Silver Maiden

CHAPTER XXX - Leuchten

Jaune stood before the black knight that Caliburn presented before him. This was a test to prove his worth, to demonstrate that he had the right to bear Caliburn. Only those of great strength and with pure and resolute hearts could hold the sword of the Once and Future King, but not because the sword would reject the unworthy. Rather, Caliburn, like the country, reflected the state of the King. If the King was ill, the country would suffer. When the King was healthy, the country prospered. In the same way did Caliburn reflect the state of the King's heart. A blackened heart would corrupt Caliburn and cause a great plague to befall the land.

"All right," Jaune said, holding his sword at the ready. "Here I go!"

He exchanged blows with the black knight, failing miserably after a single bout. The knight didn't look like it was going to back down, though. In fact, it appeared ready to kill him.

"Holy crap!" Jaune said, dodging out of the way.

His environment changed. He was no longer at the top of the mountain. Instead, he was in the middle of what looked like a tournament ground, surrounded by dozens of other knights and an enormous audience. At the grandest spectator booth sat a young king in glorious splendor, in his hands, the great sword Caliburn.

"Let the tournament begin!" the king announced.

The black knight resumed his assault, putting Jaune on the defensive. He fought valiantly, exchanging sword swings for what felt to him like an hour or maybe more, but he could never even hope to match this level of skill. He was about to give up when he heard a voice from behind him. Or was it to his left? No, it seemed to originate from all around.

"Who is that?" he mumbled as he continued to defend against the knight's onslaught.

Jaune, it's me, the voice said.

That voice. He hadn't heard it in far too long. But it was impossible. He couldn't be hearing that voice now.

No, Jaune, it's not impossible. It's really me.

He felt his eyes flooding. "Pyrrha?"

Yes, Jaune. I don't know what's allowing me to speak with you right now, but I'm here to help you.

"Help me?"

Caliburn has chosen you to be its bearer. You've already got what it takes to wield that sword of the Once and Future King. You only need to believe in yourself.

"But, I can't even beat this guy!"

Jaune, would you listen to me for once! Caliburn is no fool. It would not have chosen you if it didn't believe you had what it takes. And I would not have chosen you had I not believed in you as well!

"Pyrrha," he managed as the tears started to overcome him.

Focus, Jaune! Focus on the opponent right in front of you!

He shook his head, pushing out the tears and the doubts.

Now, remember what I and Sir Bedivere have taught you. You're his squire now, remember that. You have a reputation to uphold. His, too.

"Right. No pressure."

She giggled. Your stance is too wide. You're over-thinking things again.

He narrowed his stance, the same stance Bedivere had taught him, the one that granted him the ability to respond to all threats equally without broadcasting his own intentions.

Good, now parry!

He parried a swing from the black knight.

Counter!