Soul Cursed Protector

Many a year had passed in the Kingdom Of Drasal. King Edward was more ill now than ever. Chamberlain Ballard, had more control over matters than anyone else, and was making decisions for the King, be good or bad. As for Alistair, he had become a vile and evil man, no longer did he care for the duties of being a knight, nor did he care about honor or protecting the weak either. All he cared for was learning all of the secrets of the book he had acquired, nothing more than that mattered to him.

On the other hand, young Gawain had grown into a fine adult. His brown hair had grown down to his shoulders, and his goatee was more visible, he had even grown a foot taller. Gawain even full- filled his obligation and became a Master at the Academy. He was now teaching the art of the blade to the younger students, like Leon and Ulric, who had now became the best of friends. But like all friends they did fight every once in a while over who was the best out of the two, sometimes jealousy will

come between friends, its just the way it is.

Nevertheless, on this day thing’s were about to drastically change for the new master and his students. Lord Alistair was on his way to the Academy with demands that he intended on being carried out by them alone. “Lord Alistair, I haven’t seen you in ages. To what do I owe-”

“Enough talking, Baird. I don’t care for your humble words for me, the title of Lord is something I care not for, and being a knight is all but the past. I will be King soon, so just do as you are told.” Alistair grumbled.

“This is my Academy, Lord Alistair. You shall not speak to me in these hallowed halls in such a manner. Knight or not.” Baird retorted.

Something seemed to snap inside of Alistair and his calm demeanor changed into that of a man full of rage. “Baird, I have an important mission that I need your best men to go on. Get your ass moving and go and retrieve the best of the best in this dump of yours. And do so with haste.” he ordered. “Or will you refuse your future King?”

Baird got right back in Alistair’s face, “You sir, are not my King. Nor are you the Knight that I remember from the past. You use to be a good man, full of promise. Now look at what you have become.” Baird lowered his head in shame at the man that stood before him. “For that reason, I shall not send anymore men to their deaths in vain, not for an arrogant bastard like you. Now be gone from my sight.”

Alistair unsheathed his blade, “If you do not do as I ask of you Baird, then I will have no choice but to kill you like the dog you are, and replace you with someone that will bend to my will.”

Baird shook his head, you could see the disappointment flooding over his face. “What has happened to you, Alistair? You were once my best student, the King’s most trusted Knight. Why did you decide to throw it all away?” Baird had his hand on the hilt of his sword, but was hesitant to unsheathe it. The man did not wish to do battle with his former student, Alistair was like a son to him.

Alistair laughed at Baird, it was very dark and maniacal, very unlike him at all. “Are you afraid to fight me, Baird?” Alistair smirked. “How about I make this easier for you.” he used the tip of his blade to cut Baird’s cheek wide open. “Do you wish to fight me?”

Even with blood running down Baird’s face from the open wound, he still refused to unsheathe his blade and fight Alistair. “For your own sake, please stop this madness. Whatever path you are now following, you still have time to change. This is nothing more than foolery, can’t you see that?”

“Tsk, tsk, tsk. Do you really think that I am mad, Baird?” asked Alistair, he lowered his sword and smiled. “Let me tell you a story, stop me if you have heard this one. Better yet, don’t, because I’m sure you know of this story already, old friend. You see I know of the blade that King Edward holds dear, and the true power it contains. I also know that the Kings Defender is only half of a whole, if I can acquire its better half, the Reaper Blade. Then all I have to do is say a little transfer of power spell, with the help from a certain Mage that is, and well you know the rest.” Alistair shrugged. “That’s why I need the best the Academy has to offer, for I have found the location of the first piece of that extraordinary blade I speak of. Do you understand now, Baird?”

Baird gripped the hilt of his sword tighter. “What do you intend to do with such a powerful blade, Alistair?”

Alistair laughed, “You ask such foolish questions. What do you think I will do with such a blade?” he raised his blade back up at Baird, who was now considering fighting as his only option, which seemed to please Alistair greatly. “I see that you want answers, Baird. And I shall give you the answers you seek before I kill you, for I am a generous man.” he smiled evilly. “I plan to use the Reaper Blade to completely resurrect and control the Dark Powers. Then, and only then, shall I be master of the Dark Knights, and rule this world the way I see fit. But do not worry yourself with such a matter, you will not be here to witness my rise in power.”

