Welcome back yet again guys. I'm loving the responses I'm getting on just the first 3 chapters already. With 291 views on the story in 6 days, I have a feeling this is gonna be quite popular. So Thanks Guys! Anyway, were back with chapter 4 and boy this one is a long one. Over 5,500 words, it's the longest things I've ever written. And this chapter has action in it. Good action at that. So read up guys.
Chapter 4
Gregor's eyes shot open at the noise in his room. He didn't know what time it was or if day had even started. The room was dark, but that didn't concern Gregor. With a quick click of his tongue he could see the entire room. The bureau was the same, but something was different about the chairs and table. They had been skittered around and something large sat opposite the table and was looking right at Gregor.
"Hello, Ripred. Nice of you to drop by," Gregor murmured sarcastically as he slowly sat up. "What time is it by the way?"
"It would be about 5 in the morning in the Overland," Ripred snapped back, "Late enough as it is anyway. We have a busy day today, you see." Gregor shook his head as he grabbed the clean clothes that sat next to his bed. These were black and comfy and perfect for a bit of exercising.
"What's on the schedule today, then?" Gregor asked as he pulled the shirt over his head.
"A bit of this and a bit of that," Ripred replied with a bit of smile and a chuckle. "You seem to be quite proficient at your echolocation and your sleeping too. I snuck in here without you even noticing. You only woke up when I knocked over that chair."
Gregor saw the chair laying on the floor and realized that it was what had woken him. God he felt dumb. If Ripred hadn't been clumsy he would never had known he was there. But what was there that he could do about it? He picked the stone chair back up and placed it back next to the table, before he walked out of the room. He heard Ripred slither out after him and speed up to catch him. Gregor didn't even look at the rat as he walked calmly back up to the high hall. He wasn't sure if anyone else would be there, but it was the first place he thought to go.
"What brought you back, boy?" Ripred asked suddenly, making Gregor jump. It wasn't witty or sarcastic, but an honest to goodness question from Ripred. A curious one at that.
"I'm surprised Vikus didn't-," Gregor started before Ripred cut him off.
"I haven't seen Vikus. I haven't seen anyone but you. You were the first stop," Ripred said as serious as could be. "I knew only something serious would bring you back, after you moved away. My little fellows up above kept some tabs on you, but they aren't everywhere. So, tell me why you came back." There was some desperation in his voice. Almost sadness.
"Well, me and Margaret had nowhere else to go. With the rest of my family dead-," Gregor was interrupted again by a quick bark of sadness from Ripred. Before he knew what was happening, Gregor was pinned to the wall by Ripred's tail. He was face to face with the snarling rat whose sharp teeth were bared at him.
"How did they die?" he snarled at Gregor. Gregor put his hands up in innocence. He realized that Ripred thought he was involved in some way, which was reasonable. Being a rager was tough and it was possible that he had lost himself one day and killed everybody. It was also tough as Lizzie and Ripred had been exceptionally close. Almost like a rat and his pup.
"They died in a car accident, Ripred. I had nothing to do with it."
Ripred let Gregor go and ran back down the hall, around a corner and was gone. Gregor knew he was hurt, but at that moment it was of little concern to him. He rubbed his sore chest and then remembered how sore his back was. "Haven't fought anything yet and yet I'm sore as if I went 10 rounds with Mike Tyson," Gregor thought.
His feet carried him to the high hall and the dining room. The sound of conversation surprised Gregor. He looked in and saw Vikus, Hazard, and York talking. Another man sat by himself at the other end of the table. He was quiet and seemed to be very to himself, as he sat looking at the table.
York looked up as Gregor walked into the room. A smile graced the huge man's face and he clapped a few booming claps. "Welcome, Overlander. It is good to see you again, haha." York stuck out a hand the size of a small trashcan lid and took Gregor's in it. His hand vanished for a few seconds when the two shook hands. As soon as Gregor had his hand back, he shook it to get feeling back in it. "There's something else to add to the list of sore stuff," Gregor thought as he sat down next to Hazard.
"Morning, Gregor," Hazard said very happy. The young teenager was a ball of excitement.
"Hey, Hazard. What are you so happy about?" Gregor chuckled, slightly curious. He watched as Hazard glanced at the man at the end of the table and then back to Gregor.
