Lazar watched from a distance as the two men fought against each other. The
clash of steel rang in the air and the flicker of silver shined in the
sunlight. They both looked evenly matched, neither one gaining advantage
over the other. That was until the older of the two began to taunt and mock
the younger one.
"Is that all you got, boy?" The taunting had obviously worked. Sounds of metal against metal grew louder with ever blow. Instead of the rays of light that reflected off shiny steel, sparks began to fly. The younger man had taken advantage, driving the older man back, back with each strike. Lazar smiled as he watched the masterful way the younger man managed his weapon. Soon enough after disarming his opponent of his weapon, knocking him onto his back, the younger man move to tower over the defeated figure, the tip of his sword held steadily against the older man's neck. He smiled wicked down at the man and said, "My name is Ewan not boy." The sounds of laughter and hands clapping in the distance caught both men by surprise. Ewan turned his head and was ecstatic to see whom it was.
"LAZAR!" Ewan yelled out giving Kael the opportunity to back control of the situation. Without time to think Ewan felt is sword pushed to the side and a large foot connecting against his stomach, reeling him backwards, gasping for air. Kael got up and retrieved his sword off the ground. He moved towards Ewan, still doubled over after the surprised blow to the midsection, and began to advance on him. Ewan vainly attempted to block every strike but finally Kael managed to knock out Ewan's sword and onto his back. Ironically, the roles were reverse now.
The tip of the sword dangerous hovered over Ewan's neck. "Never lose your focus, Ewan. Your enemies will take advantage and you will end up dead." Kael sternly admonished. Ewan closed his eyes and nodded his head a bit embarrassed over the lack of discipline. He heard someone kneel beside his head and then felt light tapping on his forehead. With a silent sigh, he stared into Lazar's eyes. "Learn from your mistakes, yes?" Ewan nodded. The familiar lopsided smile formed on Lazar's lips and he nodded his head slightly. Sheathing his sword, Kael leaned down and offered his hand. Ewan gratefully accepted and gracefully stood up. He sheathed his practice sword and dusted off the dirty from his clothes. All three gathered their things and headed back to the house.
After settling in, they sat around the fire. Before asking about what has happened in the past eleven years, Lazar began to scan the room. He was surprised to find Fiona missing. It was getting dark and he was sure she would be home fixing supper let alone being here when they arrived. Seeing Lazar's curious gaze Kael added, "Fiona is gone, Lazar." The older man turned to look questionably at Kael. He could see the sadness in the man's blue eyes. Lazar's gaze then turned to Ewan, who had lowered his head and averted his eyes. "What happened to Fiona?" Lazar finally asked after a brief moment of silence.
"Its my fault she's gone." Ewan softly said from his bowed head.
"No Ewan it is not your fault. It is mine." Kael let out a heavy sigh. Kael began to explain what had happened a year ago with Fiona. His eyes glazed over with tears as he remembered that painful day.
Kael had just returned from the village, in his arm was the gift he had purchased for Fiona. Today was her seventeenth birthday and he wanted to get something special for her. Though he knew it would pale in comparison to what she really wanted or more specifically, whom she wanted. He had tried over the years explaining to his only daughter that Ewan was in love with someone else. That no one would be able to change that. That she deserved better and to move on. Kael knew a few boys in the village that had grown quite fond of her. Even that Kellan boy was in love with her. However, he would prefer her to stay away from Kellan.
Nevertheless, no words would falter her love for Ewan. Over the years, it had instead grown stronger. Kael could not help but watch and hope that she could finally see for herself that Ewan only cared for her as a sister and nothing more. Upon his arrival, Kael had seen Ewan enter the house with Fiona following close behind. He dismounted from his horse and quietly made his way to the door. It was partly opened but he did not enter immediately. He could hear and see them inside, quietly he watched.
"Fiona please stop" Ewan stood near the fire and turned to face her.
"Its that witch you dream about, isn't it?!" Fiona's voice grew annoyed as she mentioned about the woman Ewan was supposedly in love with. "She must be a witch. How else could it be possible that you are in love with her? A woman you have never met and only see you in your dreams. She has you under some magical thrall." Fiona moved to capture Ewan's face in her hands. When he did not move from her touch, she continued. "But I can break those bonds, Ewan. She does not love you. For I am the one that truly loves you. I am the one who has been there for you not her." Fiona tried to reason. She titled her head forward, rising on her toes. "I am the only one that loves you." She whispered just before brushing her lips against his. She opened her eyes and pulled back when Ewan did not respond to her kiss.
