The Legends of Valoria Book Two Rise of the Divine Knight

“Lords and Ladies, Dukes and Duchesses, people of Valoria!” Keagen, in his best announcer’s voice, boomed out through the Eye of Aneira. “Today, we are proud to announce the upcoming event of the century. The twenty second Valorian Tournament of Arms!” There was a massive mob congregated in the town square, making it difficult for anyone to break through their ranks. Talia tried to squeeze through in an effort to make it to the sparring grounds in the barracks. The additional size and burden of her equipment made it much more difficult for her to pass through the throng of people.

“Excuse me. Please excuse me!” Talia continued attempting to make it past the congregation of celebrating townspeople. “I beg your pardon, sir, ma’am.” Her attempts were fruitless. There were just too many people that prevented her from moving forward. Talia looked off to the side at the sound of an ear-rupturing whistle. Several others turned in the same direction and shrugged at the tall, dark haired, bronze-skinned, blue-eyed man that stood looking straight at Talia. Talia looked around abruptly and then pointed to herself. The tall man smiled and nodded his head as Talia made her way to his podium.

As she neared the man, he reached out to her and she grabbed his hand as he hoisted her atop the raised platform. Talia began to brush off her clothes, and after a moment looked up at the young and handsome stranger.

“My most gracious thanks, kind sir. I feared that I was to be trampled.” Talia had to crane her head backwards to meet his gaze as the man bowed his head to her and spoke with a deep tone.

“Not a problem young miss. You appeared to be in need of a knight in shining armor; I just happened to be your man.”

“Are you a knight?” The man’s expression changed.

“Ah, well no, I was merely saying that as an expression.” Talia perked up at the announcement of one of her social quandaries.

“Oh, yes, I am familiar with those. You mean to say even though you are not a knight in this instance you have taken the role as one. Another expression would be to say that you were my “diamond in the rough.” The man looked at Talia confused and slightly taken back.

“I do believe that you are confused, miss,” he looked to and fro awkwardly for a moment before turning back to Talia. “Well, it’s been a pleasure saving you, but I need to be off; I have many things to do, so on so forth.” The man quickly hurried away, stopping only briefly to speak with a young, wild-eyed boy who smiled when he saw her. As Talia continued to stare at them with a confused expression, they began to walk away until they were gone from sight.

“An odd young man,” Talia shrugged off the incident and watched as the townspeople began to clear out of the square, at long last granting her access to the barracks where she was sure that Eliza was waiting most impatiently. Talia took off at a run and nearly slammed into the back of one of the senior knights who was standing outside of the sparring grounds where Eliza’s squad was waiting for her, all bearing confused expressions.

Talia attempted to sneak her way through and did her best to draw as little attention to herself as possible as she filed into the back of the line. As she took up her place, Rowan caught her eye and motioned towards the high council who were assembled above them on the balcony with what looked to be more of the Dormeeran leaders, Eliza’s father the Lion, and Zelus. As Eliza walked in front of her team, she shot Talia a disgruntled glare and motioned with her eyes up above. Convinced that Talia understood her frustrations, Eliza faced her entire team and began to relay the situation to them.

“Everyone, the council has decided that, despite the announcement that they were going to disband us should we fail to meet their expectations by the week’s end, that instead, with consent from our allies from Dormeera, it would be better if a third team be created. Each and every one of us will still compete in this year’s tournament of arms. We and team Calnus will simply not be the only teams for Valascaana.

Similarly, there will now be an additional team from Dormeera. I have been informed that our allies from the south, the Tartarians, will also be arriving before the week’s end and will have their own teams, which will be competing.” A burst of chatter rang out among the other cadets. Rowan gripped his hands tightly while Talia stood, the only one unfazed by the news, though apparently the only one who knew nothing of the other nation. Talia listened intently as Eliza continued with her speech to the cadets.

“While many of you may be unhappy with the inclusion of the Tartarians, they, the same as us, have a strong desire for peace between our nations. I have been informed by the high council that these games shall help implement peace and bring about a brighter age for the people of Valascaana.” Eliza continuously looked back over her shoulder towards the high council where Zelus no longer appeared to be in sight.

