The sound of wooden practice swords clashing filled the yard, echoing off of the façade of North Window's castle. Viktor and his younger brother Will fought, the younger going at it more intensely. A few soldiers of the North Window 4th stood watching and laughing at the younger brother's determined onslaught. Viktor brushed off the attacks with ease, using his vast experience to lure his brother into believing he was in control and exerting his energy.
"Outstanding, little brother." Viktor said, parrying another riposte. "But my lunch is almost over."
Viktor side stepped and put all his strength into a two handed strike to Will's back. The young boy tripped and fell hard onto the gravel. The soldiers were bent double with laughter as Will cursed and quickly got back to his feet. Was I too harsh? Viktor mused. His brother pushed him and stormed off licking his wounds, still cursing. He'll be a better swordsman than me in a few years.
"Don't be telling Ma'!" Viktor yelled after him. Will spun, giving him the finger. He burst out laughing along with his soldier brethren.
"Did you have to embarrass him, Vik?" Said a soft voice from behind. The hairs on his neck spiked as he turned and seen Daisy.
Her eyes. Her glorious grey eyes. Or were they blue? Sometimes he could not tell. He laughed nervously, running his hands through his thick black mane.
"All valuable life lessons, Dais."
"Just like your father would say." She said, reaching out to move a strand of his hair from his eyes and tucking it behind his ear.
"I turned out okay." He gave a nonchalant shrug.
"Is that so? Is this the Viktor who still flips tables when he loses at Chinchorin? I hear things you know. This village isn't big. "
He had no answer to that one. Losing was not a suitable outcome. The last time was two weeks back in the mess hall of the castle. He was a week's wage down with one more roll and a chance to win it back. The result? A piss. The first was a two, the second a four. Come on six. The third a six. But the dice clipped the rim of the bowl and landed on six outside of the bowl. Fuck. Jeremy took his winnings. Viktor had sat for a moment before grabbing the wooden bench and flipping it and storming off to the yard to take out his anger on the straw practice soldiers.
"Ha! Silence," She pushed him playfully. "I never thought I'd see the day I'd see you speechless."
Both of them stared at each other for a second before laughing. Viktor began tickling her relentlessly, knowing she couldn't handle it. They tumbled onto the grass and looked longingly at one another for what Viktor thought was a lifetime. He scrambled to his feet and helped her up before brushing down his uniform.
"I best get back to work. My lunch break is over," The words flowed out awkwardly, his cheeks blazing. "See you later, Daisy."
The jumble of thoughts in his mind drowned out the teasing of his fellow soldiers, who not so long ago were laughing at the expense of his brother Will. They smooched mockingly as he ran past and into the coolness of North Window Castle.
