The Crimson Fang
Chapter 22 - The Crimson Bear

“You call that a strike? My grandmother hits harder than that!” “But Ser, your grandmother is part of the Queen’s guard.” “That is beside the point! You should be able to outperform the Queen’s guard!” Ser Gandos laughed as he gave his daily “razzing” to his warriors.

Geoff sat and watched as his brother attempted to defeat Ser Gandos. He had an arrangement; if anyone could defeat him, they would become the new leader of the elite warrior caste. It was a daily occurrence for somebody to attempt to overpower him. Geoff had never seen anyone succeed, however, in his hundred years of watching.

Geoff went home and entered his father’s forge. “Which one are you?” his father asked. As his father’s voice rang out from the back room, Geoff picked up a giant hammer and struck down on the anvil. “It is Geoffrey, father. I have returned from watching today’s attempt to defeat Ser Gandos. Terrence was the challenger today. He did not fare better than any other challengers.” “Well, that’s unfortunate. At least I don’t lose him as an assistant. That reminds me, I have a job for you, boy! The order for Ser Reinhardt has been finished. Deliver it for me. You know how to get there, right? The product is by the door.” He loaded up the cart and made his way to the order’s destination.

When he arrived, he heard shouting from behind the main house. He walked around, seeing Ser Reinhardt battling his son, in the open fields, with two young ladies watching. If Ser Gandos’ challengers had this much skill, he would have been replaced a long time ago, he thought to himself. He walked over to the young ladies. “Who is winning?” They both jumped when he spoke. “I apologize. I did not mean to startle the two of you.” “That is alright. Nobody seems to be winning yet, but they have only been fighting for about three hours,” the taller lady stated, as the other nodded. “Three hours! They are still going this strong after three hours?” “Yes, they train like this every day. Somebody should be gaining the upper hand sometime soon.” “Well, I have a delivery for Ser Reinhardt. How much longer will they be training?” “There is no way to tell. You will just have to wait.”

As she finished her sentence, a blade struck the ground in front of the audience. Reinhardt was on his knee, with a blade at his throat. The owner of the blade had a sword at his own throat. “Ahh, the boy believes himself a man. Well, boy, let us test your mettle.” The assailant was… “Lord Sephithos!” Sakura shouted. “What are you doing?” “I am eliminating any chance of anyone being able to stop me. Reinhardt is the last possible threat to my dominance. Just as your mother was, when she discovered my identity.” His blade cut into Reinhardt’s throat, severing his head from his body.

Geoff came back into conscious thought, the memory still vivid in his mind. I will become the new threat to your power, swine. He dodged his opponent’s strike, bringing his giant Warhammer around. His strike rang true, as his opponent’s own weapon shattered, throwing him to the ground. “An excellent strike!” Geoff offered his hand, which Ser Gandos accepted. “I suppose even the elite have to be defeated eventually. I am proud to call you a champion!” “Thank you, commander.” “Think nothing of it! Where did that strike, come from?” “A painfully vivid memory.” “Well, try to keep that rage in check, my gentle giant. Who knows what it is capable of?” “Yes sir.” “Champion, take your place in the circle of champions!” Geoff bowed his head and joined the other three tournament winners. They watched as the son of Reinhardt fought his battles. The determination on his face was unlike anything Geoff had seen, and he wore the scar from where Sephithos had struck his face. Geoff cheered as he fought his battles.