Aetherian(Part 1): A War Begins

Trevor

The next day of the tournament, Trevor was first to ride his horse to the end of the lists, with another Guardian Knight on the other end. This one was wearing a suit of armor the color of brass, and was an older one, with long, dark hair and a short, shaggy beard. He was Major Raerek Helder, a famed hero of both the Second Great War, and the Redwald Rebellion. Both Guardians set their lances in their right hands, and Guardian crested shields in their left, and charged. Trevor closed his eyes when their lances landed, and when he opened them, he was still on his horse. A roar went up from the spectators, but none cheered louder than Belle and Melody Vestarr.

"Hey, Major," said Trevor, as he climbed off his horse and rushed to Helder's side. He was on the ground, sitting against the fence that kept the riders separate during the joust.

"That was a good round, Captain," the Major complemented, as Trevor pulled him to his feet.

"Thank you," said Trevor. "To be honest, I wasn't sure I'd win that."

"Why?" asked the Major.

"Well, Major," answered Trevor. "You're much bigger than me. You're six feet tall." Trevor's known Major Helder since he first went to Ice Spear, and was one of his mentors for as long as he could remember, which gave him an idea.

"Could you do me a favor?" he asked. "I have this friend, who was beaten up by these Knights of House Lysander."

"Okay," said Helder.

"He told me that he was forced to fight for House Redwald a year ago and that he wants to fight against people like them. He's a small kid. He's probably twelve or thirteen, but he told me that he wants to be a Guardian, fighting against injustice."

"Well, injustice isn't the only thing we fight against," the Major reminded. "Have you told him that?"

"He has potential," said Trevor. "Trust me."

"Where is he?" asked Major Helder.

"Oh, he's up there," answered Trevor, pointing to the top of the risers, where Karlon was sitting with his sisters, and Oscar.

"Is it that little kid?" asked Helder.

"Yeah, that's Oscar."

"He's a bit scrawny."

"So is Melody, and I'm a bit scared of her."

"Alright, introduce us, and I'll see what I can do."

"I owe you one," Trevor thanked, then he waved to Oscar and shouted, "Oscar, I'd like you to meet someone!" Oscar began to make his way down from the risers. He was wearing something more proper than the ragged shirt and pants he wore yesterday, a long, blue jacket over a bright orange collared shirt, and black pants.

"This is Oscar, Major," said Trevor.

"Nice to meet you," Major Helder greeted, shaking Oscar's hand. "Trevor tells me that the Lysanders gave you a beating."

"They did," Oscar admitted. "I probably would have died if it weren't for Trevor."

"He also says you wish to be a Guardian."

"Yes, Major, and he's right," said Oscar.

"Well, I came from Ice Spear," said the Major. "It's a pretty long trip all the way into the Snowlands. That's without mentioning the cold." As Oscar and Helder conversed, Trevor saw Ser Darien come out from behind the risers that the King and Queen sat at the top of, with Thunder in his hand, and he sensed a feeling of absolute rage from him. As Darien began to ascend the stairs, he had a good feeling that Arry, Roderick, Damien, and the rest of the Dragon Guard could protect Queen Alicent, but knowing Darien, he began to have doubts as he went further up the stairs.