Stories of Acoptia

Ch. 16 Leodore Crownstone #7 - Arrow and The Spear

After the medics carefully escorted the hurt Aden into the medical tents, the mess was cleaned up. Yet the spot where the body had landed was still cracked, a grim reminder of what happened.

"I hope he will be okay," Leodore said, staring at the crack in the ground.

"But holy light. If I have to fight someone like that..." Leodore sighed.

"Hm, Dax is definitely not someone who you want to anger. In fact, it's probably a good idea to say away from him entirely," Emerick yawned after stretching.

Berteram let out a frustrated breath. "At least he didn't kill the man. But Dax is someone to keep an eye on, he's known to be vengeful."

"Do you reckon House Blanaco will take revenge?" Leodore said with a raised brow.

"Perhaps, Dax Warbraid might be extremely strong, but he's the last of his house. This means no one would protect him in cases like that. Under ordinary circumstances," Berteram responded with uncertainty in his voice.

"I reckon soldiers like him would be protected by certain people, no?" Emerick chimed in.

"People who want to use his power," Leodore chimed in.

Berteram gave a terse nod to that before adding, "Unfortunately so."

"Ladies and gentlemen, let us move on to our next fight." The announcer once again spoke up, but his voice still had a twinge of uneasiness in it.

"In our next fight, we have the representative of the house Giles! Betha Giles, with a record of 13 wins and 0 losses, this young lady has been winning tournies for a while now and is definitely worth keeping an eye on!"

House Giles was known in Acoptia as skilled archers for generations. Instead of teaching the sword to their young, they spent most of their time learning archery and its nuances. Betha was no exception, Leodore had met her three years ago in a small tourney hosted by Lord Anthony Giles himself, a well-known archer, who had served in many of wars for the Human Kingdom. Back then Betha impressed the young Prince when she defeated Sir Girard Stagwan, a well-experienced knight, with a single arrow. She wasn't much older than Leo, 20 at the time, but her composure and calm attitude left a lasting impression, she wasn't like most nobles, ladies, or even warriors. After the tourney wrapped up, she asked to dance with Leodore, which came as a surprise.

"Why do you have that shit-eating grin, prince?" Leodore's thoughts were interrupted by Emerick's laugh.

"It's nothing," Leodore tried to say assertively but his eyes wandered to the ground.

"Aha, to be young and in love," Lauremont quipped. "Don't fear young prince, your secret is safe with me."

Berteram cracked a smile and raised his eyebrows questioningly. Leodore shook his head at that with a defeated sigh.

The right side gate opened and Betha stepped out. Her long black hair went below her shoulders complimenting her slender figure. Her face was calm, but concentration was apparent in her piercing hazel eyes, the scar on her left cheek reminded Leodore that Betha wasn't a simple Lady and rather a warrior. She wore tight black leather armor, which exaggerated her toned body and her curves.

In her hand, Betha Giles carried a bow. The bow seemed to be made out of silver with golden accents and a few gems carefully placed, creating a sleek and elegant design. Her quiver was fixed to her side and hung on her thigh.

"Old man, is it true what they say? That a Giles family member can hit a target that moves as fast as lightning?" Leodore quized.

Berteram nodded, before responding nonchalantly, "Seen it happen. Anthony and Rebecca Giles are both incredible to witness and incredibly dangerous if you are to fight them."