The look on Baird’s face said it all, he knew what he had to do, and there was no turning back.

“I see.” he looked away. “So that is your plan. Then I guess you leave me with no choice.” Baird reluctantly unsheathed his blade, “You are a fool, Alistair. I shall stop you, even if I must give my life to do so. Have at thee.”

“And here I thought this was going to be boring.” Alistair mocked him, before lunging with his

blade.

Baird easily knocked the oncoming blade away, “Is that all you’ve got? Or are you still toying with me?” he slashed at Alistair’s face with his sword.

Alistair side stepped the blade that was coming down at him, and countered Baird’s attack with his own that wounded Baird’s upper arm, “I’m just having a little fun with you first, Baird.” smiling, like he was having the time of his life.

Baird ignored the cut on his arm that was bleeding out, and charged at Alistair. “Don’t think that you will kill me that easily, Alistair.” he proceeded to side slash his blade at Alistair, hopping to make a quick and deadly blow to end the fight. However Baird was shocked to see how quick Alistair was on his feet, even in his heavy armor. Alistair jumped backwards just enough that Baird’s blade barely nicked part of his nose and face.

Alistair could feel the blood running down his face, and the pain from the cut itself. Which was enough to send Alistair into a fit of rage, “How dare you.” he screamed. “How dare you cut the face of of a god. I’m done playing games, now you die.” he kicked Baird’s chest hard, sending him flying backwards onto the ground. It was unbelievable, the amount of strength that Alistair had acquired, sending a man as big and as skilled as Baird backwards with just one kick. That is no easy feet for any man. Baird was even caught off guard by his strength, he could now sense that he was in big trouble, and may not make it out alive.

Alistair was upon Baird with his blade held up in the air, getting ready to plunge it straight through Baird’s chest. Without even the slightest hesitation Alistair brought the blade downward. Baird

though, still had enough fight left in him to roll out of the way, letting the tip of the blade come crashing down to the floor. Seeing the opportunity, Baird swept Alistair’s feet out from under him.

The tables had been turned in Baird’s favor, or so he had thought. He grabbed for the sword that Alistair had dropped, jumped to his feet, and with haste, tried to plunge it through Alistair’s evil heart. But Alistair was quicker, stronger, then ever before and managed to grab the blade with his hand before it even touched his breast plate. “What’s wrong, Baird? You look surprised.” Alistair smirked.

Baird pushed down with all of his might, but it was of no use, Alistair was just to strong. And that’s when he had seen the dark aura surrounding Alistair’s body, “So you draw from upon a dark power for your strength?” Baird hissed.

“The “Dark Arts” to be exact, Baird. Let me show you just a sample of the power I have acquired.” Alistair took his free hand, grabbing the blade, now with both hands he snapped the sword in half with ease. Baird had no idea what to think or even what to do, never had he seen such strength come from a single man. While Baird was distracted, Alistair took the part of the broken blade he was holding and stabbed it through Baird’s right calf muscle. He went down in agonizing pain, gripping his leg trying to slow down the bleeding. Poor Baird’s fate was sealed, it was only a matter of time before Alistair would finish what he started. “It’s a shame that I had to break such a beautiful blade, especially one that I was so fond of.” Alistair proceeded to walk over to where Baird had dropped his own sword, he bent over to pick it up, knowing that Baird was unable to flee. Alistair had all the time in the world to make Baird suffer, and he relished in that fact. Alistair looked over at Baird, “Do you want me to tell you a secret before you die?”

Baird still holding his leg, was trying to figure some way out of the situation he found himself in, but things were looking very bleak indeed. “Why don’t you stop playing mind games and just kill me.” he spate.

“Still trying to play the hero, huh Baird.” Alistair arrogantly said, making his way towards the

fallen warrior. “Besides, there is still plenty of time for that.” Alistair was looking down at Baird still smiling that evil smile of his. “Don’t you worry, after I am done sharing my secret with you, I shall end your pathetic existence.”

