Forgotten Conqueror Book Two - From RoyalRoad.com by Za1d3

Chapter 42 - Heroes

  -Ferrent. 11th ward-

Sylvia watched with envy as Naleen moved and spun around with the blunt metal sword, falling into different sways as if dancing in the middle of the spacious room. The peculiar sound of metal slicing through the air came every so often, along with what sounded like low whispers.

She had seen what her friend could do during the arms competition, and even though the older girl had awoken to her magic, Naleen was still diligently practicing her swordsmanship as usual.

With an abrupt dash and an upward thrust into the air, Naleen muttered something, and the sword burst into flames, "Kyah!" She screamed and dropped the weapon.

"Naleen! Are you okay?!" Sylvia cried out in surprise.

"Kuh- why?" Talking to herself, Naleen quickly ran over to her desk and took out a note. "It is Renass enferas Fremas... get it right already, Naleen." She voiced out loud in frustration.

"Naleen?"

"Sorry. That WAS supposed to be an enchantment to imbue the sword with fire, but as you can see..." Naleen replied with a disappointed frown, gesturing to the sword on the stone floor.

"Enchantment? You can do that already?"

"Father taught me a little, but it is harder than I thought. I keep getting the last few lines mixed up, and I can't seem to control my mana correctly. If only I... no, never mind."

"Your lord father taught you? Does that mean you are not going to the academy?"

"I don't know." Putting away the piece of paper with the written incantation, Naleen moved to the sword on the ground. Lightly touching it to make sure it was no longer burning, she picked it up. "Since they're both spellblades, I want to stay here and learn from father and grandfather, but I'm not sure what they'll say after I finish my basic training."

"Oh." Sylvia replied in understanding.
She had never seen either of Naleen's father or grandfather fight, but she had heard many stories about their accomplishments. There was no denying that if Naleen wanted to become a spellblade, it would be best to study under them. "Are you done with practice now?" She questioned, seeing the older girl walking towards the box of practice swords at the foot of the bed.

"I am." Naleen replied. "You said your mother sent Jill to the Murilons?"

"Yes. To formally accept the invitation to their celebration dinner."

"Is that so? I bet she just wanted to show Jill off to the young lord of the Murilons. I must admit, your mother is quite amazing in that regard."

"Amazing is... I don't know if that's the right word. I'd say more along the lines of meddlesome."

"What's wrong with that?" There was a smile on Naleen's face as she sat down on the bed.

"All this matchmaking, Jill should have a say in choosing her own partner, plus ... Why are you smiling at me like that?" Sylvia quickly asked, seeing the grin on the older girl's face.

"Well, that's because I don't ever hear you complaining about the match your parents made for you."

"Match? T-that- That's not true!" She hastily refuted the statement, upon realizing what Naleen was implying. "M-mother never made any such matches for me. I'm still too young, a-and that- that was just a..." A young man's face suddenly appeared in her mind, and she could feel herself heating up. "A misunderstanding..."

"Oh really?" Naleen's smile widened. "Is that why you're so defensive?"

"Wha-?! That's because you-!"

With a joyous giggle, Naleen grabbed onto her. "I was just kidding. You're so cute when you get like that."

"..." She dared not make a sound in case the older girl teased her again. Although she had made her decision to become more honest and forthright with her feelings, it was still quite flustering when faced with such a situation.

"Sorry, I'll stop. Let me go freshen up then we can go." Naleen got up and promptly took off her training outfit, leaving nothing but her underclothes. "How about joining me in the bath?" She invited with a bright smile.

"No, I'll wait for you here." Intimidated by the shapely figure before her, Sylvia politely declined.

"Alright. I'll be right back then." With a bathing robe on, Naleen left the room.

Alone by herself, Sylvia sheepishly looked down at her own bust and frowned. She had learned from her mother that it would be one of her greatest weapon. Yet compared to Naleen and her sister, she still had a long way to go.

...

Located near the center of the 11th ward, the large plaza that separated the residential mansions and the market district were filled with people by the time they arrived. Instead of moving through the throngs of people blocking them, the two of them opted to stand back and watch from a distance while they waited for Jillian.

Nobles of all ages and commoners, who had been employed within the ward lined the streets and buildings, moving and conversing excitedly about the upcoming occurrence with eagerness and anticipation.
The unusual event was due to the knowledge that many knights and members of the Mystiks guild were returning home.
After hearing of the exploits and problems happening in eastern Darsus, and about how the task force sent to the east had been able to keep everything under control, much of the ward's populace had gathered to give the returning men and women of the 11th ward a hero's welcome.

The sound of thunderous applause and shouting eventually swept through the audience, and a large number of people appeared, coming from the 12th ward gate and riding through the plaza, moving north towards the direction of the guild.

Dozens of mages wearing the black and red or white and red of the guild—all on horseback—moved in unison through the busy streets, greeting those who were there to welcome them. Lights and magic bloomed through the air as they passed, celebrating the successful return.
After the mages, knights followed behind gallantly, riding steeds of their own while wearing their plate armor and displaying the full splendor of the knights.