A Smash of Kings

Chapter 25: The Disgraced Knight and The Little Lord

All around Luigi, their fighting force readied for their march to Mushroom City. Akkalaville had housed their army during the Red Council's petitioning of the North, and now the town was brimming with foot soldiers and knights from the furthest northern regions of Sherbertland to the southmost villages of the Faron region. With his hands behind his back, Luigi walked along the grassy knoll, seeing various troops sitting and chatting amongst themselves. A few surrounded a Smith's tent, who was hard at work on various weapons and armor. Luigi watched one of the Black Shell Knights sparring with a Toad; the Koopa, with a black metal sheet of armor on his shell, countered the Toad's aggressive swing, spinning around and holding his blade at the Toad's neck, forcing a smile. The Toad pushed the weapon away before shaking his head, also smiling. As they reset, Luigi saw Morton's tent being packed onto his own cart by a few of his squires. He cleaned his blade carefully as he sat on a log, and Luigi approached him.

"That's some weapon of yours, My Lord," Luigi complimented. Morton's blade was large and black steel, with a silver-coloured hilt. A black star was at the cross-section, just like the star around the Lord's eye.

"Many thanks," Morton said, lifting his sword. He placed it on his palms and brought it forward, presenting it to The Hand, "I call her Blackstar... It's a custom, personal blade that was a gift from my late brother. People used to make fun of me at Court because of my birthmark, and Larry taught me to embrace it... To make an objective of their mockery the very thing they see in their nightmares after a battle."

"You've named it, huh?" Luigi asked. Curiously, Morton looked up at him, and Luigi shrugged, "I'm not a fan of naming weapons... I think it's showy... Excessive, if you will. But, for warriors as renowned as yourself, it comes with the territory."

Morton slightly nodded his head, "Aye, it does... I cannot disagree with you there, My Lord-Hand." He pointed at the weapon on Luigi's waist and asked, "Your own blade. Let me see it."

Obliging, Luigi drew his weapon while Morton sheathed his, calling a squire to take Blackstar for the moment. Just as Morton had, Luigi presented it to the large Lord, who took it and inspected it. He noticed the green pommel with an "L" at the center, and looked down at the blade, "A fine weapon, no doubt... Well crafted. It looks rarely used as well."

"I don't enjoy fighting, but I do what I need to do to survive," he replied, "Wario crafted it alongside my Pin of the Hand... He also crafted my brother's crown, and his sword... Firestorm is what he called it."

"Aye, Wario was insufferable, but he knew how to run a war machine... And a smith."

After Morton gave the sword back to Luigi, they saw Peach walking towards them, with The Yellow Knight, Samus, and Malon at her side. Luigi straightened up, as did Morton, though the Koopa stayed seated. The soldiers around Peach, too, stood straight up and bowed their heads as she passed them. "Luigi, I'd like to introduce Malon of Lon Lon Ranch," Peach said, motioning to her, "She was one of the first Hylians to commit a bountiful amount of soldiers to our cause. From what The Yellow Knight has told me, they are Knights in all but title."

"Your commitment will not be forgotten, My Lady," Luigi slightly grinned at Malon, "Thank you for the aid." Malon said nothing, only nodding in response gracefully. Luigi then turned to The Yellow Knight and could not help but smile. The two embraced momentarily before Luigi pulled away, still smiling, "Tis good to see you again, Sir."

"We have a country to liberate, My Lord-Hand," The Yellow Knight said, boisterously. He looked beyond Luigi, and Morton nodded regally at him. The Knight returned it as Peach began to speak to Luigi again.

"The Red Council will meet once we get to Mushroom City, and discuss our battle plans. It wasn't until we began petitioning for soldiers that Ganon and Bowser realized that the Red Council lives on," Peach said, "Scouts have reported that Dreamland is sending some foot soldiers to enforce Sonic at Mushroom City. Lord Bowser rides as well. No signs of Kirby, his army or the Knights of Grape Garden, however."