Baird felt as though that he was about to meet his end at the hands of the man that he once considered his own son. Still yet he plotted of a way to take down that bastard with him. Then he remembered something, Alistair did not have his helmet on, which left his face and neck open for one last attack. “Wait. I have something that I want to tell you first, if you will allow a fallen warrior one last word that is.” knowing that if he could get Alistair close enough, he may be able to end him. “Don’t you at least owe me that much?”

Sure enough, Baird’s plan had worked. Alistair knelt down beside him, giving Baird the opening he was hoping for. He didn’t give Alistair a chance to speak, Baird reached down and pulled the broken blade from his leg and plunged it towards Alistair’s face. Unfortunately for Baird the attack was for not, Alistair could read his every move and caught Baird’s hand, stopping the tip of the blade, just inches away from piercing Alistair’s left eye. “That’s not very nice of you.” Alistair hissed, using his new found strength to force Baird to turn the blade back on himself. “You know, out of every teacher in this hell hole, you were my favorite, but even a student must surpass his master. That is why it pains me to have to do this to you Baird. But no matter, at least your sword will be put to good use.” he plunged the broken blade straight into Baird’s chest.

Baird was coughing up blood profusely as he spoke to Alistair, “You will only.....bring....ruin....and destruction upon yourself. I.....die....knowing....that someone here....will...stop you someday.” that would be the last words that he would speak. Alistair sat there and watched as his old teacher died by his hand, tears rolled down his cheeks, and that was the last bit of humanity Alistair had left in him. Ignoring the words that had been spoken to him, Alistair stood up and sheathed Baird’s sword as his own. It was nothing more than his trophy, a reminder of the man he had

now become. He had only one problem, Baird’s body needed to be disposed of, and someone to take Baird’s place as head of the Academy. And he knew exactly who to call upon, his most trusted Knight and now second in command to only him, Sir Caine.

Alistair let days go by, even weeks before he announced to everyone at the Academy, that Head Master Baird has disappeared, and Caine was now the new Headmaster. “Now listen to me, everyone. I know this comes as a surprise, but we are doing all we can to find Baird. Until further notice, Caine is in control. Do as he commands, show him the same respect you would for Head Master Baird.” he then turned and whispered something to Caine before taking his leave.

Gawain was standing in the very back of the room, listening to everything that was being said, he trusted in none of the lies that Alistair was telling. He felt as though something was a miss, and he intended on proving it. Caine though, had other plans for him, “Master Gawain. Front and center if you will.” Caine demanded.

Gawain slowly made his way to the front of the room to come face to face with his old friend, “What do you want with me, Caine?” he barked.

“That is Head Master Caine to you, Gawain. Learn that well.” Caine hissed. “You are not the true Headmaster, and you never will be.” Gawain grumbled. “Then who am I?” Caine asked.

“You are nothing more than a power hungry devil, like Alistair.” Gawain answered. “Do not speak of Lord Alistair, or myself, in such a manner, especially in front of my

subordinates. Or would you like to be marked as a traitor in front of all these witnesses? And your students will pay as well.” Caine devilishly smiled. Gawain looked around the room and realized it would be a bad idea to challenge Caine here and now, it would place him and his students in danger, especially Leon. So he swallowed his pride and kept silent. Caine looked at him and kept smiling, “That’s what I thought. Now lets get down to business, shall we Gawain.”

“What will you have me do?” Gawain asked hesitantly, he didn’t like taking orders from such a vile man, but for now he had no choice.

“That’s better, Gawain. I knew you would have your students best interest in mind.” he winked, knowing that it would get under Gawain’s skin. “You are to take your best students and go to the Cave Of Sorrow.”

Gawain was terrified at hearing Caine’s commands, “What, you would have us go on a suicide mission such as that? Are you mad, Caine? I will not put my students in such danger, they are still to young”

Caine’s smile turned into a scowl, “You will, or I will have you exiled. And your students, well they will be slaves of Lord Alistair’s to do with as he pleases. Is that what you want, Gawain?”