"I am very happy that I do not have lessons today. I get to go to the arena and watch Eisen perform." Gregor had no clue who Eisen was, but he assumed it was the man at the end of the table. But what was he going to be performing. Was he like a singer or a dancer? Maybe he was some kind of celebrity.
"Gregor, I would like you to meet Eisen," Vikus said from across the table. That answered Gregor's question as he stood up to shake the other man's hand. He looked at him and realized that he was the pinnacle of good shape. Tall and strong armed, he had the presence of a warrior and of a good one at that. While not as big as York he was still much bigger than Gregor. And his voice was like music.
"Hello, Gregor the Overlander, the warrior of prophecy. It is honor to meet you and to shake your hand." Eisen spoke in a soft, strong voice. It was like the voice of Morgan Freeman: unforgettable.
"The pleasure is all mine," Gregor replied. The two men let the others hand go and they returned to their respective seats. Gregor looked around the room and the eyes that were watching him. Vikus and York looked at him, studying his face and actions. Hazard looked like he wanted to say something, but wasn't sure what.
York finally spoke up. "Eisen is one of our finest warriors. He is skilled in all forms of attack and defense with many weapons. And he is also one of the best performers here. He sings quite well." Gregor was impressed. A warrior and a singer seemed to be quite the combo especially for getting the ladies. Thats when Gregor remembered what Vikus had said the night before. York was bringing a new courter for Luxa.
Gregor looked between Eisen and Vikus. This could go very bad very fast. York was talking again, but Gregor wasn't listening. He was looking at Vikus now, his eyes boring holes into the old man. Vikus nodded at Gregor and excused himself from the room. Gregor quickly followed.
The hall outside was empty. Gregor doubted there were many people actually awake at this time. Nobody important anyway. Vikus slowly sat in a chair and gestured for Gregor to sit across from him.
"Gregor, I want you to know something," Vikus began,"Eisen is here for multiple reasons. One of them is his urge to court Luxa, but that isn't his main reason for being here. His main reason is his appointment as our new second in command of the army. Perdita currently is our head of the army. He decided that because of his new position he was worthy of courting our queen. And he has every right to. But that does not mean anything. Luxa has the choice on who she marries and who she does not. You have no need to worry yourself over this."
Gregor sat and looked into the elders eyes. He saw truth and wisdom, pain and sorrow, and trust. Gregor sat back in the chair and closed his eyes. He knew that Vikus approved of him and Luxa's relationship, but he wasn't sure about anyone else.
"So, Eisen is doing some kinda performance today? Hazard told me."
"Yes, indeed he is. He will be doing a weapons performance today at training as well as sparring with Regalia's top sword," Vikus confirmed.
"Can't forget Ripred is gonna want to get some action," Gregor said. Vikus looked at the younger man in surprise. "Ripred arrived this morning and visited me. He ran off after I told him why I came back."
Vikus sat quietly for some time. "Indeed. Ripred will want to spar with him. It would be best if Eisen was told beforehand. I will go and tell him of Ripred's arrival. You should come back and eat up. I'm sure Luxa will be coming for breakfast in a short time. The old man slowly and with much effort climbed out of the chair and walked back into the dining hall. Gregor sat and watched as the diplomat disappeared through the open doorway.
Not long after, Gregor heard footsteps to his left. He looked up and saw Luxa coming towards him. She was dressed in a purple silk pair of clothes very similar to the ones he wore. Gregor popped out of the chair and waited for her to come to him.
"Morning Luxa," Gregor said. He gave her his arm and she peeked him on the cheek before looping her arm through his. The two walked the short distance to the dining room arm in arm.
Food was lined along the table now and Gregor was pleased by the shocked look on Eisen's face. The look was replaced quickly by one of contempt. The two men locked eyes, both not gonna let the other stare longer. Luxa noticed and released Gregor's arm. Eisen quickly broke eye contact and walked over to Luxa.
"Your Grace," he said as he bowed very low to her," I am Eisen. I have been told of your beauty, but the words do not at all describe your true beauty." Eisen smiled at her as he pulled her chair out for her. Luxa sat and allowed him to push her chair in for her. As soon as he turned away she rolled her eyes so only Gregor could see. A smile broke out across his face.
