The Crimson Fang
Chapter 19 - Draken's Ascent

“With strength, you will gain power. Through power, you will achieve victory. Through victory, you will gain respect. With respect, you will win friends. With friends, you will not be alone.” Draken spoke to himself, the same way he did every day, before he began his training. Today was different than the others, though. Today he was challenging one of the army’s warriors to a battle. It was a new exercise for him. Instead of training alone, he was going to be training against an opponent, studying his movements.

He stood in the open plains, just outside of Crimsonia, waiting for Atraynius, his opponent. He waited there for hours until, finally, a figure approached. The warrior was accompanied by three others. “Are you Drakenarius?” “Call me Draken; everybody does.” “I am Atraynius, warrior in the king’s army. Why have you challenged me, today?” “I am in training and wish to spar with you. I apologize for the pretense that it would be a duel, but I know you warrior types; you do not accept sparring challenges from ‘nobodies’ like me. There is only so much that one can do training alone, and I have reached my limit. I hope it is fine with you if we have a little match? You are the first I have challenged.” “Well, I am honoured that you would choose me before any of the other warriors. Very well, I accept.” He charged, unexpectedly, at Draken, hoping to catch him off guard. To his surprise, his attack was caught.

Draken countered with his own strike, his fist driving directly into Atraynius’ side. He connected with such force, that Atraynius was sent across the field. He sat up, stunned by the strength that this youngling possessed. “The strength and ability you possess are impressive, especially from one so young. I expect to see great things from you, young one.” He bowed his head in respect. “Thank you for allowing me to par with you,” Draken replied, bowing his own head.

Draken opened his eyes, remember his first challenge. The majority of his days had been this way, for the greater part of the last century. Today, however, was different. Today he was fighting to impress the royal family. Today, he was going to be facing off against the best, the elite. It was not only going to be a test of his abilities, and how much they have grown, but if he made a good enough of an impression, he may even be invited into the king’s honour guard. Then all his training will have finally paid off, and he would be recognized as one of the greatest warriors. He was going to give this match everything he had.

As he awaited his opponent, he recited his mantra. He was preparing himself for another flawless victory, and he would have it, no matter who his opponent was; Even if his opponent was, “Ser Reinhardt! Now that you have finally arrived, the bout can begin!” He was snapped out of his thoughts by King Artemus announcing Reinhardt’s arrival. It’s really him! Once I’ve defeated him, I will surely be recognized as the greatest! Reinhardt had a young man with him. He resembled the warrior. That must be his son. “Thank you for your warm welcome, your majesty. Unfortunately, I will have to be sitting out of this match.” WHAT?! “However, if it is alright with you, my king, my son will be standing in for me.” The young man bowed. “Is this little Joseph? I have not seen him in centuries! Is this going to be his first bout?” “Yes, it is. I have been training him for some time, and I hope to see how he fares against somebody else. I hope you don’t mind.” “Of course not! If Joseph wishes to participate, then he may. If the king allows it, then I have no choice but to accept. With strength…

Draken took his stance, indicating that he was ready for the fight. Joseph looked to his father, who nodded at him, and he looked back at Draken. “If you are ready, then let’s begin. I would prefer to get this over with quickly.” Draken was growing impatient with this insult. Once he tossed the whelp aside, his father would have no choice but to accept his challenge. To his surprise, Joseph was smiling! That does it. I’m going to make this hurt. He charged at Joseph ready to hit him as hard as he could. As his fist made contact with the young man, everything went black.

When Draken opened his eyes, the young man was standing over him. He was exactly where he had been when Draken charged, standing in the exact same way. When did he hit me? “Do you need a hand up?” Draken shook his head when Joseph spoke. “What did you say?” “I asked if you need a hand up,” he smiled. Draken took his hand and got to his feet. “Thank you. When did you hit me? I didn’t see it coming.” “Father told me once that you have to keep your opponent guessing. I apologize if I harmed you, but there was a moment as you attacked, when you blinked. That was when I struck.” “But, that couldn’t be more than a split second!” “I know. One must always be prepared.” I’d better keep an eye on this one. “Well, I guess I’ve found a rival. I’ll get some more training in and I’ll challenge you again. Next time I’ll be ready, though.” Draken walked away, leaving a bewildered Joseph behind.