Another Surface chapter.
Seren and the other soldiers were on horses, traveling around the forest, trying to look for Aaron. They later arrived at a small cave entrance, Seren got off and walked in. He didn't need to go in there, knowing that Aaron knew the legend and would most likely have jumped down there. Seren sighed, he looked at the soldiers.
"There are only two conclusions, either Aaron is dead or he's alive and is currently traveling through the mountain." Seren said
"So what do we do captain?" A Soldier asked
Seren knew that there was another side to the mountain, he looked at the soldiers with an iron clad look.
"Go to the other entrance of the mountain and wait there, report to me every week with a letter or physical visit. If he isn't there within four weeks, he's dead. If that is the case, then come back to the village and report this." Seren said
The soldiers muttered to each other, a soldier then stepped out from the group.
"How many of us?" A Soldier asked
"Half of the Guard should do, the other have will have to carry some of the duties of the others. After we get back to the village, i will write up a list of people who want to volunteer. You will be given camping equipment, food that will be sure to last all of you four weeks, and weapons in case bandit's, insane people, criminals, or dangerous animal's and creatures attack you. If they are non-hostile, direct them to civilization. If they are with Aaron, make sure that there are not considered dangerous. If they are slave traders, execute them immediately. Any questions?" Seren asked
The soldiers shook their head, Seren got on his horse as did the rest and they rode back to the village. Seren remembered his time with Atal.
Flashback
Seren was studying a book when Atal came over, he was grinning like usual.
"Hey Seren." Atal said
"What do you want?" Seren asked annoyed
"Not much, though if you're wanting to become a knight. Train a little at least." Atal said
Seren closed the book he reading and glared at Atal.
"Why would i do that, a knight has more than just strength." Seren said
"That same idea can be applied to intelligence, you're learning these battle strategies and yet your not using them." Atal said
Seren just slowly got up and looked at Atal with a look of pure fury.
"And how are you willing to prove this idea?" Seren asked
"Simple, a duel." Atal said
Seren looked at Atal confused, Atal raised his finger.
"One match, if one of us gets ten hits on the other. They win, the winner is right about what they said." Atal said
Seren just sat back down and went back to reading the page he was on.
"Not interested." Seren said
"Shame, could have reaalllly proved me wrong. Looks like i was right." Atal said
Seren silently set down the book, he got up and walked past Atal.
"We're going to the training fields." Seren said before he left
Later
Seren and Atal were standing across each other, both armed with wooden training swords.
"Alright, let's do this." Atal said
"Yes, let's." Seren said
Seren did an overhead swing which was easily blocked by Atal, said soldier swept his foot under Seren which caused him to lose his balance. Atal had struck Seren four times before he got up, Seren tried a stab but it was parried by Atal whom had did an overhead strike on Seren. Atal then threw Seren off balance and struck him two more times. Seren had managed to not get a single strike while Atal managed to get seven hits in, Seren then held the sword with two hands and did heavier strikes. Atal just dodged them and struck Seren a total of three times, ending the match. Atal put the swords up and Seren was on the ground panting, he looked up to see Atal offering him a hand up.
"Why would you help me?" Seren asked
"It because you fought well." Atal said
"But i-i didn't get a single strike in." Seren said confused as he was pulled up
Atal sighed, he put a hand on Seren's shoulder.
"You've tried to fight me, you used the skills you were taught. While they may have not landed a hit on me, it proves you know how to use them." Atal said
"I have some things to learn still." Seren said
"Yes, if i help you. It can go faster." Atal said
Seren just smiled, they two then started to walk.
"So, what can you teach me?" Seren asked
"For starters, getting your opponent off guard." Atal said
Flashback end
Seren sighed as he continued to ride back to the village, thinking this the whole way.
'I'm going to honor my promise.'
Now you know some more things about Seren and Atal.
I'll see you guys in the Fandom.