*The Chronicles of F.R.E.E. Earth's Knight - Ruth Watson* PART 1 - OZRYN

Chapter Nineteen - Duel

*Hodgson POV*

After he had finished interrogating everyone, Atkinson had called us all back into the Great Hall to announce that Watson, Green and Goodwin were guilty of Staintons' murder and that they were to be executed after they had been found. He then put everyone onto a tough training regime in preperation for go out and find them.
That was 4 months ago now, and we were nearing the end of the cruel training. No one knew where the girls had gone, there was no way they could have left Ozryn without going through the heavily guarded village gate and some speculated that they were still in Ozryn, hidden from site.
There was even the rumour going around that they had commited joint suicide to avoid being executed. The thought made me sick to my stomach.
Perkins, Hunter and I seemed to be the only ones that didn't believe any of the rumours and we were determined that, when the time came, we were the first ones to find the girls and bring them to safety... If they were still alive.
No! I can't think like that! They were alive and... somewhere...
Atkinson had arranged duels to help organise who will be leading our search. There was to be four gangs splitting off to go North, South, East and West. The last 4 who had managed to win all their duels will be declared general to lead one of the groups. Perkins, Hunter and I had been training vigorously, intent on being one of the leaders. All three of us had made it to the semi-finals, but only I won my duel. Perkins had lost against Page, and Hunter against Stapleton. I had won my duel against Driver, but I was now down to fight Collins. The finalists will be fighting all in one go and the four leaders announced at the end, so I had to focus hard on winning. All we could really hope for was that, if I won, would I be allowed to pick my own troops.
"Come on, Hodg! Concentrate!" Perkins shouted at me from the sidelines watching me practice against Hunter.
"I am!" I grunted as I did a backslash to the right, Hunter dodged and attacked my left. I quickly leapt back.
We were both sweating in the heat. Sweat dripping into my eyes as my best friends in the whole of Ozryn encouraged and trained alongside me.
Hunter jumped towards me with his sword coming down fast, I spun myself away from his blow and my elbow met his ribs, jerking him sideways to the floor. I wasted no time pouncing on top of him with my blade against his throat, panting agressively.
"THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT!" Perkins punched the air in celebration.
I got off Hunter and helped him up. He was gasping for breath after being winded by my elbow bash. He gave me a tired, toothy grin.
"That was a good fight." He held out his hand. "Well done!"
"It definitely was, you nearly took me out there." I chuckled and shook his hand.
"Collins' got no chance." Perkins boasted as he walked over. "You will absolutely kick his arse!"
"Just remember to not kill him," Hunter reminded me.
I laughed. "Oh, don't fucking tempt me!"
"Right," Perkins quipped. "Quick break before one final practice, then it's crunch time."
We sat on the grass, pouring ourselves glasses of water from a jug. Sadly, the water had warmed up after being sat in the sun while we practiced. As I gulped my glass down, I realised I was extremely thirsty. I down three more glasses before getting up and stretching.
"Ready for another round?" I looked down at my mates.
"I'll give you a go," Perkins grunted as he stood.
"Hodgson."
We looked to the double doors of the castle to see Parson marching over to us. I internally groaned. Parson had become Atkinsons replacement for Stainton. He was a skinny runt with a rat-like, squinty face with mousey brown long hair and black eyes.
"Atkinson wishes me to inform you that the Final duels will take place in half hours time." He gloated.
"Right." I nodded and turned myself away from him planning to get in at least another 15 minutes practice.
"Hodg," Perkins said behind me. I turned to look at him. "Rest up mate." He said. "You're better building up your strength by resting if it's only half hour away."
"Nah, come on. I'll be fine." I dismiss him.
"Perkins is right, mate" Hunter injected. "You'll be on top form if you take a longer break and focus on beating the shit out of Collins."
"Ok, you're right" I relented and sat back down, legs crossed over in front of me and leaned back on my arms, my face tilted to the sun with my eyes closed.
We sat in silence and my mind wandered to Watson. Her eyes. Her soft hair. Her smile.
I was so distracted with daydreaming about her, I didn't realise Perkins calling my name until I felt a blunt whack on the back of my head. Hunter had slapped me to bring me back to reality.
"Come on!" He pulled me up and we went to the part of the field where the duels were taking place. The other men were gathering around ready to watch, forming a tennis court sized pitch for the four duels.
Page was already there facing his opponent Hickman, Stapleton facing Windsor, Wessex facing Finley, and I took my place opposite Collins.
Collins looked down his nose at me and smirked. If he thought this was going to be an easy fight, he was dead wrong. Then an idea flashed in my mind.
A horn sounded and we began.
Collins drew his sword. He expected me to make the first attack, but when I didn't move, he rolled his eyes before quickly running at me. His arm raised across him, preparing to deliver a backhand right slash. I did a simple block and let myself fall back. I feigned scrambling to my feet, just as Collins tried another attack which I blocked last minute.
"WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING?!" I heard Hunter yelling at me, but I ignored him.
I wanted Collins to think he had a good chance at winning. He will then get predictably lazy with his attacks and reckless. Then I will make my move.
I kept blocking his strikes last minute and could see his ego growing with every strike. He was starting to get cocky with his attacks, and a wide grin spread across his lazy face. Now was my chance.
I waited until he tried to do his favourite downward open slice, and this time, I didn't block him. Instead I attacked him with my upward backhand. His arm flew back on itself with the force of my attack and I spun myself round with the direction of my sword. My right elbow smashed his nose in.
'That's for what you did to Watson' I thought.
He fell flat on his back, his face covered in his blood, but when I pounced, he rolled himself upright. I scrambled to my feet just in time to avoid his blade so it pierced the ground. He tried to kill me! Well, two can play at that game.
I flew my leg up into his stomach while he was still bent over. He keeled to the side, his blade still in the ground, and I leapt on him, my sword thrown to the side forgotten. I sat on top of him, punching him with all my might, while he grappled at my face trying to stop me. He pushed me off him then jumped on me, although I caught his hands to stop him punching me back.
We rolled around, struggling for dominance in our fist fight until he got his legs folded up under me with his feet against my stomach. I was launched backwards, landing and tumbling away from him, landing badly on my arm and hearing a sickening crack. My forearm had snapped when I tried to stop myself. Even worse, it was my right arm. My fighting arm!
I rose to my feet cradling my broken arm with the other and turned to him. Blood was pouring from his nose down his chin and staining his shirt. He marched quickly for his sword while I made a break for mine.
I awkwardly picked my weapon up with my left hand and charged at him, my right arm huddled to my chest to protect it as best I could. Raising my left arm high, I prepared myself for a final downward slash. I knew it wouldn't be as powerful as it would be with my right, but I had to make this my winning strike. Collins was fighting to free his sword from the ground, yanking at it desperately. He managed to free it just in time but didn't raise it quick enough.
I managed to stop my strike inches from his face. His eyes were wide with absolute terror, thinking about how he just nearly died. I kept my sword where it was and leaned forward, bringing my face just as close to the opposite side of my blade.
"I win!" I whispered menacingly, glaring him down.
The horn sounded and the air erupted with cheers and hoots from the large audience.
Atkinsons voice carried over the deafening noise. "CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WINNERS! PAGE, WINDSOR, WESSEX AND HODGSON!"
I raised my good arm in triumph and howled to the sky. I could hear Perkins and Hunter, joined with a few other boys we knew, chanting my name while all jumping up and down with their arms round each other in delight.

