The Rebelero Brothers' Curse

One

Clank!

Ah, the sweet sound of two swords clashing is music to my ears.

Two young soldiers are fighting for victory over the other. Even a practice duel holds importance to a man's ego. I watch amused as they match each other's blows, growing  frustrated. Their grunts are becoming more exasperated.

"This is going no where Luke," my uncle, David, said shaking his head.

I knew pairing them up would make for an even match, but David always told me to trust my instincts. As my mentor and uncle, it is wise to listen to him. As the main general of Scanra's military, he knew what he was doing; I, as the second born son of the King, have a say as to how my troops will be trained for I will naturally take over the responsibility of the military one day. It is the natural cycle of men in my family. The first born is the recipient of the crown while the second born had to be the perfect soldier.

"Yes, I realize. They are too evenly matched. Give it a few more minutes though. They must learn how to change their strategy in a situation such as this." I replied with confidence. At 6-years of age, I began to learn the ways of war and combat. At 8-years, a sword was put into my hands. I have learned a lot and David knows he can trust me with the troops and even his own life should we ever face war.

David snorted as if saying "We'll see."

Although he didn't have to, David has dealt with me for twenty years. My father is a busy man as King of Scanra and he entrusted David with my well being. David accepted gladly. He did not have any children and I was his nephew. Though I was not the easiest child to care for, he did his best to raise me through my cowardly phase and then my rebellious phase. You can imagine his frustration, but he stuck by me no matter what. He was more of a father to me than my own ever was. He raised me in all ways imaginable and has not left my side, no matter the hell I probably put him through.

As crazy as it sounds sometimes I wish I was born a commoner or at least first born. Being the youngest has always been a disadvantage to me. My father of course adores my older brother, and treats him much like a rare jewel. I, on the other hand am only a pain in his arse and since my mother died when I was an infant, I was only that much more of an issue for him.

I am not resentful of my brother or even my father; they are my family. They care for me, but I know I am nothing more than a nuisance. At least my father's brilliant idea to have my uncle mentor me was beneficial to us both.

I shook myself mentally to focus on the duel. Sure enough the soldier who was slightly shorter used his height to his advantage. Their swords met in the air to the left of his head, but I could tell that he held back a bit in order to force his opponent to stretch farther. The next few seconds were impressive to watch. I could see it unfold as if in slow motion. The shorter one dropped down to the floor  moving his legs so that they wrapped around his opponent's legs. In one quick movement he brought him down. Before the taller one could react, he was already on his feet with his blade aimed for the kill.

David and I were impressed. David applauded him, but I did not like the cockiness that exuded his victory. He even whooped with joy. For some reason the warrior in me grew agitated, but I held my tongue.

David went on to pair the rest of the soldiers up to spar. He paired himself with the veteran of the trainees and I with another.

I now stood in front of a tall, muscular man my age. He looked me in the eye and nodded respectfully. I was slightly shorter, no more than 3 inches of his 6 foot 4 frame. Otherwise we have the same lean yet muscular build. It looked to be an even match but most trainees do not realize how much power I truly have.

I was born with many gifts, some of them being my unusual strength and agility. I do not know why the Great spirits have blessed me, but ever since I was a child I knew I was special. I try to keep my gifts secret however, that is difficult to do. Not too many people can do what I do and the spotlight is always on me considering I am the King's son. There is no hiding in the shadows.

David gave the signal to start and in an instant he attacked. Our blades met in the air with a loud clank. His ruthless attack sprung me into action. His movements are quick and clean. If I were a normal man, it would be a challenge to keep up with him. The thing is, I am not normal.

I could almost anticipate each of his movements before they happened. The pattern of his blows makes him predictable; well, at least to me. I allow him to think he has me on the defensive. It is easy to hold back and simply block him. I almost smile as he  cries out in frustration. We go on like this for at least 10 more minutes. I hear many of the others have finished their duels for the sound of clanking swords are reduced to two, mine and my partner's. The crowd is hushed as they watch me handle my opponent with little effort. I did not ask for the attention but alas my skill intrigued many.

I finally grew tired of toying with my opponent and went on the offensive. I catch his sword mid swing making him yell in anger as he realizes his strength cannot best my own. I shove him back to give myself room to attack again. Now he's in for it.

I attack with little mercy. He's sweating and panting, barely able to keep up. The warrior in me grows cocky and my attacks become more brutal. I revel in his cry of frustration and  pain as the tip of my sword nicks his side.

Suddenly a faint, yet calming voice threw me off by saying, 'Be humble.'

The voice was not my own, nor was it spoken out loud from my spectators. I know my confusion showed on my face for my opponent took advantage to get in close and elbow me in the face. I yelled in pain as my nose ruptured. I grew angry and the effect the voice had on me was gone.

My eyes quickly turn to an icy blue and I attack again with anger pumping through my veins. I scared him with my glare, I knew because not many have seen the change anger causes. My emerald eyes turn blue, I get stronger, I appear to grow in size, and my voice is unrecognizable.

I growled and shoved him so hard he stumbled back 10 feet losing his sword. That should've been the end of it, but I could not stop myself from rushing him and grabbing him by his throat. The scared look in his eyes pleased something wicked inside of me that I did not know was there. I aimed my sword for the kill.

"Lucian!" He would be dead if it wasn't for her.

A/N

Sooo I know it's been forever since I last updated. I've been dealing with some personal things these last couple of months but Im finally back!

Thank you all for being patient and thank you to those who have stuck with me since the beginning. I've gotten back into my groove so expect more soon!

C