Chapter 7

The sun bore down upon Luc's figure as he marched toward the castle he had grown up in. Maybe King Alain would remember him and give up the sword willingly. The gate loomed before him and a sentry called down to him.

"Who goes there?" The sentry called in a deep Bretonnian accent. Luc smiled as he recognized the man's voice.

"Guillame!" Luc cried back in glee. "It is I, Luc!"

"Luc! My friend!" The man called back. "It seems like years since I last saw you. Open the gates!" With a great creaking, the portcullis rose and Luc walked into the mighty castle. Guillame ran down to meet Luc.

The two embraced briefly. "What brings you here?" Guillame asked as he stepped back.

Luc smiled. "I need a sword, but not just any sword, one of a king. I was hoping that good King Alain would give me his." Guillame's face dropped as Luc uttered the words.

"King Alain is dead..." he began. "One month ago our castle was beset by marauders. We tried to warn the king, but he insisted on fighting alongside us. We won, but not without the sacrifice of our noble king. And now we have a new ruler..."

"Who?" Luc asked, but he did not get to hear. Trumpets blared and a precession marched. Knights beat on drums as a figure on a horse rode up.

"Insolent cur!" The figure screeched. "Why have you come here?" Luc shuddered as he realized who the new ruler was, Francois.

"How did you become king?" Luc cried in disgust. Luc had never liked Francois, ever since the two were trained together. Francois was an excellent fighter, but he was foolish.

Francois laughed. "Fool, I was the King's person bodyguard. After you left on whatever quest it was, it was no contest for me to become captain of the guard and protect the king."

"I do not care," Luc replied. "I merely wish to have his sword, then I shall leave."

"No Luc, I have awaited this day all my life," Francois replied. "I will enjoy this. Guards, seize that man!" Luc watched as some of his former friends grabbed him and bound his arms and legs with tight rope. He was getting tired of such nonsense. Seeing no choice, he called upon his unholy strength and shredded the bonds. The men stepped back in fear, seeing their work had no effect. "Kill him!" Francois commanded, but the men merely stood stock still.

"Give me the sword or I'll rip all of you limb from limb," Luc growled as he drew out his sword and flashed his fangs. "I am not the same Luc I was years ago."

Francois scowled and pointed his own blade at Luc. "I doubt that. How about we make a deal? We shall duel to the death. If you win, you can have the old bastard's sword. If I win, your name shall be stricken from Bretonnian history and none shall remember you!"

Luc chuckled. "I accept. This will be simple, and you need to be rid of this plane." Francois dismounted and the soldiers circled around them so neither could flee. Francois snickered at Luc's marauder sword in comparison to his own finely forged weapon.

Both men stood still, waiting for the other to move. Francois rushed and Luc parried artfully. Francois saw an opening and stabbed at Luc, pinning him in the stomach. Luc roared and the soldiers all took steps back for fear he would kill them instead. He turned and brought his wider weapon downward and broke Francois's sword. The man gasped and Luc saw anger forming in his eyes. Francois screamed and rushed with his broken rapier and slashed madly. Luc contained his laughter and brought his sword through his enemy's back. The soldiers watched in awe as their king was cut down.

"Hear me now, warriors of Castle Grone!" Luc called. "Your worthless king is dead! As the victor, I am entitled to become king! However, I know one better for the position, all hail King Guillame!" Luc's friend stammered as everyone bowed to him. A servant appeared and placed a crown upon his head. "Now I believe I am entitled to a sword." Luc said. A squire appeared bearing the weapon of the late king. Luc slung it across his back and smiled. He now had all the items. "I must take my leave..." Luc walked off through wild cheers and thanks.

Luc found a small cave and crawled into it to sleep. Tomorrow, he would begin his ritual and become a human once again.

End of Chapter 7