"ALRIGHT, LADS! AT EASE!" I shouted to my troops.
My boys relaxed and made a beeline for the Great Hall and dinner. It had been another successful day training and they were hundred percent stronger than they had been a week ago. I scratched my right hand gingerly. I had my arm in a sling while it healed. I was told to give it six weeks before attempting to use it, so I've had to train left handed. It's helped me become ambidextrous with my fighting skills, which could prove handy one day.
A week had passed since I had won my duel against Collins. Atkinson had allowed his new leaders to choose their party and we had been given a week to get any last minute training done before leaving Ozryn on our mission to find Watson, Goodwin and Green.
Of course, Perkins and Hunter was part of my group as well as five other boys. Not everyone in SOS volunteered to go on the search for the girls. Many decided they preferred to stay here in Ozryn, where it was safe and I can't say I blame them really. We had to go though. We had to find them before anyone else did if we were to guarantee their safety.
Atkinson had asked the generals to meet with him this evening after dinner, before we left early the next morning at sunrise. He was to give us our final instuctions of what we were to do in the event of finding the missing girls. But I knew I wouldn't be listening to him.
After dinner, Perkins and Hunter headed to their bedrooms for the final time, while I headed to where Atkinson was sitting with Page, Windsor and Wessex. Collins sat next to Atkinson, his nose huge and bruised, scowling at me. I tried to hide my smug smile by pretending to cough into my fist and took a seat next to Windsor.
"Evening, men." Atkinson began. "We are now ready to bring Staintons untimely death justice. Page..."
He looked at Page sternly.
"You will take the South." Page nodded. "Wessex. You're taking the North."
Wessex didn't react, just kept his eyes on Atkinson intently.
"Windsor you're West and Hodgson..." He sounded bitter as he said my name. I knew he hadn't wanted me to win the duel. "You're taking the East."
I nodded my head.
"In the event you do find Watson, Goodwin and Green, you are to bound them and return to Ozryn without fail. They will then pay for their crime." His eyes flashed angrily.
"Any questions?"
The four of us shook our heads. Atkinson nodded.
"You are dismissed. You will leave at first light tomorrow morning. Good night." He finished.
I rose and headed for my room. My nerves and excitement building with every step. Tomorrow, I will be leaving Ozryn and will never return. I will find the girls. Perkins will marry Green. I will marry Watson. We will hook Hunter up with Goodwin for a laugh.
I reached my door to find Perkins and Hunter waiting for me. I grinned and tipped my head to let them know they can go in. I hadn't bothered to lock my door this morning.
Perkins opened my bedroom door and we all went in and sat on the bed. Perkins on one edge, Hunter on the other and I laid across the middle with my legs stretched out in front of me, crossed over and my broken arm resting on my stomach with my other gently on top.
"This is it," Hunter murmured excitedly.
My eyes glimmered. "Yup."
"Do you think we'll find them?" Perkins asked looking slightly worried.
"We have to. I have been told we are to head East tomorrow morning. That should make it easy for us as we'll be facing the sunrise." I closed my eyes, resting my head back.
"I wonder what's going to happen..." Hunter thought aloud.
"Whatever happens, we won't rest nor give up until we have them," Perkins shuffled, meaning he was probably looking at Hunter.
"Absolutely," I agreed. "We will find them, make a home together, and live happily ever after." I laughed.
"I worry about you sometimes." Hunter said, laughing.
We talked late into the night until I told them to go rest ready to leave in the morning. I slept like a baby.
The next morning, we were all standing outside the gate before the first morning light. I had chosen my armour carefully this morning. I wore my helmet, full chest curaiss, gauntlets and greaves. I had been given a new sword with a red hilt for the journey ahead and it hung at my hip. My arm would still be in a sling, but I knew how to fight with my left now, so I should be fine. Perkins and Hunter stood alongside Edwards, Clayton, Grimes, Moon and Jackson waiting for the go ahead to leave.
The sunlight peeked over the trees we were about to enter, and I nodded my head. We were off!

...TO BE CONTINUED...