Forever Drawn to You-A Reylo Story

Chapter 8 - The Knights meet The Prince

Vicrul was expecting some weak boy to show up for training and was surprised when the Prince strode into the courtyard full of confidence. Ben was not weak in any way standing almost nose to nose with Vicrul at just thirteen. The Prince is close to 5 foot 10 and has not stopped growing since he was about five. He has nicely toned arms and legs from daily routines in his own training rooms. At this rate his own mother thinks he will be as tall and broad as a tree. Vicrul eyes Ben sizing him up. Ben with his princely arrogance raises his eyebrow and smirks at the Knight. "Sizing up the new trainee, are we?" Ben jeers. Vicrul lets out a bellow and says aloud. "I like him already." Ben rolls his eyes as Vicrul gives the Prince a hardy pat on the shoulder while shaking his hand. "Your Highness, the name is Vicrul Ren-Leader of The Knights of Ren, pleasure to meet you." Vicrul then bows slightly and gestures to the other Ren. "May I introduce my Knights to you."

A Knight then steps forward "Cardo Ren- 'The Strong'". Cardo bows and steps back and then stares straight ahead. "Trudgen Ren- 'The Defeater'". Trudgen steps forwards bows and lightly grins at Ben to say; "At your service." He then steps back. "Ushar Ren- 'The Merceless'". Ushar bows deep and steps back in line. "My Son, Kuruk Ren- 'The Assassin'". The young man steps forward who looks to be close to Ben's age. Kuruk takes a knee in front of Ben and states; "Your loyal servant for life Your Highness." Ben nods his head once and Kuruk falls back in line. "Last but not least, My Brother, Aplek Ren- 'The Concealer'". Aplek also takes a knee puts his fist over his chest and vows; "I shall protect you with my own life Your Highness." then rises and steps back in line. Vicrul then bellows towards his brother with his deep voice. "As my Brother just avowed, we are all here to serve and protect the Royal Family with our lives."

Not one for wasting time, Vicrul picked up his sword and twirled the hilt a few times before asking. "Now shall we commence training?" Ben then nods and picks up a sword from the weapons table and stances himself 5 feet from Vicrul. He points the blade outward and they bring their swords together in a loud clash and begin sparing. Vicrul is immediately impressed with the young prince's innate skills and strength.

Vicrul thinks aloud as they continue to parry and lunge through movements; "Very good Your Highness, most impressive." Ben then huffs; "Enough with the formality." "Call me Ben.". "As you wish Sir." After sparing for a little over a quarter of an hour Ben's arm was starting to tremble as Vicrul locked the swords together and began to push at Ben. Ben's face became flushed with red as he held his ground for as long as he could. He then finally backed away panting and tossed the sword on the ground and heaved in deep breaths. Ben then bent over still trying to speak with his hands on each thigh. "I yield." Vicrul gestures to a bench and says, "Please take a seat Sir." "Kuruk, get Ben a drink." Vicrul sits next to Ben as Kuruk hands him a water skin to drink from. "Sir, it is normal to feel fatigued when first fighting with a sword, you will get used to it." "May I suggest you start to carry one around holding it towards the sky." "Your arm will soon adjust to the weight of it." "You lasted a lot longer than I thought you would." "You are very advanced for your age." "May I ask who taught you skills like these?" Ben responds; "I have had some training with our Army, and several private sessions with a Light Temple Knight." "That is about it." "The rest is just instinct." "I don't know where the skill comes from, but I do not question it either." "My Grandfather was a powerful warrior, so maybe it comes from him."

Vicrul nods at the young prince and then pats him roughly on the upper back as he speaks again. "You will be as strong and skilled as us in no time." With that said Vicrul stands and then instructs his son Kuruk to take the Prince through some of the Ren's normal training movements after Ben recovers his breath. Kuruk sits down next to Ben for a while and they observe as the other Ren warriors go through their routine stances while some of the Aldera Guard watch from the sides. As the two young men continue to watch, Kuruk explains the name of each ren move. Ben thinks to himself he likes the candor of Vicrul and Kuruk and is starting to feel a kinship to the Ren Knights already. Ben is not one to feel hope normally. Though he does not show it outwardly, he cannot help but feel it in this rare moment. Feeling re-energized the prince stands again ready to spar with young Kuruk. The sparing and training continue throughout the day and the two young men start to form the beginnings of a friendship.

As the sun sets, the prince heads back to his quarters thoroughly exhausted, but also content. He finally feels he is on the right path towards his future self.