped away and knelt, his head bowed down meekly. He may have one this fight but he knew that anyone of the three chieftains could decimate him if they wished. Respect must be given. It took Kavid a moment to get up and do the same. The chieftains approached. The closest one held the Sword of Darunia, pulsating with an eerie red glow. He could see the diamond that edged the great sword clearly, the same blue color as his eyes. The chieftain stood before him, placing the flat of the blade atop his sweaty head.
"Cory Veroc I hereby name you Cory Strongsword and give you the gift of the Sword of Darunia. You will hereby be known as the Champion of the Gorons, the wielder of Din's light, the keeper of the Way of the Warrior."
Cory could hear his heart beating wildly in his ear.
"Stand." The Goron said. Cory did as he was told. The chieftain pressed the hilt into his hand and clapped his shoulder. Each of the chieftains came and congratulated him in turn, and even Kavid had words of encouragement to give to the new Champion of the Gorons. One of the chieftains gifted him with a sword hilt specially sized for the glowing red sword. It was finely crafted, to be sure. It was leather, though covered by light red coyote fur to protect it from the elements. The chieftain told him that his wife had made it. Cory pulled the strap over his head and rested it on his broad shoulder, assuring the chieftain that he would thank his wife personally.
Cory was overrun with his own humility. He felt that he was unworthy of such praise. Kavid and the other chieftains departed, but the chieftain who gave him the sword, Jubei, stayed with him and pulled him aside.
"You must know, Cory, that life as the Champion of the Goron's is not an easy one. You will be called upon to help others, to represent the Gorons in your conquest against those whose goals are to destroy without mercy."
"I understand, Great Chieftain. If by my life or death I can serve you I will." Cory replied with all seriousness.
"Do not serve me, young warrior. Serve the innocent; protect those who cannot protect themselves."
Cory nodded in agreement.