Alex Crane

Chapter 3

The sun had almost set when we reached home. I ran straight to my room before mom could notice the sword. I after hiding the sword sat by the window watching the Town. The sky had already started glowing with twilight making the town livelier but this evening it was looking a lot more beautiful than any other, reason being the tournament which was scheduled for tomorrow. People were lighting the lanterns, houses lit by colourful lights and were beautifully decorated. People wearing festive dresses were enjoying their eve, the whole town with its festive mood was glowing with joy unaware of the evil lurking in the willows whose signs were discovered recently.

"Alex..." I hear my mom's voice along with knocks on my door.

I open the door to hear that Aunt Cathy and her arrogant apprentice were leaving. I ran down to ask my aunt if she could stay back so that she can watch him in the tournament, "Aunt you're leaving already?"

"Alex! Yes, my dear there are things which need my immediate attention." She said with a sorry face.

"But aun..."

"Alex we'll meet again, soon." Saying this she rode her white stallion. It didn't take much time for me to realize that I was looking at only one figure fading away, where was the other figure?

"What? Are you searching for me? Didn't knew you became a fan of mine this soon." Said a voice from the shadows from the nearby bushes scaring me to the bones.

AAAAAAA!!!!! MOOOOOOMMMM!!!! THE MONSTER HAS REACHED OUR HOUSE!!!! Was how inner me reacted but what came out of my mouth was a lot more filtered version of this, "Who's there show me your face otherwise I'll make you regret not doing so."

A feminine laughter busted out and a figure appeared from the shadows, "Says the person who got unarmed within seconds."

Though the figure wasn't yet visible it didn't take a second for me to recognize the person.

"Alex, did Cathy leave already? I was packing dinner for her." I heard my mom from behind. My eyes still fixed on Isabelle I replied, "Yes mom already a few minutes ago but why is she still here?" I asked pointing at Isabelle

"Oh! Belle, she's going to stay with us for a day or two. Cathy has asked her to collect some specific medicinal herbs from the forest." Saying this she headed back to the kitchen asking us to get in too. I followed her immediately making sure my eyes don't see any more of Isabelle. I shut my room's door and sat near window; the sky had already turned dark. I wanted to sit by the window little bit longer embracing the beauty of the moon and the starry sky but I also needed a proper rest considering my participation in tomorrow's tournament so I chose to do the latter and I soon found myself on the bed sleeping like a baby.

I couldn't resist opening my eyes to the beautiful songs which the birds were composing, with a smile on my face and a mixed feeling of excitement and nervousness I woke up and in no time, I was ready for the tournament. Sun was shining bright; sky was clear and the cheerful atmosphere of the town made the day perfect for the tournament. It was already two hours past the sunrise and two more were left before the tournament starts. I had no time to waste, I grabbed my sword, I could hear the noises of utensils in the kitchen making it clear that mom was in the kitchen and it was my best time to leave for the tournament. With all possible haste I made my way out of the house but I had to inform my mom that I'll be gone for a while so to do so I stopped before crossing the fence, "Mom I'm leaving, might take two quarters before I'm home."

"Alex! Breakfast?!" cried out my mom. I without wasting another second found myself on the path leading to the Arena. I turned back to see my mom standing by the door and yelling about not setting a foot anywhere near the arena but little she knew that her son was not just setting foot in there but was going to participate. I'm sorry mom, I'm sorry for breaking the promise.

People were swarming near the arena. I making my way through the crowd reached the participants window where I had to list my name. Getting escorted by the guards led me to a cold and damp hall situated below the arena. I could hear people cheering above. We reached the end of the hall filled with participants and a huge door with stairs leading upwards. The coldness of the hall sent chills down my spine, my legs started to wobble and I was filled with fear, what is this feeling? I suddenly turned back to see a tall muscular man looking at me with his proud eyes. I couldn't understand what was going on, this man was emitting pure fear but to my surprise he smiled, "I hope you have what it takes to wield that ancient blade." Saying this he walked away leaving me in a confused state.

I could hear the cheering getting louder indicating the beginning of the tournament. Two guards entered the hall through the huge door and announced the rules and the duals. There were thirty-two participants making it sixteen duals, the winner would qualify for the next dual and the fallen warriors were disqualified. My name was announced in the end, so I had to wait for the first fifteen duals before I could clash my blade.

Previous night

"Master the location of the Relic has been tracked down."

"And where would that be now? Name the possessor."

"It's in White Willow being held by Melena."

"Melena? She was supposed to be dead sixteen years ago, no wonder we were unable to locate the relic all this time...."

"Master there's a message from the twins"