After a few moments, Eliza ordered her team to prepare for training as the doors leading into the training grounds opened wide and Zelus along with two others entered the ring. Among them, Talia recognized the new friend who had saved her from the crowd only a short few minutes ago, albeit without his tiny little friend. His expression was much different from before, as if he was uncomfortable or did not belong. The other was a young girl, who despite hiding beneath her hood, apparently had sandy brown hair and dark brown eyes. Her tiny legs scuttled in an attempt to keep up with Zelus and the tall dark man.

“We have decided that we wish for a third team to compete within the games. The third team shall be led by Sir Zelus and its creation will require us to reassign team members.” The head councilman, Imperius, spoke over the eye of Aneira. His voice carried down to the cadets below with deafening intensity. Talia looked for the rest of Zelus’ team, but no one save the Lion entered through the gates behind them. The gates closed and the councilman’s booming voice sounded overhead as Zelus and his two members walked into the center of the ring where Talia witnessed him giving Eliza a most displeased look. Suddenly the obvious struck her; the missing members of Zelus’ team were going to be filled in by people from the existing teams. As the thought arose in her mind, the voice of the councilman came back into existence.

“From here on out, each team shall consist of five members. Four knight cadets and their team captain. Captains shall be fighting alongside their teams and will also be judged in the upcoming tournament of arms. The Dormeeran and Tartarian teams shall follow this change.” The voice cut out and Zelus approached Eliza as team Calnus entered the arena. When Talia looked to them, she recognized the same irritated and angered expressions on their faces that she saw on the faces of her own teammates. As everyone formed up beside Talia’s team, they looked at the two new recruits and then to Zelus.

“So then, what is it that the council has demanded now?” Nilus remained composed though the effort was obviously proving to be strenuous even for him. Zelus looked at him and let out a sigh before proceeding.

“The council has reassigned Nathan from team Calnus and Thomas from team Kaldur. They are now to report to me and shall be considered permanent members until after the tournament.” He paused for a moment as if the words he was about to say caused him to chafe. Zelus looked over to Colette and his expression grew even dimmer. “The council has ordered me to inform you that they were going to reassign you as they had hoped you would rise to the example set before you by Sir Alec Dante of Highmooria. However, they have decided to instead place their faith in Sir Thomas.” Talia had little grasp of social etiquette, but she gathered from the discontented looks of her friends that this was another of the council’s “social experiments” that she had been warned of. After a moment, the commotion settled and Talia focused on the loss of their friends.

“So, it seems that the council has decided they wish you an easy victory. They have given you Team Calnus’ most experienced combatant and given you team Kaldur’s strongest fighter. Are they certain they do not wish for us to simply withdraw?” Jeriah’s anger was beginning to seep out. Zelus raised his hands to motion for Jeriah to calm down.

“Jeriah, your brother and I are good friends; please understand that this is not my decision.” Though Nathan and Thomas seemed unfazed, Collette was growing into her feistier form.

“It may not have been your decision, but it is apparent that you are the one who has profited from it.” This time Eliza stepped in.

“Alright, that is enough. We have our orders. I am not at all happy with this either, but we must make the best of it or else we shall all be the worse for it.” Jeriah and Colette backed down from Zelus who was still annoyed by the entire situation. Eliza who was still standing between the angry packs continued with her diffusion.

“Well, since we are already here, would anyone wish to spar? We have three completed teams, so we could either split off into pairs or we could take turns.”

“How about we try a three-team brawl? It is more realistic and will mimic the type of fighting we will participate in once the competition begins.” Talia turned her attention back to the tall, dark man. He made an interesting point, Talia imagined that this would be the closest she had been to actual combat since her training began and she was eager to prove that she had come far since her reawakening.

“I will second.” She stated, to which many people turned and gave her odd stares. Talia grew red from embarrassment and ruffled her clothes. “I wish to test myself in a more realistic setting.” Everyone turned back from her to address their captains. Zelus turned toward Nilus and Eliza.

“Would this be alright with you two?” Nilus nodded and Talia could tell that Eliza was growing excited. She watched carefully and laughed as Eliza slipped her doodling pad back into her pack.

“That sounds great to me. I have been looking forward to some action. Give us a moment as we will need to redefine our tactics now that we have lost our sentinel.” Zelus nodded his head as he turned towards team Calnus. Nilus looked to his team.

