Chosen: Rise of the Scarlet King

The Sword of Fire, Clarent

Dezrick stared at the mountain in front of him. He almost couldn't believe that he was actually about to retrieve the legendary sword Clarent. Dezrick's guard was up the moment he was dropped at the foot of Mount Everest. He spiraled around and up the mountain in an instant. Nearing the top of the mountain, there was an entrance to a cave. It emanated a powerful aura from inside, heavy enough to weigh on his shoulders. Dezrick knew this was the place. He walked in, still keeping an eye out for traps or enemies. There was a long narrow walkway toward a light, that Dezrick could only assume is the Cursed Sword. The walkway was barely wide enough for Dezrick to walk freely. He wouldn't be able to do much to defend himself if something were to attack him. Yet still, he walked on.

Dezrick finally reached the opening. Everything was frozen in ice. The walls, floor, and even-

"Clarent," Dezrick whispered. He walked towards the sword. The sword seemed to be stuck in the wall of the mountain. Water dripped from the stone surrounding the sword indent, almost as if radiating heat of its own. The massive energy coming from Clarent was drawing Dezrick to it. The hilt was at his eye level waiting for its new wielder to use it once again. Dezrick hesitated before grabbing it. Then he blacked out.

When he woke up all he could see was a tundra covered in gray clouds as far as the eye could see.
"Who are you boy?"
Dezrick whipped around to see a man with black hair and fiery red eyes. He adorned medieval armor from head to toe. In his hand was a flaming sword.
"You're Mordred," Dezrick blurted out.
"I am," he said, he raised his sword and pointed it at Dezrick. "Answer my question."

"I'm Dezrick. I came here to retrieve Clarent."

"Oh, you came to claim the sword that killed my bastard of a father?" Mordred said, Clarent burned brighter as he spoke of his old man.

"Essentially, yes. It'll help me and my team fight the Elders and protect all of humanity." That seemed to get his attention.

"You speak of humanity when humanity betrayed Clarent and me." He studied Dezrick. "Why Clarent, what of Excalibur? Surely the holy sword is more suited for your situation."

"Excalibur is next" Dezrick stated. "I'm connected to both swords. But I was told that I need to prove myself to both swords."

"Who told you about us?"

"My grandfather, he told me all about the swords. I read up on them and even read your story."

"What is the name of your grandfather"

"His name is Ballard."
Mordred stopped in his tracks and stared at Dezrick as if he said something familiar. "That would explain your knowledge of us. So many have come before you from our line. Some have fallen and some have prevailed. Where your successors showed resolve, I can see where you falter. Your grandfather was a wise and courageous man. He was also my previous wielder," he claimed.

"I know I can succeed. He trained me himself before he died."

"I will say that Clarent is still very bitter after being cast out by the royal family and stripped of his status as a holy sword. Controlling him is not an easy task your grandfather, even with all his talent, was almost consumed by the curse of the flame sword. Though these new generations seem to lack more than their predecessors. So let's see if you got what it takes."

Mordred bent his knees slightly. Clarent was tilted slightly towards his chest and his other hand stayed by his side. Dezrick recognized this stance, this was the stance his grandfather used whenever they sparred.

"If you want to wield Clarent, you will have to prove you're worthy. Just as your grandfather had, as well as defeat me in combat."
A stone erupted from the ground beneath Dezrick's feet. In it, was a replica of Clarent.