Ewan's face remained impassive but his eyes held sorrow and regret. He did not want to hurt Fiona's feelings but there was no other way around it. He reached up and gently grabbed her wrist, tugging her hands from his faces. "I'm sorry Fiona. Please understand that I don't love you in that way." Ewan regretfully whispered. "In what way do you love me, Ewan?" Fiona's lower lip began to tremble, tears were rolling down her face. "You and Kael are the only family I know. I love Kael as if he were my own father and you as if you were my."
"Sister!" Fiona spat out when the realization finally hit her. Ewan thought of her as a sibling of some sort. Just a younger sister, nothing more. She looked at him as he nodded his head yes. "How could you think of me as a sister?! I am more to you then that!" Her anger quickly taking over she quickly wrenches her wrists from his hold. Ewan lowered his head, averting her gaze. Fiona balled her hands into fist and began beating them against Ewan's chest. He did not bother defending himself. "She doesn't deserve your love, I do!" She stopped pounding on his chest. With her right hand, she slapped him hard across the face. She raised her hand again to deliver another blow when a large hand encircled her wrist.
Fiona looked up to see her father standing there. "Fiona that is enough." Kael's voice lacked his usual firm tone. Her brows furrowed and she began to sob against her father's chest. He wrapped his arms around her, hugging her tightly to him. Hoping that maybe he could absorb all the pain she felt. Kael looked to Ewan, his head still bowed. Fiona's sobs subsided, she glanced up at her father and asked, "Can't you make him love me, papa?" Fiona asked hopefully. He closed his eyes and shook his head. "Fiona I can't do that. His heart is his own to give and he has given it to someone else. You have to understand that." Fiona's mouth hung open as she listened to Kael. She was sure her father was going to come to her aid as he had done before. But he didn't and now he chose him, in turn that witch.
Fiona broke free from her father's embrace and backed away from him. She stared at him dumbfounded. "I shouldn't be the one who should understand. He is the one that refuses my love for a witch. He is the one that has broken my heart! Will you do nothing to defend you daughter's honor?" Kael raised his arms as he moved closer to his daughter. Fiona took another step back. Kael stopped and said, "Fiona I know this hurts you but Ewan is not at fault here. You knew how he felt towards you. I had tried to tell you many times but you would not listen to me. You just have to finally accept this."
"What is there to accept? You're defending him over me!" The scowl on her face soon replaced the look of utter sadness. "How could you? How could you chose him over your own flesh and blood?" Fiona's tears stopped flowing and in place were the reflection of pure hatred in her eyes. "YOU!" She turned her gaze to Ewan. "This is all your fault! If you had not shown up this wouldn't have happened. Your witch has cast a spell over MY father and now he chose to love you over me!" Kael tried to reason with Fiona. Ewan watched as Fiona ignored her father's words and advanced on him. She raised her hand again for another strike and Kael stopped her. "I said that is enough Fiona!" Kael wrapped his other arm around her waist and lifted her off the ground. He moved back, almost losing his balance as Fiona struggled against him.
She managed to free her wrist from his hand and began to push against the arm around her waist. Kael let her go and she turned on him. Pushing against his chest and yelling, "I hate you!" Kael's eyes widen in shock from her harsh words. "Fiona you don't mean that. You're just angry and." Kael stopped in mid-sentence; Fiona shook her head, her chest heaving up and down. She lifted her chin and stared coldly into her father's eyes. "I hate you," Kael reached for her again but she jerked away, stepping backwards.
She looked from her father then over to Ewan. "I hate you both!" She turned around and started for the door, not once looking back. She stopped when Ewan whispered, "I'm sorry Fiona." She looked over her shoulder and glared at Ewan. Her voice was cold, "You will be," her green eyes flared with maliciousness. She headed out the door and mounted her horse. Kael raced after her but it was too late. It was the last time they had seen her.
"I don't know how long I stood on that spot, staring out into the empty road. It started raining well into the night but I did not move. I had hoped she would return home. She never did. Ewan practically had to drag me back inside. I had not slept or eaten for days. My little girl never came back." Kael's voice cracked and the tears had not shed that night freely rolled down his face. "Then days later I found out that she and Kellan had left the village together. Never to be seen or heard from again." Lazar nodded his head regretfully. The lost of his only blood had taken its toll. Instead of the spirited burly man, that Lazar knew. Here was a thin man, lacking in spirit. His red hair and beard had more streaks of gray then normal. His face was weathered and pale. The man was suffering from his own broken heart.