Eisen resumed his previous seat as Gregor sat down next to Luxa. Everyone else filled in the table. Vikus sat on Lux'a other side across from Gregor, York sat next to Vikus, and Hazard sat next to Gregor. Margaret was still asleep and Ripred was who knows where.
"Uncle it is a pleasure to see you again," Luxa said to York after she had grabbed some food from the dishes in front of her. Gregor was well on his way through some toast and butter and what he assumed was some kind of potato. There was some kind of juice as well that he found to be quite delicious.
"It is nice to see you as well, Luxa," York said after a moment of chewing. Then it was silent beyond the sound of forks and knives and chewing. It seemed everyone was deep in their own thoughts. Gregor was a little excited actually. For not having held a sword in 6 years, he had to be just a bit rusty. He had continued his usual fighting at the gym, practicing his speed and agility as well as keeping his arms in great shape. He knew he would feel good going back to having a sword in his hand. Hell, maybe even two swords if he wanted to be fancy.
The feeling of someone watching him was very strong. He looked up from his food and glanced down the table. Eisen's eyes were boring into Gregor as if looking through him and to the wall. There was no food on his plate, so there was no reason for him to even need to divert his stare. Gregor just looked back at his food and didn't even acknowledge him.
Everyone was finished eating before Luxa stood up. The room followed suit and each person left to go about their own business. Gregor walked towards Luxa, but was beaten to her by Eisen. "Boy this guy is gonna get on my nerves," Gregor thought as he followed the two from the room. Luxa looked back and mouthed sorry to him. Gregor waved her off and let the two go. It would only be more trouble than it was worth to try to stop them.
The high hall was now full of fliers and riders. Most of them were guards and other attendees going about their business or returning to their homes after a night of working. Gregor looked for a flier to take him to the arena for training. He spotted a dull purple one among the other colors of blacks, grays, and yellows. He darted through the crowd until he was right next to him.
"Hello, Artemese. Would you mind giving me a lift to the arena?" Gregor asked the bat. Artemese turned and looked at Gregor. A sort of smile ran across his bat face.
"Of course, Warrior. It would be an honor. And it helps that I am going there myself. I have my own training to do." Gregor thanked him before climbing up onto his back. The two took off and followed the flow of bats leaving the high hall. Many of them streamed towards the arena. Gregor saw Luxa and Aurora just up ahead, followed closely by Eisen and his flier. "That guy is really relentless," Gregor thought shaking his head. He was sitting criss cross on the back of Artemese trusting the bat to not drop him.
The ride was short and as they entered the arena Artemese darted for the ground. A few feet from it Gregor hopped off and landed perfectly. Artemese zoomed back up and mixed in with the other fliers.
The field of the arena was set up with everything needed for a good training session. There were plenty of practice dummies, lots of space for spars and basic training, and of course the blood ball cannons. Gregor then realized one problem. He didn't have a sword. He looked around for a weapons rack or something, yet there wasn't one anywhere. People were giving Gregor weird looks as he was the only person without a weapon. What kinda warrior was he to not bring a sword? Eisen was eyeing him with a sneer of victory across his face. You can't train without a weapon.
Shuffling his feet. Gregor started to walk towards the stands. What else was he to do? He could beat the dummies to a pulp and break blood balls with his hands. That would be a show!
"Gregor," a familiar voice rang from behind him. Mareth was walking to him with a scabbard in his hands. A sigh of relief left him as he walked back towards his friend. "I saw you leave without a sword, so I went to the armory and found one that I think will meet your standards."
Gregor took the scabbard and strapped it to his belt. He withdrew the blade and
reveled in the sound of metal on leather. The sword was a regular sword. Long blade and simple binded handle with a regular crossbar. It was nothing fancy and yet it felt great in Gregor's hand. It wasn't to heavy and was remarkably balanced. When he swung it, it whistled and cleaved through the air. It was perfect.
"Thanks, Mareth. You're a life saver," Gregor said as he sprinted to join Luxa and her group. Mareth shook his head as he went to teach his group comprised of the younger underlanders.