“Our tactics will not require much change. I can replace Nathan.” Nilus walked toward the weapon rack but was stopped by Jeriah.

“Brother, if it is not too much to ask, I want to fill that position. I have been practicing and greatly desire the opportunity to prove myself.” Nilus thought to himself for a moment before making his decision.

“On a trial basis only. If things are not going well, then you will return to the second line.”

Jeriah nodded his head and smiled brightly. “I will not disappoint you.”

Nilus turned back towards Zelus as Eliza continued to work with her team.

“Alright everyone, does anyone have any objections?” Talia looked back and forth to her team who were all accepting Eliza’s new formation with a level of confidence. As one, the team answered with a confident “yes” and then turned towards their opponents.

“Is everyone ready?” Zelus asked.

“We are.” Both Eliza and Nilus answered. The three teams formed up. Rowan, Talia and Colette took up the front of theirs. Eliza stood behind, next to Giles, her bow already drawn. Talia could not help but admire the new bow Eliza had created. It was different from the typical bows they used in the academy, as it possessed three bowstrings that worked in unison to fire a stronger arrow that traveled a much greater distance. The frame of the bow was made from a dark wood and Eliza stained it so that it nearly matched the color of her traveling clothes. Despite all of her experience, it had taken Eliza a great deal of strength training to be capable of wielding such a bow.

Talia took up her place on Rowan’s left, Colette covering his right, and they each held up their shields. Eliza and Giles fell in line immediately behind them so that they could be bastioned as well. Talia tensed as she looked toward the other teams and saw Team Nilus’ frontline. Annette, Andre and Jeriah, along with Nilus and Mariah were in the back. Then, she looked over to Team Zelus and had a thought.

“Eliza.” Talia whispered. Eliza turned her head from their opponents and looked at Talia.

“What?”

“What is Sir Zelus’ surname?” Although Talia could not see Eliza’s reaction, the noise Eliza made forced her to believe that she was smiling.

“We can talk later; right now focus on the fight.” Talia looked back over to Team Zelus and saw the tall dark man walking back from the sidelines with a large stick in his hand.

“That’s called a bo staff. They are common amongst travelers from the west.” Rowan told Talia as the tall man fell into the back of the line behind, Zelus, Nathan and Thomas. Talia attempted to look further past Zelus and saw that the young girl stood behind him, her tiny body barely visible behind the wall of armor protecting her. In her miniscule hands, she held another stick, though it was quite different from the other man’s, her stick clearly ended with a blunt spear tip. Talia waited patiently until the Lion ordered the fighting to begin.

All three teams moved into the battle. Talia marched alongside her teammates as a steady stream of arrows pelted against their shields. Eliza studied her openings carefully and took her time plotting her shots.

“Halt!” Eliza called to her team, who halted and formed up around her. Talia watched as Eliza secured only the first string of her bow. She reached into her quiver and pulled from it one of her weighted hammer arrows, which she notched and then took up her stance.

“Shields up!” Talia could hear Zelus call as his team lifted their shields to the ready. Eliza took a deep breath and pulled back against her bowstring with little difficulty. She narrowed her vision and released her arrow. Talia’s hair whipped sideways as the arrow blew past her head and struck the very edge of Nathan’s shield. Nathan’s shield tipped, striking him in the side of the head. The blow cut him, but it lacked enough strength to knock him over. Nathan looked back to Eliza with shock in his eyes. Talia noticed that his shield now bore a sizeable dent on its surface. Talia, Rowan and Colette pressed forward and collided with the frontlines of the other two teams.

“Stay together; do not separate for anything!” Eliza yelled as she began leaning from side to side in search of a decent shot. Talia began to propel weapon strikes off her shield and lent in a few jabs of her own as the brawl truly began. She took in a breath and followed through using her training. Eliza had once told her when Alec was attempting to hone in on a fight, he would blot out the world and become one with the battle. Talia now tried to replicate this process and began to focus on only the battle, her body acting out with instinctual reflexes.

