The Chronicles of Swords and Sorcery

Eryx Hunter

I followed behind my father, my head held high. We were dressed in our house colors, dressed as the nobles we were. We passed Perseus in the hall, and I rolled my eyes, watching as his mother fussed over his hair. They wore their house colors, dark navy blue, gold, and white. I let my eyes wander down to his house crest. Set against a field of dark navy blue, the regal dragon reared its head, its scales shimmering in shades of gold and white.

With wings outstretched and claws bared, the dragon exuded an aura of power and majesty, its fiery breath frozen in time as if poised to strike at any moment. Its eyes glinted with fierce intelligence, a silent guardian watching over the house and its legacy with unwavering vigilance.

Above the dragon, a golden crown gleamed in the moonlight, a symbol of the house's noble lineage and rightful place among the realms of power. Below, a banner unfurled, bearing the house motto in elegant script: "Strength Through Honor."

Surrounding the central motif, intricate flourishes, and filigree adorned the crest, each detail meticulously crafted to reflect the house's heritage and prestige. From the curling tendrils of ivy to the delicate swirls of acanthus leaves, every element spoke to the house's noble lineage and unwavering dedication to duty and honor.

It was one of the more extravagant family crests. No other had a dragon on their crests. I think it probably has something to do with the fact they all have some sort of animal magic.

I avert my eyes, following my father through the doors to the magnificent great hall, taking our seat at the table with the King and Queen who were already sitting,

I bowed low, "My King and Queen, it is an honor." They both inclined their heads, "Sir Hunter, it is our pleasure. You fought hard today." I sit down, a fist over my heart,

"My Queen, as is my duty to. I take great pride every time I am called forward."

The Blackwoods enter then, the King and Queen lighting up, as if their favored prince just walked in. I fight back a scoff as Perseus bows low, taking a knee and kissing the queen's ring,

"Your majesty, your highness, it is a great honor to once again sit at your table. I am humbled in your presence." The Queen smiled,

"It is always nice to have you here Persy, please rise and join us to eat." I watch him nod, rising and finding his seat. Unfortunately, his family has left the only chair next to me. He sits begrudgingly but remains calm and smiling. I knew it was a facade.

The King sweeps out a hand, "Let us eat before we get to business." Promptly servants brought out platters of food. We were each brought dishes of high-quality cuts of meat with fine vegetables. Plates of freshly baked bread mixed with the scent of cut fruits and sweets surround a large platter of roasted pig. We tucked in, taking our fill and a bit more, sipping sweet wine.

Once we were finished eating, I recounted my battle.

Once I had finished, Perseus's father clapped him on the back, "And this one! I couldn't believe my eyes when you knocked each other off your horses! And without a helm too."

The king nodded, "It was a valiant fight, we were all waiting with baited breath you know, we all were hoping for your victory." I could see Percy's face heat at the praise, and he bowed his head,

"Y-You flatter me, Your Majesty, I did not know I had gleaned such favor from you and your court." The king waved a large hand, and I barely held back a scoff, "Nonsense, my boy, Your house has always been favored by my court. You will always be welcome here."

My father soured beside me. I knew I would pay for not earning such honor like he did. So effortlessly. "On our honor, Your Majesty." He nods. With that, The King stood, ceasing all noise from around the table.

"As you may probably be thinking, why have two champions for this tournament? Well, I have an important quest to send you both on." Perseus and I exchange a glance, full of hatred,

"Your majesty, and the nature of this Quest?" I ask cautiously. The King frowned, walking around the table grimly. "This is a quest I do not choose for you both lightly." He sighs, "There is a power rising in the Northeast, a sorcerer using dark magic."

There was a soft murmur that swept the table, my father gripping his utensil tightly. Before I could stop him, he stood, "Your majesty! Surely you can't send two boys to do an army's job?"

The King turned an icy look to the Duke, my father, "It is not up for discussion, I am sending your son to do this. He will travel with Sir Blackwood and they will defeat this sorcerer because it is their duty!"

The Queen stands elegantly, "Duke, surely it is time to send your son on a quest more than just escorts and errands?" I burned with embarrassment, resentment rising in me. I hated every time I heard that my father would stop me from going on dangerous quests.

I stood gingerly as the duke sat heavily, obviously angry and embarrassed, "It would be an honor and my great pleasure to accept this quest." I add in my head, Despite the company.. A cheating knight is just what I needed.

Perseus stood quickly, bowing, "It would be an astounding honor to receive this quest, I humbly accept." He threw a side eye at me when he emphasized humbly and I fought back just battling him here and now.

The Queen softened as Perseus stood, "We knew you would be willing. You must leave at once, you will have two days to settle your things, and tend to your families before you ride out." I almost want to scoff, Why don't you just crown him now? I take a glance at Persy, gritting my teeth. They had so much faith in him. I'd show them... I was just as good- no- better than Perseus.

We were dismissed not long after, and it was a tense ride back to our estate. I thought for a moment I would get away for the night, but my father turned to me, his dark onyx eyes froze my bones, and he pointed to his office, I glanced at my brothers, all nobles but none with the strength to defy him. I offer them a weak smile, their eyes full of pity as I enter the office, my father a sickening shadow behind me.

"You embarrassed me today." He spoke once the door was shut and locked. Despite the courage I pledged to have when I became a knight and what I use every day, I did not dare to tell him that he embarrassed himself by speaking out against the king. I bowed my head instead,

"You cannot even defend yourself!" He snarled, sending a furl of fire at me. While my elemental magic made me immune to fire... it did not stop me from feeling the burn, despite not marking my body.

I stiffened, the tears that naturally sprang to my eyes at the intensity of the pain made him laugh bitterly,

"You should have died with your mother, it would save me the embarrassment of having a weak son. You might as well be a daughter." His insult didn't sting nearly as much as being reminded that I killed my mother when she was birthing me. My father continued to fling white hot fire at me until I was a shaking wet mess on the floor. If any of my friends- or the knights I fought with could see me now... They would surely agree with my father.

He left after a while, leaving me to shake on the floor. I just prayed to the gods that the day we leave would come quickly.