Gregor made it just in time before anything to important began. It was time to stretch and loosen up before training truly began. He sat on the mossy ground and did his usual stretches. He was a naturally limber guy and was able to stretch very well. The group was stationed near a group of dummies. Each person took turns showing off their own fancy moves. Eisen was a blur of twists and spins and jumps, his sword a dancing blur as it sliced into the stuffed bag that was the dummy. When there was nothing left of it he set up for the next guy and waltzed back lookin all high and mighty. Gregor had to admit that the guy was a natural swordsman and was highly talented. And he was a showoff.
"Beat that," Eisen whispered in Gregor's ear.
Gregor was the last to go, right after Eisen went. He wasn't prone to fancy maneuvers and had no idea what he would do to even try to top Eisen.. He looked around the arena for some kind of inspiration. He felt the eyes of his group watching him .Even Luxa was waiting. Then he saw it. A young boy was flipping off his flier and attacking another dummy. That's when Gregor knew what he would do.
He drew his sword, flipped it once, caught it and ran at a sprint towards the dummy. He shoved the spear into the chest area and forced his legs up and over. The dummy pulled out of the stand still attached to Gregor's sword. Gregor flipped over the dummy, dragging it with him. As his feet hit the ground, the dummy flipped over with the rest of his body, and slammed into the ground. Gregor slid the blade out through the shoulder. It had taken all but a few seconds and yet he had eyes on him from all over the arena. He sheathed his sword and bowed once for the crowd. It was quiet until one man started to cheer, then everyone started to cheer and clap for him.
"Beat that," Gregor said to Eisen as he walked back. Eisen looked like he was gonna blow steam from his ears if that was possible. It made Gregor feel good to show him up like that. It felt good to see the jerk get what he deserved. Luxa was walking over to him, but she didn't seem happy. She grabbed his arm and pulled him to the side.
"What is between you and Eisen. He is a nice guy and yet you two seem to be acting like little children," Luxa snapped at him. Gregor was taken aback by Luxa's scolding. He had just been doing what felt right and hadn't even thought about how it looked.
"I'm sorry, Luxa. It was just a bit of friendly competition. I'll stop. I promise."
"Good," Luxa said before she walked off and left Gregor standing there dumbfounded. He hadn't even started it. Eisen was the one who was always eyeing him and challenging him. It wasn't fair, but what could he do. The group had already moved on to the blood ball cannons. The first guy who went hit only 5 and the next didn't do any better hitting only 4. Then Luxa stepped up. She was elegant with her slimmer sword and her hair braided down her back to keep it out of her face. The cannons started firing and seconds later 8 shells laid on the ground. Luxa was proud of herself as she walked back towards the group. She got congratulations from everyone. 8 was a very good number to hit.
"Good job, Luxa," Gregor said at the same time as Eisen said,"Good job, your grace." The two men locked eyes again and Luxa could only roll her eyes. Eisen unsheathed his sword and stepped up the arc of cannons. He signaled and the cannons started to fire. After seconds 11 shells laid on the ground. A very impressive score. Gregor was so impressed he clapped Eisen on the back as he walked by and gave him his congratulations. No wonder he was one of the best fighters in the Underland. However, Gregor was the best. Or at least top 2. He wasn't sure how he stacked up to Ripred.
The cannons were before him as he drew his sword. The plain blade reflected the light of the torches as Gregor took his position. He nodded and he saw the cannons start to shoot. His mind started to cloud as all he saw was the balls. One to his left, one in front, one to his right. He could hear the sound of the balls and see the men around him as they sat quiet and in anticipation. It was over so fast Gregor forgot just how fast it went. His rager side shut off right away and he was proud to see all 15 balls laying split on the ground. He flicked the sword to clean some of the red liquid off it before he slid it into the sheath.
The look on Eisen's face was near priceless, Gregor saw as he turned around. Eisen's jaw was hanging open and he watched as the overlander walked back into the group, getting clapped on the back from each person.
"How did you do that?" Eisen finally spoke up. Gregor looked at him a little surprised. He thought everyone knew.
"I'm a rager. Didn't you know that?" Gregor asked him, actually curious about him.
"No, I was young during the War of Time. Only 12 years old."
