The Six

The Butchers

CLANG! CLANG! CLANG!

"Please!...5 minute break!...Gah, I'm dying here Erik!" Pleaded the golden haired man, who was panting heavily. He threw down his large two-handed sword and took deep, slow breaths. The other Knight, who had caused him to grow so tired, looked at the exhausted 20-year-old before him, about to topple over from the rigourous training.

Erik wasn't surprised by his actions. Darren was a good 4 years older than him, and of a much larger build. But Erik was two times the better fighter, and he never let Darren forget it.

"It's not my fault you have the stamina of a sleepy kitten." Eric taunted, brushing his sweat-covered caramel locks out of his dark blue eyes. Darren just glared at him and continued his laboured breathing finding it difficult to speak.

"I...Do...Not!" Darren retorted angrily. Erik reached down and snatched up Darren's sword and began twirling it around in his fingers, showing off his exceptional control.

"Fine." He said, smugly, laying the sword back down on the ground.

"You're just fat then."

Erik jumped back instantly as Darren lunged at him with a dagger he had been hiding in his shoe. Erik blocked his jab with his sword, almost too easily, and they continued their duel. Darren, forgetting his exhaustion, fought hard, fueled by anger.

Erik smirked. Once again not surprised by Darren's actions. He knew exactly what buttons to push to make their training more...interesting. He adored teasing the older Knight for two reasons.

1) Because it was hilarious to see Darren's reactions and failed attempts at a comeback.

2) Well, what were little brothers for?

"You know..." Erik started, easily Darren's rage-powered blows. "I heard somethingyesterday ." Darren didn't dare break his concentration. He knew from experience that Erik was trying to distract him. But, he decided to play along.

"Oh? And what did you hear yesterday, my dearest brother?" Darren's voice was drenched in perfect fake politeness. Erik chuckled before continueing.

"Well, I heard from Thomas, who heard from Liam, who heard from Joshua, who heard from Angus, who heard from Lennox, who-"

"Perhaps you could tell me this year?" Darren interupted, obviously irritated by his brother's immituraty. He wouldn't be surprised if this conversation wasn't going anywhere. It wouldn't be the first.

Erik grinned again, triumphantly looking at his brother's annoyed face. He remained silent for a few moments, listening to the all too familiar sound of metal hitting metal.

Thinking on his feet, he said the first thing that came to mind, which was, of course, complete nonsense. But he just needed to break Darren's concentration, if even for a second.

"Apparently, Sir William is looking for someone to kill Kishon." He stated, plainly. He knew that Darren wouldn't believe it. It was the most absurd thing he had ever heard! But, however, it did succeed in causing Darren's body to freeze in shock, giving Erik enough time to swat the dagger out of his hands.

"I win." Erik grinned victoriously. He began parading around the other Knight in circles,rubbing his victory in Darren's face.Darren on the other hand, wasn't paying attention. He just stood there, frozen in pure shock.

How could he have possibly known?! He thought. Panic entered his mind and he was completely oblivious to Erik's taunting. Erik didn't like that at all. He stopped his victory dance and walked up to his brother.

"Um, didn't you hear me? I said I WON!" He waved his hand in front of Darren's glazed over eyes, trying to get his attention. "Dare? You with me buddy? Mutt got your tongue?" He chuckled a bit but stopped, noticing the fearful look on his brother's face.

"Darren? Is something wrong?" He asked, getting concerned. Darren realized that he was being spoken to and snapped out of his trance. "Huh? Oh, um, yeah everything is fine. But we need to go find Sir William." Darren's voice was shaking slightly, something that it never did. Erik noticed immediately.

"Are you sure everything's Okay? You seem kind of...worried about something." Erik said, studying the anxious expression on Darren's face. He followed behind his brother as they entered the castle, heading towards Sir William's room. He had been gone all day for...some reason that no one had been told about, but had returned.

"Darren? Is everything alright?" Erik asked again. Darren continued walking until they reached the door. "Yes, everything is alright." He reassured his brother. But in his head he was thinking some very different thoughts.

It's fine. Everything is just fine.

For now...