Nathan jabbed at her and Talia tipped her shield to the side allowing the blow to graze its edge as she slashed out into the small opening that his strike provided her. She grazed Nathan’s shoulder and he winced slightly as he stepped backwards to defend himself. Next, Talia saw Rowan’s sickle reach out and snatch Nathan’s shield, pulling it away from his chest where shortly after a hammer arrow struck him to the ground.

“First Blood!” They could hear Keagen cry out. As Talia continued to focus in on the chaos of the battle, her shield was slammed into her and she was thrown out of the lineup. Talia landed hard on the ground, her sword sliding far out of reach. Her team formed up to cover her absence and she watched as they attempted to repel the charge led by Thomas and Zelus.

Talia rose to her feet and attempted to catch her breath as she used her shield to defend herself from incoming arrows shot by both opposing teams. As she tried to reproach the battle, her team slowly began to give ground in order to reach her. Talia was tempted to use her projectile ward to shield herself from the oncoming assault, but was reminded of the promise she had made to Eliza, Zelus and Eliza’s parents. She continued to defend herself and fell back in line once the others finally reached her.

“Grab your sword!” Eliza yelled at Talia who nodded and stepped backwards as she watched Annette and Mariah walk off from the field, having been defeated by Zelus. As Talia reached for her weapon and took up her position next to her comrades, she noticed the secret to Team Zelus’ success. She watched as the small child was issuing commands from behind the others, with the exception of Nathan, they were experiencing a flawless victory. Andre and Zelus continued to lash out from behind their shields as the tall, dark man walked out from behind cover long enough to lash out at Team Calnus with his bo staff.

Team Kaldur watched in awe as Nilus gave up his bow and fought with sword and shield to defend himself as the rest of the team were dismantled by the mysterious man. Rowan, seeing that Eliza was the only remaining archer, slid his shield onto his back and pulled out his twin sickles. Eliza continued to fire one arrow after another but they were repeatedly deflected by the man and though they slammed aggressively off from their shields, Zelus and Thomas remained strong. Eliza slipped her bow back into her quiver and pulled out her curved blades.

“Forego range, engage them in melee!” She yelled and Giles, who still looked confused, grabbed his sword and shield and joined the frontline. Talia, Giles and Colette formed up while Eliza and Rowan prepared for an all-out assault. As they ran up on Team Zelus, they watched as Nilus and Jeriah, the sole remaining members of Team Calnus, fought feverishly against the four members of Zelus’s team.

Eliza jumped and swung her leg around kicking Thomas in the back, knocking him forwards. The rest of Team Zelus turned with the exception of the Bo staff wielder who was now fighting Nilus and Jeriah by himself. Talia crashed into Thomas as Zelus turned and slashed his sword against Colette’s shield. Colette’s tiny body was knocked sideways, but she managed to press her shield in front of herself in time to avoid Zelus’ second stroke.

“It’s seven against four Zelus. How do plan on winning this one?” Eliza taunted him as she knocked away the young girl’s spear with her sword. Thomas stepped forward and nearly crushed poor Giles in the process.

“I do not feel at a disadvantage. Without Alec, there are few who can compete with my team. I had the academy’s star strategist and Anton on my side even before I knew that we were gaining Thomas and Nathan. I am sorry to admit it Eliza, but the council has given me more advantage than I find fair.” He lightly tapped Giles on both shoulders and the young boy walked from the battle, hanging his head. Talia turned her head back towards the tall man, who she figured must have been Anton. She watched in awe as he wielded his Bo staff in a flurry of blows, disarming both Jeriah and Nilus and knocking them to the ground.

“Kareena, you may sit out, you performed exceptionally today.” Eliza watched as the young girl dropped her defensive stance and walked from the field.” Zelus looked back at Eliza. “Now, it is three on four, Eliza. Please don’t make me fight you.” Zelus attempted to calm Eliza down as if he were concerned for her. Eliza smiled wickedly as she lashed out at Zelus. Talia and Colette held their weapons out to Thomas as Rowan approached Anton who had both of his sickles at the ready.

“Thomas, I apologize in advance for what we are about to do.” Thomas nodded his head toward them.

“And, I to you. At least our change of fate ends us on opposite sides of a friendly battle and not one rewarded in blood.” Talia smiled though Colette, eager to prove herself, rushed out at him and began to dance around slashing wildly in an attempt to topple the giant. Talia ran up on Thomas to lend her aid, taking a moment to watch as Eliza viciously attacked Zelus, while Rowan and Anton stood staring at one another, as if partaking in a battle of wits.