Gregor shook his head. "I was only 12 during the war as well." Then he walked away to join the rest of the group. He was done training for the day. Any rust he thought he was going to have was gone if it ever existed. Eisen stayed where he was contemplating what he had just heard. He was alone on the field after a while. The dummies and cannons had been cleared out and replaced with an assortment of other weapons and new armored dummies. The stands of the Arena were filled.
Gregor and most of the trainees sat against the wall. All except for Luxa who had gone up to the royal box, where she had changed and now sat with Vikus and Hazard. Eisen turned and looked at the people assembled before him. He was joined on the field by a man Gregor had never seen before. The two men stood there for a few moments discussing something, before Eisen addressed the audience.
"People of Regalia, I am honored to be here today to show off my most exemplary skills with the weapons I have assembled here. We have the war axe, Longsword, battle hammer, spear and shield, and lance." Eisen picked up each weapon and showed it to the crowd. He then continued by showing off his best moves on the armored dummies. He was strong as his swings and stabs went clean through armor. With each flashy move and crushed chest plate the crowd cheered. Everyone except Gregor. He could do the same thing with less flash but with more precision. Fighting was about lethality not how flashy you could be before the opponent was dead.
Gregor was surprised by Eisen's abilities with a spear though. He was able to use it like a pole to vault over the dummies and was very quick with it as both a stabbing and cutting weapon. He used it in ways he had never seen or thought of. It whirled around like a death saw, cutting into dummy after dummy. And Gregor doubted anything could touch him with the tower shield he had on his left arm. It was a very intense scene.
Eisen was dripping with sweat when he planted the spear into the ground. The shield slid off his arm and fell to the turf. Servants ran out with water and wet towels to cool him off and help him get some fluids back in his body. He still had two fights before the day was over, and he was gonna need as much energy as he could muster for them. The other man on the field took up his sword and inspected it for any problems before doing the same with Eisen's. Gregor figured that he would be the man Eisen was fighting in his first spar. What had Vikus called him? The top sword. He must be the best fighter in Regalia to have the title of top sword.
Eisen was plenty replenished when he walked over to the top sword. He shook his hand and said some words to him. He then took his sword.
"People of Regalia," Eisen started, the crowd silencing to let him speak," it is my honor to bring to you a spar between myself and your top sword, Roderick. It hope it is entertaining for you." The crowd erupted in cheers as the two men walked to the center of the field. They bowed to each other before getting into their ready positions.
Gregor was curious to see how Eisen actually fought against a true opponent. He was flashy against a dummy, but would he do the same against a real foe? He soon got his answer.
Eisen and Roderick circled each other looking for weak spots and feinting in to see if they could get the other to attack. Then, quick as lightning, Eisen jumped towards Roderick, his sword flashing down in blur. The clang of metal on metal filled the arena as the swords collided. Both men were gripping their swords two handed as they pushed back against the other. It was a clash that lasted for seconds as they fought for ground. Finally, Eisen spun out, but he did not go easy. He swung his sword behind him as he spun hoping to get an easy blow in. It was easily blocked by Roderick's blade, however.
Roderick followed on the offensive, swinging a side handed strike in which was blocked. the two men traded blow after blow, the swords clashing each time. Eisen was spinning this way and that swinging his sword in intricate arcs. It was a dance out there. The dance of death. The two men broke apart for a quick respite both breathing heavy. They were a good match for each other. Eisen then suddenly charged right at Roderick and knocked him off his feet. Roderick put his sword up and blocked a down slash from Eisen, before he rolled over and jumped to his feet. However, he was met with a sword at his throat.
The crowd again erupted in cheers for Eisen, and this time even Gregor cheered. It had been a well fought fight and well executed plan by Eisen. Gregor felt that the man was something else. He was skilled and quick. Quicker than he had ever seen a normal person move. He had only seen Ripred move as fast.
"Good fight, boys," came a snarl from the great stone doors. A gray shape moved towards the men on the field. Ripred had arrived. "Roderick, you put up a good fight, but it seems that Eisen is better. But I wonder how he can do against me?" The crowd went nuts at this. Spars were rare especially one between someone like Ripred and someone who could last longer than a second against him.
Eisen, drinking from a cup of water and grabbing another sword, looked at Ripred with challenging eyes. Ripred was bigger and faster than him, but yet he couldn't say no.
