The Chronicles of Swords and Sorcery

Perseus Blackwood

We celebrated into the night, sharing drinks and stories, recounting my 3 battles, and going over the strategy. We always did the same thing after each tournament. It was good to sit with my family and talk late into the night.

"What do you think this sorcerer is about?" I ask after a while, "Do you know of any or how they were defeated?" My mother smiles, "There was one... long ago. He was very dangerous and cunning, using dark magic to steal the magic of others. There are many stories on how he was defeated.. No one knows for sure. The knight who killed him died with him." My dad spoke up next,

"You will have time to work out how to defeat him. Trust in yourself, your training, and your magic." He paused a moment before giving me a sly look,

"And try not to kill Eryx.." His words were met with soft chuckles around the room. My family all knew how I loathed him. He was only pissy simply because I won fair and square. How dare he call me a cheater anyway?? I-

My thoughts were cut off when my mother chuckled, "Persy, my child, I understand your feelings towards The Hunters, but this quest is bigger than your small feud, do your best, and do not let him fill your heart with such hatred." I ducked my head softly, nodding to my mother,

"Of course.. I will... work with him to the best of my ability.." My mother gave me a knowing look, shaking her head,

"Oh, you two.. Like quarreling children. Off to bed my sweet brave little knight." Trying to convince her I was anything other than her little knight would take an army, so instead I rise and kiss her temple,

"Goodnight Mother."

***

The two days went quickly, and I eagerly arrived at the castle. The rest of the knights were there to see us off, and I was clapped on the back multiple times, When I saw Sir Galahad, I approached him,

"Sir! If I could have a moment." I call. He turned, a slow smile making its way across his face, worn from his battles and years. "Did you do it on purpose?" I ask tentatively, "So it would be Eryx and I?"

He rested a hand on my shoulder, "Perhaps the best things come out of a bad one." He murmurs, before giving me a squeeze, "Good luck to you Perseus. Come back to us. We will be waiting." He left then, moving to speak to Eryx.

A good thing out of a bad? I shake my head, old Galahad.. He always had something. How could a good thing ever come out of Eryx?

We were eventually called over, kneeling before the King and Queen. Not before casting a glance at Eryx. Sharing a glare.

The King smiled at us, resting a sword on our shoulders one at a time. "Go, and honor your King and Queen, your people, and your families. Return to us safely, or fall and die honorably." We press our right hands over our hearts,

"By our Honor." We respond in unison. He sheathes his sword, motioning us to rise. Our horses were brought to us, already tacked up and supplied, and we mounted, saluting once more before I turned my horse and led us out.

Once we were out of the gate, we traveled along lines and throngs of people. Waving us off, calling out prayers and well wishes.

When we were head of the people, Eryx spurred his horse forward, scoffing, putting himself in front. I roll my eyes. "Really?"

He turned in his saddle, as much as he could in his armor, "I'm not watching your back. We may have been sent together, but I don't protect cheaters.

I scoff, moving alongside him, "I didn't cheat last year I-" he, of course, did not let me finish, spurring his horse ahead.

I grit my teeth, spurring my horse, keeping up with him. He was insufferable.