Because Klyran’s weapon weighted less, some of the tricks that Ildurin did would simply caused the black-haired young man to lose his grip of the blade. It made him become amazed, having realize that while humans did not possess special powers, except for the mages, they had created different ways and techniques to defend themselves.

Klyran knew that Ildurin was considered the champion of men. The strongest Knight, the one who won the titles from all the corners of this world. With every blow that they exchanged, the Ryan would grow more and more passionate. There was no more anger lingering and respect took its place. He felt somewhat honoured that this man in front of him offered to be his opponent and even taught him everything that he thought might help him improve. Despite many of his movements still being stiff and awkward, Klyran could feel the difference in his fighting. He was more at ease and was more stable. He could somewhat read his opponent and knew that if he nourished those skills that he learned today, he would do what he always dreamed of. He would improve and become one step closer to being able to match someone from his kin.

The two of them got so passionate about the battle, that they both completely forgot that Klyran’s weapon was more frail. It was not until they both heard a loud snap was it that both of them quickly jumped back and away from each other.

The Ryan then looked down at his weapon and noticed a large crack covering his dear weapon. Some small pieces from the side even fell off. Klyran’s eyes widened and he could not believe what he was seeing. His precious blade was on the verge of breaking.

“I am sorry”, Ildurin said and approached him, “At least it is not completely broken. I am sure we can fix this.”

“It would have happened eventually”, the Ryan said while looking longingly at his blade.

“That’s all right” the two of them suddenly jumped and turned to see Aldryn walking toward them.

All the men that were watching them so far have parted and made space for the Oracle and the Queen to pass, bowing their heads in respect.

“I am sorry to say this, but that blade was never meant to last” the blonde priest said with an apologetic look.

“This was an impressive battle”, Lunahera praised them, causing Klyran to blush when her kind smile fell upon him.

“Can we really fix it?” the Ryan said and looked at the King.

“It can be reforged” he nodded back.

“While the blacksmith of the Silver City is amazing at his trade, I suggest you postpone this for Diarum”, the apostle said as he approached Klyran.

“You are heading to Diarum?” Ildurin exclaimed, “Then you should definitely wait until you get there. There are no better blacksmiths in this world than the Monias. Every weapon they make is a piece of art.”

Those words caused the brunet to lighten up a bit, the mere thought that his weapon could be saved and even improved made his heart lighter.

“I have some business there” Aldryn nodded and then took out from a pocket a figure of what seemed to be a fox hugging a gem, “This broke a few weeks ago and I am looking to have this fixed”, he said with a shrug.

While Klyran did not understand what was so special about that piece of jewel, he noticed from the corner of his eye recognition pass thought Ildurin and Flangir. When he expressed his curiosity, the priest appearance suddenly changed.

“This used to be my seal. A part of me is still tied to it, as the priest’s body could never resist my full strength” the Thrae spoke in a deep voice that was so uncharacteristic for the oracle.

His sudden appearance also caused the other men from the field to jump back in surprise. They heard, of course, about the Thrae, but seeing it with their own eyes was a completely different matter. Just as quickly as the Fox came and took over, just as suddenly Aldryn was back in control. Klyran only nodded, not fully understanding the concept behind the spells. But the information was enough for him to realise that it was an important jewel for his friend.

The four of them then begun walking back to the Castle, at Lunahera’s insistence that they have dinner. Ildurin only quickly stopped to send his men home and picked up Cyan, setting the young boy on his shoulder and then running to catch up to them. The movement caused the child to laugh loudly, which made the King and Queen smile, their love and adoration for this small human being obvious in their eyes.

“Who is the Kenman?” Klyran suddenly asked, as the company was passing though a hall.

It caused the conversation to pause and even made the Ryan feel a bit uncomfortable about asking.

“He is the greatest swordsman of this land” Ildurin said, which caused both Klyran and Cyan to frown.

“I though that was you?” the small child asked, expressing the Ryan’s question.

“Our Ildurin is called the best warrior of men. The Kenmen well”, Lunahera then paused, not sure how to word her sentence.

“They were not exactly humans. Or at least they claimed to be something else”, Aldryn continued for her and they all resumed their way.

“Regardless”, Ildurin exclaimed, “He is the best warrior to walk this earth. I could never match up to him.”

“It has been ten years since you fought with him and you still say that” Lunahera then gave a gentle laugh.

“How could I not?” the King shouted, feeling insulted.

“I attacked him with everything I had and he dodged me. Not not mention that he never even drew out his weapon. He defeated me with such ease and even managed to grab my weapon straight from my hand and press it to my throat. I didn’t even fully understood what happened. I could never win against him”, Ildurin explained.

His words awakened Klyran’s curiosity. He considered Ildurin to be a very strong opponent and even begun to think that if he would ever be able to at least match him, he would be able to at least defend himself back home. But this new creature they all talked about made his imagination run wild. He tried to think of someone who would be able to defeat the King of the Silver City with such ease that he just described. Sure, it has been ten years ago and it was a long time for a human, but it still meant a lot.

“As a matter of fact”, Ildurin continued to say and stopped again, turning to face Klyran, “You should seek him out.”

It caused the Ryan to stumble a bit. The mere thought of going after such a fearsome opponent made a shiver rush through his spine.

“The first thing that I though when I saw your weapon is that its shape was similar to the blade that the Kenman wields” the King said and nodded toward the broken weapon.

“That’s right” Aldryn then clapped his hands, “I knew it looked somewhat familiar.”

“You are an idiot” the Thrae sighed in the priest’s mind.

“You should ask him to teach you a few things. Though I would advise that you approach him through Ylvis. He doesn’t really like Aldryn”, Ildurin then whispered to Klyran.

“Why?” he asked back with a low voice.

“Let’s just say that he is a man of high intellect and people that lag behind him in a conversation like Aldryn tends to do, despite his wits, tend to annoy him” the King then laughed, along with his nephew who heard every word.

The priest, while having heard every word, did not comment and simply send a glare toward Ildurin.

“Do you think that he will teach me?” the brunet said and he came to walk side by side with Ildurin.

“It’s worth a try. Plus you are a Ryan and I doubt that he will pass an opportunity to find out more about your kin” the King then gave him a shrug, sincerely not knowing the answer to this question.

Before Klyran could say anything else, the five of them arrived in front of a set of double doors that the two guards, standing on each side, opened. The moment that there was no longer a barrier between the room and the hall, the aroma of a delicious meal seeped out. It quickly distracted the Ryan who became more curious in that moment about the food that they were all about to serve, as many of the smells were new to him.