"Is that all you got, boy?" The taunting had obviously worked. Sounds of metal against metal grew louder with ever blow. Instead of the rays of light that reflected off shiny steel, sparks began to fly. The younger man had taken advantage, driving the older man back, back with each strike. Lazar smiled as he watched the masterful way the younger man managed his weapon. Soon enough after disarming his opponent of his weapon, knocking him onto his back, the younger man move to tower over the defeated figure, the tip of his sword held steadily against the older man's neck. He smiled wicked down at the man and said, "My name is Ewan not boy." The sounds of laughter and hands clapping in the distance caught both men by surprise. Ewan turned his head and was ecstatic to see whom it was.
"LAZAR!" Ewan yelled out giving Kael the opportunity to back control of the situation. Without time to think Ewan felt is sword pushed to the side and a large foot connecting against his stomach, reeling him backwards, gasping for air. Kael got up and retrieved his sword off the ground. He moved towards Ewan, still doubled over after the surprised blow to the midsection, and began to advance on him. Ewan vainly attempted to block every strike but finally Kael managed to knock out Ewan's sword and onto his back. Ironically, the roles were reverse now.
The tip of the sword dangerous hovered over Ewan's neck. "Never lose your focus, Ewan. Your enemies will take advantage and you will end up dead." Kael sternly admonished. Ewan closed his eyes and nodded his head a bit embarrassed over the lack of discipline. He heard someone kneel beside his head and then felt light tapping on his forehead. With a silent sigh, he stared into Lazar's eyes. "Learn from your mistakes, yes?" Ewan nodded. The familiar lopsided smile formed on Lazar's lips and he nodded his head slightly. Sheathing his sword, Kael leaned down and offered his hand. Ewan gratefully accepted and gracefully stood up. He sheathed his practice sword and dusted off the dirty from his clothes. All three gathered their things and headed back to the house.
After settling in, they sat around the fire. Before asking about what has happened in the past eleven years, Lazar began to scan the room. He was surprised to find Fiona missing. It was getting dark and he was sure she would be home fixing supper let alone being here when they arrived. Seeing Lazar's curious gaze Kael added, "Fiona is gone, Lazar." The older man turned to look questionably at Kael. He could see the sadness in the man's blue eyes. Lazar's gaze then turned to Ewan, who had lowered his head and averted his eyes. "What happened to Fiona?" Lazar finally asked after a brief moment of silence.
"Its my fault she's gone." Ewan softly said from his bowed head.
"No Ewan it is not your fault. It is mine." Kael let out a heavy sigh. Kael began to explain what had happened a year ago with Fiona. His eyes glazed over with tears as he remembered that painful day.
Kael had just returned from the village, in his arm was the gift he had purchased for Fiona. Today was her seventeenth birthday and he wanted to get something special for her. Though he knew it would pale in comparison to what she really wanted or more specifically, whom she wanted. He had tried over the years explaining to his only daughter that Ewan was in love with someone else. That no one would be able to change that. That she deserved better and to move on. Kael knew a few boys in the village that had grown quite fond of her. Even that Kellan boy was in love with her. However, he would prefer her to stay away from Kellan.
Nevertheless, no words would falter her love for Ewan. Over the years, it had instead grown stronger. Kael could not help but watch and hope that she could finally see for herself that Ewan only cared for her as a sister and nothing more. Upon his arrival, Kael had seen Ewan enter the house with Fiona following close behind. He dismounted from his horse and quietly made his way to the door. It was partly opened but he did not enter immediately. He could hear and see them inside, quietly he watched.
"Fiona please stop" Ewan stood near the fire and turned to face her.
"Its that witch you dream about, isn't it?!" Fiona's voice grew annoyed as she mentioned about the woman Ewan was supposedly in love with. "She must be a witch. How else could it be possible that you are in love with her? A woman you have never met and only see you in your dreams. She has you under some magical thrall." Fiona moved to capture Ewan's face in her hands. When he did not move from her touch, she continued. "But I can break those bonds, Ewan. She does not love you. For I am the one that truly loves you. I am the one who has been there for you not her." Fiona tried to reason. She titled her head forward, rising on her toes. "I am the only one that loves you." She whispered just before brushing her lips against his. She opened her eyes and pulled back when Ewan did not respond to her kiss.