Gawain walked up close to Caine, looking him straight in the eyes. “I need to know what I am searching for. Or would you send us in blind?” he fought the urge to draw upon Caine as he spoke.

Caine had his hand on the hilt of his sword, just waiting for Gawain to try something, “You are in search of a piece of a certain blade for Lord Alistair, nothing more nothing less. Assemble your group, and be quick about it Gawain. Time is wasting.”

Gawain caught a glimpse of how nervous Caine was acting, and he couldn’t help but smile, “Don’t worry Caine, I’m not going to hurt you, not yet anyways. But know this, when we return, and we will, I will deal with you then.” he turned and motioned for Leon and Ulrich to follow as he took his leave, and left Caine standing there fuming.

“Are we really going on our first mission?” Ulrich excitedly asked.

“That is true, Ulrich. We have a mission to go on, the three of us plus one.” Gawain answered. “Plus one? Just who is this plus one?” Leon stepped in and asked.

“Easy there boy’s, that is one answer that I cannot give. For now I shall go and get us some supplies, meet me out front in half an hours time.” Gawain told them.

“Understood, old man.” Ulrich chuckled.

Gawain glared at Ulrich but he had not the time for childish games, “Just go and get whatever you think you may need before we take our leave.” he demanded, before walking away in a hurry.

“Come on, Leon. Lets go grab a few things that I am for certain we shall need.” Ulrich said pushing Leon forwards.

“Alright, but we better make it quick. We shouldn’t be late meeting up with Master Gawain.” replied Leon.

As the two young teens were walking back to their sleeping quarters, Ulrich decided to poke fun at Leon. “Why do you care so much about what that old man thinks? Trying to impress him is of no use, if that’s what you are trying to do.”

Leon didn’t take to kindly of what Ulrich was saying, it seemed to have upset him if anything, “Why do you speak so lowly of Master Gawain?”

Ulrich jumped in front of Leon and kept him from walking on ahead, “Why do you think so highly of him?”

“He’s been so kind to us, and has taught us so much. Why would I think lowly of him?” Leon answered. “Just get out of the way.” he tried to get around Ulrich, but he was stopped once again.

“Not so fast, Leon. There’s more to the story here, and we’re not going anywhere until you tell me all of it.” Ulrich demanded.

“Then I guess I shall have to make you move instead.” Leon snarled, and took a fighting stance.

Ulrich looked at Leon and busted up laughing, but then stopped once he realized that Leon wasn’t joking. “You’re serious aren’t you?”

“I am.” Leon said. “Move or I move you myself.”

“There is no need for me to get into a fighting stance, Leon. You couldn’t beat me even if you tried. Do you not remember what happens every time we have fought?” Ulrich said, holding his head

up high.

“It’s a new day, Ulrich. I’m sure I can take you this time around.” Leon smirked, before he took a swing at Ulrich.

Ulrich easily dodged Leon’s punch and pushed him to the ground, “Remember, we don’t have time for this. It would just be easier for you to tell me the truth, don’t you trust in your friend?”

Leon looked up at Ulrich from the ground, “I do, but this is way more fun.” he got to his feet and charged at Ulrich shoulder first. Nevertheless, the outcome was still the same, Ulrich side stepped Leon and tripped him, sending him crashing back down to the ground. Leon rolled over on his back, and Ulrich was there to step on his chest, holding him down.

“It would just be easier for you to tell me the truth, you can never beat me Leon. Things will always be the same with us. No matter what you do, I will always be your better. So just do us both a favor and give up.” Ulrich explained, with a hint of arrogance to his voice.

Leon was bested by his friend yet again, and he knew when to throw in the towel for the time being. “One day I will get the better of you Ulrich, just not today. Help me to my feet and I shall answer your question.”

Ulrich took his foot off of Leon’s chest and reached down to take his hand, helping him to his feet. “The score is me eight and you zero, the way it shall always be. I believe you owe me an answer, it’s only fair.”

Leon was frustrated, but fair was fair. “What I tell you stays between us, then we hurry on our way. Got it?”

Ulrich agreed, “You can tell me as we walk, that way you don’t go mad with worry. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t care what the old man thinks, I just don’t want to miss out on my first real mission.” he smiled happily.

