Fifteen Years Later

Chapter 4

Fifteen years had now passed between that faithful day. The prince was now a man of twenty-one. Handsome and strong. He bore all the beauty his father had in his youth, while having features of his mother. He stood out amongst the people of Valkorias, with his tan olive skin. Still many fawned after him. With his thick dark hair, and lean muscular body. He looked the part of a prince. With a square jaw and cheekbones from here to there. A charming smile that disarmed even the most guarded of ladies. Suffice to say that the young prince had charmed his way to many a noble ladies chambers.

“Use your feet,” the old knight said to the prince as he swung at his arm.

Hector didn’t move though rather he held up his shield instead, though the practice sword struck at his ankle not his arm. That hurt but he understood the old knights lesson.

“In battle you’ll have greaves to protect yourself. But a blow to the head will hurt regardless of helm or no helm.” He’d told the young prince once before. Still it hurt him well enough.

His opponent was nearer his age though. The old knight Sir Stokes was a little slower now at fifty. But he’d trained the boy well enough. “You’ll have armor to protect you boy, but that doesn’t mean you should just take it.” He said to Hector gravelly voice heard loudly in the courtyard. “Move don’t be stationary.”

Hector watched his opponent for a moment as he aimed for another slash. He wasn’t sure where it would aim. He remembers stokes words, Study your opponents feet they reveal more than you’ll know. He saw it then the small pivot, Hector parried quickly then countered quickly striking the man on his chest plate. That was enough to end the spar.

Both men took off their helmets and shook hands, “Well, fought your Highness,” the knight said. Hector couldn’t help but wonder if he had taken it easy on him. But he smiled and shook his hand before leaving him be. The old Knight walked forward, “You’ve gotten better since you’re injury in the last tourney,” he said to him referencing a hurt shoulder that had prevented him from using his shield. “I’d say you’re just about ready for battle.”

Hector scoffed, green eyes rolling as he smirked. There hadn’t been a full scale war in Thalor or Sosphira since before he was born. But he knew his aunt was often worried about border disputes and the occasional bandits. Like those all those years ago. “I’ll stick with tourneys. If it’s alright with you, sir stokes.”

Stokes scratched his beard smirking for a moment as he let out a hearty laugh. “Your aunt wanted to speak to you,” he said to him. “Make sure you bathe before you go to her. And hide any bruises. She thinks it’s too soon to train again.”

Hector rolled his eyes. That woman was far too protective over her family. But then he supposed it was natural. They were all each other had. The last family, and she had never married. “Tell my aunt I will see her shortly.”