“Relina, help me!” Talia turned back towards Colette who was still struggling to get around Thomas. Talia struck out at him and, within a matter of moments, the two managed to strike him in spots that would have proven fatal had the combat been genuine. Thomas walked from the field as Talia with Colette ran up on Zelus.

“Help Rowan!” Eliza looked at Colette and Talia as they walked up on Zelus.

“Come on Zelus, you remember how this went the last time we fought, don’t you?” Eliza smiled as she could see Zelus’ eyebrows rise at the low blow dealt to him.

“Much has changed Eliza. I hope you find that I am much stronger now.” Zelus pushed back against Eliza and the two continued their battle as Talia and Colette ran to Rowan who was struggling to hold Anton in check.

“I’ve got this.” Rowan forced the words out as he strained to hold Anton’s Bo staff in place with his sickles. Anton’s face remained unchanged; it was free from perspiration or signs of fatigue. He continued to force his Bo staff down as Rowan strained to keep him at bay.

“You have improved since our last encounter Rowan. Gaius would be most pleased with your progress. Were you able to complete your mission since you left?” He continued to slowly overpower Rowan. Rowan continued to stare into his eyes as he smiled.

“No, that is why I have returned to Valascaana. I am sorry that I was unable to attend Gaius’ funeral.” Rowan pressed off from the ground and forced Anton’s staff to the side as he began to recover ground.

“You should have never left.” Anton pulled Rowan closer to him and slammed his staff against Rowan’s shoulder. Rowan winced slightly as he continued to hold the larger man at bay. Meanwhile, Eliza and Zelus continued their battle. Eliza continued to lash ferociously against Zelus’ shield and, in his attempt to strike back, she hooked around his arm and ripped his shield free.

“Alright Anton, let’s end this.” Anton, twisting the staff slowly, brought Rowan’s left hand to an uncomfortable crippling position. Rowan groaned in pain as he strained against the force pinning the bone of his forearm. He attempted to shift as Zelus defended himself against Eliza’s onslaught.

“Rowan, this is silly. We are coming to help.” Talia and Colette ran to him.

“No, don’t!” Rowan began to yell. Anton looked, saw the duo moving toward him, and smiled before spinning Rowan around and kicking him in the back. Rowan, Talia and Colette all tumbled to the ground as Anton quickly tapped each of them on the back with the end of his staff.

“Cadets Talia, Rowan and Colette are out!” The loudspeaker announced as Zelus knocked Eliza backward a step. Anton went in for the back attack as Eliza leaned to the side in time to catch the staff on the shoulder.

“Ah!” Zelus yelled as Anton’s staff shot past Eliza and struck him in the face.

“Knight Captain Zelus is out!” Zelus stared up at the speaker angrily as Eliza turned back toward Anton who had already vanished from her sight.

“Knight Captain Eliza is out!”

“What!?” Eliza yelled as she turned and jumped as Anton’s staff nearly wedged itself into her eye socket. Eliza stared at her opponent for a moment bewildered at an opponent who not only matched, but also excelled her speed. Anton twirled his staff around to his back and Eliza could hear it click into its holster. Anton bowed his head to Eliza as he turned and took his leave.

“Team Zelus is victorious!” The loudspeaker cried out as Zelus’ team swarmed around Anton and Team Kaldur gathered and stared. Talia turned her head towards Rowan who bore a troubled expression.

“Is he a friend of yours?” Rowan’s expression grew slightly grimmer before he answered.

“Once, perhaps, though I am unsure at present.” Talia and Rowan both turned their attention towards Eliza who was walking back towards them after a quick talk with Nilus.

“Well everyone, I hope that it has become apparent that we have a great deal of training ahead of us this week if we hope to be prepared for the upcoming games. For now, I would have us split into two groups. We lost here today due to a lack of teamwork, and we will all be taking turns sparring off two against three.” Everyone groaned collectively as they fell in line and Eliza paired them off. Their training was going to become much more intense from here on out. They only had a handful of days remaining before the tournament of arms began.