Ewan's face remained impassive but his eyes held sorrow and regret. He did not want to hurt Fiona's feelings but there was no other way around it. He reached up and gently grabbed her wrist, tugging her hands from his faces. "I'm sorry Fiona. Please understand that I don't love you in that way." Ewan regretfully whispered. "In what way do you love me, Ewan?" Fiona's lower lip began to tremble, tears were rolling down her face. "You and Kael are the only family I know. I love Kael as if he were my own father and you as if you were my."
"Sister!" Fiona spat out when the realization finally hit her. Ewan thought of her as a sibling of some sort. Just a younger sister, nothing more. She looked at him as he nodded his head yes. "How could you think of me as a sister?! I am more to you then that!" Her anger quickly taking over she quickly wrenches her wrists from his hold. Ewan lowered his head, averting her gaze. Fiona balled her hands into fist and began beating them against Ewan's chest. He did not bother defending himself. "She doesn't deserve your love, I do!" She stopped pounding on his chest. With her right hand, she slapped him hard across the face. She raised her hand again to deliver another blow when a large hand encircled her wrist.
Fiona looked up to see her father standing there. "Fiona that is enough." Kael's voice lacked his usual firm tone. Her brows furrowed and she began to sob against her father's chest. He wrapped his arms around her, hugging her tightly to him. Hoping that maybe he could absorb all the pain she felt. Kael looked to Ewan, his head still bowed. Fiona's sobs subsided, she glanced up at her father and asked, "Can't you make him love me, papa?" Fiona asked hopefully. He closed his eyes and shook his head. "Fiona I can't do that. His heart is his own to give and he has given it to someone else. You have to understand that." Fiona's mouth hung open as she listened to Kael. She was sure her father was going to come to her aid as he had done before. But he didn't and now he chose him, in turn that witch.
Fiona broke free from her father's embrace and backed away from him. She stared at him dumbfounded. "I shouldn't be the one who should understand. He is the one that refuses my love for a witch. He is the one that has broken my heart! Will you do nothing to defend you daughter's honor?" Kael raised his arms as he moved closer to his daughter. Fiona took another step back. Kael stopped and said, "Fiona I know this hurts you but Ewan is not at fault here. You knew how he felt towards you. I had tried to tell you many times but you would not listen to me. You just have to finally accept this."
"What is there to accept? You're defending him over me!" The scowl on her face soon replaced the look of utter sadness. "How could you? How could you chose him over your own flesh and blood?" Fiona's tears stopped flowing and in place were the reflection of pure hatred in her eyes. "YOU!" She turned her gaze to Ewan. "This is all your fault! If you had not shown up this wouldn't have happened. Your witch has cast a spell over MY father and now he chose to love you over me!" Kael tried to reason with Fiona. Ewan watched as Fiona ignored her father's words and advanced on him. She raised her hand again for another strike and Kael stopped her. "I said that is enough Fiona!" Kael wrapped his other arm around her waist and lifted her off the ground. He moved back, almost losing his balance as Fiona struggled against him.
She managed to free her wrist from his hand and began to push against the arm around her waist. Kael let her go and she turned on him. Pushing against his chest and yelling, "I hate you!" Kael's eyes widen in shock from her harsh words. "Fiona you don't mean that. You're just angry and." Kael stopped in mid-sentence; Fiona shook her head, her chest heaving up and down. She lifted her chin and stared coldly into her father's eyes. "I hate you," Kael reached for her again but she jerked away, stepping backwards.
She looked from her father then over to Ewan. "I hate you both!" She turned around and started for the door, not once looking back. She stopped when Ewan whispered, "I'm sorry Fiona." She looked over her shoulder and glared at Ewan. Her voice was cold, "You will be," her green eyes flared with maliciousness. She headed out the door and mounted her horse. Kael raced after her but it was too late. It was the last time they had seen her.
"I don't know how long I stood on that spot, staring out into the empty road. It started raining well into the night but I did not move. I had hoped she would return home. She never did. Ewan practically had to drag me back inside. I had not slept or eaten for days. My little girl never came back." Kael's voice cracked and the tears had not shed that night freely rolled down his face. "Then days later I found out that she and Kellan had left the village together. Never to be seen or heard from again." Lazar nodded his head regretfully. The lost of his only blood had taken its toll. Instead of the spirited burly man, that Lazar knew. Here was a thin man, lacking in spirit. His red hair and beard had more streaks of gray then normal. His face was weathered and pale. The man was suffering from his own broken heart.