Halt leaned foreward slightly to study the young man by Ajak's side. He was nothing like his older brother, who was large and muscular, but rather thin and flexible. He hadn't inherited anything from his father, with black hair and green eyes instead of brown. There was nothing to suggest he was extraordinary or that he had created a near impenetrable defensive force whilst still in his teenage years. He was drawn away from the young prince as Erak brought down a Gallican knight. He saw Ajak mutter something to Hayate, who nodded and stood up, signalling to the herald.
"Hayate challenges." The herald said. The Oberjarl grinned
"Good. I've heard a lot about you boy."
"Then I hope you will not be disappointed." Hayate replied, removing his shirt and walking to stand opposite Erak.
"Don't you need a wooden sword?" The herald asked. Hayate shook his head
"Are you saying you don't need a sword to beat me?" The Oberjarl said dangerously
"No." Hayate said. "A competent axe wielder is rare in this country. I simply wish to test my skills in hand-to-hand. I will fetch my blade if you wish it…" He trailed off.
"Well if you want a beating kid, I'm not gonna argue." Erak said. All eyes were on the match. Halt guessed they had all heard the same stories and wanted to know the truth behind them.
"When the two of you are ready." The herald said "Begin!" Erak leaped foreward, wooden axe raised over his head in a savage down-sweep that would knock the boy senseless. Except he wasn't there. Erak's axe met empty air and he spun around to face his opponent again.
"I didn't see him move." Will said softly "Did you see Hayate move?" Horace shook his head, keeping his eyes riveted on the fight. Halt thought he had seen it, just. A small flicker. But that speed… Erak struck more cautiously this time, side cuts and faints that where either dodged or ignored. Hayate's movements were smooth and flowing, each dodge moving into the next as he got the measure of his opponent, learning Erak's speed and strength with each strike dodged.
"Do stop playing with your food little brother." The brown haired prince called out into the silence. Hayate glance that way a second before resuming his focus.
"As you wish, your highness." He said stiffly. As Erak swung the axe again instead of dancing away again Hayate stepped foreward. His left hand hit a point on Erak's right arm and his right elbow jabbed into Erak's chest. The wooden axe clattered to the floor and the Oberjarl's breath left him all at once and he fell, winded. It was carried out in a split second.