Son of Edelia: A Rising Dawn

Chapter 15

Should've guessed that wouldn't be the end of it. Adam thought, his hand drifting to the hilt of his sword. I doubt I can be him and his cronies. The best I can do is escape the building and get a teacher involved.

"Come to find out, it's the same guy from my class! And I was sitting there thinking, this guy is good enough to beat out ole' Elijah for the top spot and beat my little brother. He must have some potential. So, I'm here to sponsor you." He continued puffing out his chest as he made the offer.

Ha, he is hoping to save face by hiring the guy who beat his brother. I doubt that would be the end of it, though. Adam thought, relaxing and letting his arm rest at his side.

"You'll have access to all of House Armand's resources, of course, on the condition that you serve as a knight in our household." He said, spreading his arms wide.

"Hmm, what an enticing offer...What is your name again?" Adam asked, holding his hand up to his chin and feining consideration.

"I am the generous Lucas Armand!" He replied, standing proudly.

"Ah, well, Lucas, I'm actually a noble. And I have no intention of serving someone like your brother." Adam replied, smiling as Lucas' face dropped.

"A noble? Someone like you! Tell me then what your name and ancestry are." Lucas taunted, turning red as he clenched his fists.

"I'm Adam Cross, son of former Royal Guard Baron David Cross," Adam replied, lifting his head defiantly.

"Ha! You mean disgraced Royal Guard! No wonder you looked so poor! Just some wannabe with ideas above his station!" Lucas said, bursting out into laughter. "No, I'm sorry my lord." He said, wiping a tear from his eye, snickering the entire time.

Not now, Adam; it isn't worth the beating to sock this pompous braggart in the mouth. He will get his. It is better to rest and wait for the right moment. Adam thought, clenching his fists and grinding his teeth.

"You know, I should've guessed! Clearly like father like son just as devoid of honor as your crippled father!" He shouted, his face beet-red, tears streaming down his face.

Adam stiffened his hand and darted to the hilt of his sword, his eyes wide with fury, his heartbeat thundering in his ears. I should cut him, just a quick slash across his face. Enough to show people what happens when they insult my father like that. Adam thought, drawing his sword from his sheath in a rasp of steel.

The room went silent. The students held their breath, and the color of Lucas' face drained in an instant as he broke out in sweat. Adam took a bold step forward and watched the nobles scramble, backing away in a hurry.

"Ha, do it! You dirty-blooded bastard! Strike me and see what happens! You won't be able to escape the consequences like last time!" Lucas shouted, his voice trembling slightly.

Adam's hand darted forward, grabbing Lucas by the collar, dragging him off his feet, and pulling him within inches of him. Lucas' cronies fled, turning and running deeper into the dorm. The watching students gasped, covered their eyes, or cried in shock. They held their breath, waiting to see what Adam would do with Lucas in his grasp.

"Don't tempt me, Lucas. After all, if what you say about me is true...I don't have much to lose." Adam growled, letting Lucas fall to the ground in a heap. Whew, he's right. If I hit him here, things could get dangerous. I'll have to wait until I know I can beat him. Adam thought, shoving past the students and striding into his room.

Adam let out a breath, feeling immense pressure settle on his shoulders as he sheathed his sword and changed into his casual clothes. He sat down on the bed, feeling his muscles cry in delight as he began to rest. Adam closed his eyes and slowed his breathing, letting his surroundings disappear. As the room disappeared from his perception, he focused all his senses on feeling his heartbeat, listening to the dull thumping and gentle pulsing. Adam could sense the power around his heart, the roiling, powerful energy that seemed to thunder like a distant hurricane. Adam pulled closer to the energy until it was inches from his face, the swirling golden aura taunting him.

So close and yet so far. Adam thought. Alright, last time I tried to force you. How about I try coaxing you this time? Adam thought gingerly, reaching toward the golden sphere.

Adam stretched out his arms and gently cupped the golden aura. He felt the power warp around his fingers and flow down his hand and arm at a blistering pace. Adam gritted his teeth as he felt the fire fill his veins and diffuse throughout his body.

Too much, reign it in. Remember what Dantes told you, focus on funneling the aura where I want it and stopping it from leaking out. Adam thought as he focused on halting the aura's rapid advance.

Adam felt the aura rebound, flying from his body and back into the floating golden sphere, knocking the wind out and bringing him to his knees. Adam gritted his teeth and sighed, clenching his fists as he readied himself again.

Okay, then gently didn't work either. It seems like I have to be more physical. Adam thought, cracking his knuckles.

A sudden thumping at the door shocked Adam, making him flinch slightly. Adam sighed, opening his eyes and standing up from his bed with a groan, a creeping feeling seeping into his heart as he strode to the door. He took a deep breath and opened the door, his eyes dropping a foot to a mousy-haired, more petite man. He looked up at Adam, wringing his hands nervously, and his deep brown eyes stared deep into his soul.

"Uh, my lord Adam, it's nice to meet you. My name is Baron Noah Hart, and I...I was wondering if I could trouble you for a moment." He stammered, his cheeks reddening as he spoke.

Adam looked around for other students, seeing none. He returned his attention to Noah. "Ah yes of course, please come in." Adam said, leading Noah inside.

"Sir, I want you to train me in swordsmanship!" He said, falling to his knees at Adam's feet

"Another one?"Adam thought, letting out an exasperated sigh.