Leon shook his head, quietly laughing on the inside. “Well Ulrich, seeing how you can’t stay out

of my business. Do you remember when Gawain first brought me to the Academy?” “I do remember that day. Why?”

“On that day was when my mother and father was killed by the Dark Knights. Gawain saved me, and well the rest as you know is history.” Leon explained. “Why do you care so much about my past?”

“I am sorry, Leon. I was just curious.” Ulrich said, he felt bad for even bringing it up. “Don’t worry about it, the past is the past.” Leon faintly smiled.

The two young teens grabbed all the things they thought they would need and hurried back to where Gawain said to meet. “Back just in time, Gawain is not yet here.” Ulrich said, letting out a sigh of relief.

What the young teens did not realize, was that Gawain hid in the shadows waiting for them to return. “Wrong again, Ulrich.” Gawain said, stepping out into the light. “You two are late as always. Luckily for the two of you I do not care for this mission, so time has no meaning to me.”

Hearing those words being spoken by Master Gawain not only confused the young teens, but upset one of them down to the core. “What do you mean you don’t care?” Ulrich hissed. “This mission was entrusted to us by none other than Lord Alistair himself.”

Gawain looked at Ulrich, almost as if he took pity on the young teen, before telling him the truth. “This be a suicide mission, passed down to us by a power hungry tyrant that only cares for his own gain. We will be damn lucky to make it back alive, I’m sorry but this be the truth.”

Ulrich stomped his foot and yelled at Gawain, “You dare talk about Lord Alistair in such a manner? Well, I will not have it. I will go to Lord Alistair at once and tell him of what you have said, then he will have you thrown in the belly of the dungeon. Where you will rot away, old man.” you could see the look of pure hatred seething in the boys eyes towards Gawain.

Leon could see the hurt that Ulrich had caused, “Stop it, Ulrich. You have no right talking to our

master and teacher in such a way. You may be my best friend Ulrich, but I will not allow this to continue any further.”

Ulrich was stunned to see that his friend was not on his side, however he did not have the chance to confront Leon, for Gawain was enraged. “You can stop with your high and mighty shit now, Ulrich. I am still your teacher, and Master at this Academy. You will shall do as I say. And right now you better listen close, both of you go and get your horses ready to mount. We ride out this very moment, or you get left behind.”

When Leon and Ulrich were both out of sight, Gawain made his way back inside the Academy towards the Armory, where searched the room thoroughly. Until he came upon a marked spot on the wall, “Hopefully it is still here.” he grabbed for one of the War Hammers and with one mighty swing broke through. Gawain dropped the hammer to the floor, proceeding to reach inside the somewhat small hole he had made. “Found it, thank the gods it is still here.” Gawain removed something from within that appeared to be wrapped in cloth, he took care not to unravel the item either. He made sure to over look his surroundings, he did not wish to be caught by any of Alistair’s men, especially Caine. But Gawain was good at being stealthy and easily managed to sneak past anyone that was standing around. Moments later he was standing outside of the Academy, to his delight Leon and Ulrich were upon their horses waiting for him to show.

Gawain hurried over his way over to his horse and strapped the item he was carrying to the side of his saddle, then mounted the beautiful mare that was given to him by Lady Catherine. Leon noticed what Master Gawain had done, but decided he would not ask unwanted questions, nevertheless he was still curious about other things, “Do we have all we need, Master Gawain? Like weapons and armor, especially rations?”

Gawain smiled, he was proud that Leon was learning about the importance of things needed for survival. “That we do, Leon. All that we need are here in these saddle bags, but good questions to ask

none the less.” he looked at both of his young students, “Do either of you have any more questions before we take our leave?”

“Yeah, I have one.” said Ulrich.

“Okay, but be quick about it.” Gawain responded.

“Where is the so called fourth person you’ve been going on about, old man?” Ulrich asked, it seemed as though he was just trying to upset Gawain again.

“Do not worry about that, the person in question will show themselves when the time is right.

That is all you need to know.” and off Master Gawain went along with his young students. What dangers will they face? What fate awaits them? Only time will tell.