Chronicles of Espiria Season 3

Episode 20 – Brutus' New Apprentice

Written by the Dude

Brutus and Skriath were in council at the Steelthorn Peaks about how to deal with Azmonath, when they were interrupted by an unexpected guest. He stepped into the tent with twin swords sheathed, the only sign of exertion the sweat on his brow.

"What the..." Brutus sputtered as he rose to his feet. "Where is the guard?!"

"He is defeated, not killed." the intruder answered. "Hopefully he will learn from this experience."

"What he will learn is the price of failure!" Brutus bellowed as he drew his sword.

"My Paragon, stay your hand a moment." Skriath intervened. "Whatever he has to say to us, he believes it is worth fighting his way past a member of the Blood Guard to say it. I am curious what is so important."

The intruder took a seat opposite Brutus as Brutus resumed his seat.

"I am Eironn of the Dark Forest. It is my greatest desire to be the best swordsman in Espiria. To this end, I have sought out the greatest swordsmen in the world so that I may learn from them. As the Paragon of the Mauler tribes, I can think of no greater master in the Scorched Expanse, and no greater honor than to learn from you."

"I have an apprentice." Brutus answered shortly. "I do not need another."

"Then I will be content to observe his training."

Brutus snorted. "He would use you for his training."

Eironn smiled. "I welcome the challenge."

Skriath chuckled. "I like this one's spirit. Perhaps there is a place for him, my Paragon."

Brutus suspected that Skriath was trying to counter his order without openly defying him, but he saw some of the same potential in the Wilder that Skriath saw.

"I will need to test his Bloody Will."

"Of course." Skriath responded. "I think Arkaidos would make a fine test for a Wilder."

"No, I think Khasos." Brutus said with a cruel smirk.

Skriath choked on his tea for a moment. "With respect, don't you think Khasos might be a bit harsh for a simple test?"

"He must be pitted against another blade wielder to really test his mettle. If he can survive Khasos, I will be convinced."

"Thank you, Paragon." Eironn said as he inclined his head.

"Save your thanks for after your test." Brutus warned.

Not long after, Eironn and Khasos stood opposite one another, separated by ten paces. Eironn gave Khasos a brief salute with his swords, a courtesy taught him by Thane, then took a defensive position. Khasos was momentarily confused by the salute, but shrugged it off and readied a pair of throwing axes.

As soon as Skriath signaled the beginning of the fight, Khasos twirled his axes on his palms for a moment to build momentum, then slung them at Eironn at greater speed than the Wilder thought possible. He managed to sidestep one, while the other he had to deflect with his swords. Before Eironn could resume his defensive stance, Khasos had already drawn a second pair of axes from a holster on his back and charged at Eironn. His keen elven eyes noticed Khasos shift his weight in preparation for a visually impressive, potentially intimidating, but ultimately inefficient jump attack, which Eironn avoided with little difficulty. The opening left by this display allowed Eironn to take the initiative; he was soon raining down slashes and thrusts with his swords that Khasos could not read and could barely avoid. This ended when Khasos unexpectedly rolled between Eironn's legs, positioning himself behind Eironn. Before Eironn could react, Khasos looped the hooks on his axes around Eironn's legs and pulled him to the ground. He was on Eironn's chest in a moment with an axe inches from his nose.

"Enough!" Skriath shouted to make sure Khasos stopped before he killed Eironn.

Khasos stepped off and away from Eironn, breathing heavily. Eironn rose to his knees, disappointed at his defeat. Brutus simply stared at Eironn, considering this foreign swordsman.

"It is not everyday that a warrior makes Khasos work for his victory as you have. I am impressed. You obviously have skill, but you lack the power to let that skill shine forth as it should. I will teach you to use your power more effectively, and to turn your enemy's power against him."

"Thank you, Paragon." Eironn responded as he rose to his feet.

"Save your thanks until your training is complete."