"Your challenge is accepted, Ripred. Shall we?" Eisen said gesturing towards the center of the field as if he wasn't even tired. He had amazing stamina.
Ripred bared his teeth as he waltzed into the very center of the arena. Everyone was quiet except for the snarls of Ripred. the two circled each other. Eisen darted towards Ripred and as he tried to dart back he meet Ripred's tail. It slammed into his back , knocking him onto his kneews. Gregor knew it was over from there.
Eisen stood only to be face to face with Ripred's bared teeth. He hopped back and rolled to his left to escape Ripred's tail. Or so he thought. As he popped to his feet, something slapped his hand and his sword flew away to land point down in the moss about 15 feet away. It was over just like that. Not even half a minute had passed and Eisen had already lost.
Ripred looked around the arena. It had stayed silent. Everyone was shocked at how quickly Eisen had lost. They thought someone as skilled as him would be able to do something against the rat. However, Gregor knew that it took a rager to beat Ripred. And a good one at that. Eisen never stood a chance.
"Would you lot like to see a real fight?" Ripred barked to the crowd. He was met with a cacophony of sound that he took for a yes. "Gregor, get your butt up here."
Gregor knew this was coming. It was inevitable that he would have to spar with Ripred. He just figured it would be in front of less people. If it was during training it would have been in front of a hundred maybe two hundred people and just as many fliers. Now there was near 1000 people and maybe 400 fliers in the arena. A lot of people for Gregor to fight in front of. But he couldn't turn down Ripred.
He jumped to his feet and sprinted to the center of the field. the crowd was a boiling pot of mutters and laughs. Bets were placed on this spar. This was the fight of the day. Hell it was the fight of the last 6 years. There wasn't a match better than one between two ragers.
Gregor got comfortable and let his sword hang loose. He would be ready when it was needed. He picked the point up maybe 6 inches off the ground as he and Ripred started to circle each other. Ripred made the first move this time. An aggressive move. He pounced towards Gregor teeth bared, ready to bite Gregor's head off. Gregor rolled between Ripred's legs and brought his sword up to meet the lightning fast kick from Ripred's back paw. It happened so fast nobody saw what happened. Gregor popped up to his feet to see Ripred's tail coming at him from his right. He ducked the blow with speed only a rager could have and Charged forward towards Ripred. His sword crashed against claw as he brought it down. He sensed Ripred's tail swing from his left. Before he knew it his free hand had shot up and grabbed the pink tail and held on.
Ripred was shocked and he let out a snarl. Gregor pulled his sword back and spun away letting Ripred's tail go. Before he even turned around he sensed the whip like tail cracking down from above him. He jumped forward until he heard the thud of it against the turf. He stepped back and put his foot right on Ripred's tail and blocked the claws that came flying towards his face. They clashed there, holding each other back and Ripred couldn't use his tail. Gregor swung his free foot up right as Ripred yanked his tail out from under Gregor's foot. Gregor's foot collided with the rats leg and as he fell back he flipped his body over so he landed on his feet.
Ripred was stunned by the move and darted toward Gregor again. Gregor side stepped and ducked under Ripred's tail again. He popped up and spun his sword around, stoppin it right as it made contact with the back of Ripred's head. Had he kept the swing going Ripred would have only half a head. Ripred lowered his paws and Gregor lowered his sword. As the crowd broke out into frenzied cheers. Nobody had ever bested the rat and it had been done. Gregor stood and absorbed the cheers.
"Good job, boy," Ripred said to him. "You're the first and last person to ever beat me in a spar. And just so you know, you only won cuz I'm old not young like you." Gregor shook his head in astonishment at how the rat's excuse. and looked at the crowd. His eyes drifted to the royal box where the loudest cheers came from. He saw Luxa and Vikus, along with Hazard and his sister cheering for him with all their might.
And then the cheering stopped.
"I challenge the Overlander!" cried Eisen from mere feet away.
I love this chapter so much. What did you guys think? Especially with a few new characters that are going to have a decent sized role in the plot. The story is going deeper already and I'm pumped for writing the next chapter. So drop them Reviews guys. Tell me anything and everything that comes to mind. Tell me what you thinks gonna happen next. Everything helps. Thanks and have a nice day.