Draama immediately moved to step forward. “ Naleeit and Captain step forward!”
The two moved to her sides as the other back away as the other housemasters call on their warriors. The old dragon did not have to wait a minute as the groups were decided. “ Step forward brave warriors of the Drakan people and make yourselves known.”
The first to move forward as those of Ironwing house. “ I am Keltucker and this is Yank. We are the best of Ironwing house.”
Suddenly the audience goes up in uproar as they were the favorites to win yet again. As it goes quiet the two from Firebrand move forward. “ I am Giniss and this is Locktar of the house of Firebrands.”
Again uproar but not as loud. Naleeit and Guinee step forward. There were some shocked sounds as two heavily armored Drakan moved forward. “ I am Captain Guinee and this is Naleeit. We are the Iron Guard of the house of Timeless Lance.”
There was a silent reaction to the crowd for a moment then it suddenly went loud. Louder than when they cheered for Firebrand. Louder than when Ironwing was cheered for. Even louder than when they roared to announce themselves. Draama seemed cheered by the fact and Kel was smug on the fact as well. That did not stop the judge as he looked at Giniss and Loctstar. “ Pick your opponents.”
Giniss looked to the younger member of his house. He could tell by the look on him he knew exactly who he wished to fight. The tale of him being struck down by the Timeless Lance woman was heard several times by him. Truly it was not something to be ashamed of. The woman was a battle hardened warrior that did not take disrespect from anyone. The rules of their house are widely known and told as well before the entrance. Of course when you ask to bed her daughter she would have retaliated. Loctstar only waited for him to make the choice as he was named first. “ I chose the woman.”
Loctstar looked at the older one angry. “ Why, you know I have been waiting for this day?” (Giniss sighed slightly. “ You stand no chance against her young master. I chose her to save you the shame of fighting a lost battle yet again. She would rip you apart in seconds and not even have tried. You would not have listened to me if I chose any other one even their young one. You would have given our rivals a free point to satisfy your need of revenge.”
Loctstar grunts and looks at the other group. “ Fine, I’ll take Yank.”
Naleeit hands her spear to Guinee and draws her sword as she stepped forward. The others of the other houses move back except for Guiniss who drew his own sword and looked at her. He does some sword tricks and Naleeit was not impressed. “ Tell me, something woman. Why are you even here?”
Naleeit took a ready stance with her sword. “ My daughter is strong but young and not yet fully wise to this world. So far she has done well. Yet there is more to do from me as well. It has been a long time since I been in a real battle. Do not disappoint me.”
Instantly Guiniss charged her with all his strength and their swords collided but she did not budge. Her weight was heavy he found out. Due to the armor. That made a victory blow that much harder for him. He would need more momentum and disengaged her and backed away as he took to the sky. Naleeit looked up at him as he came at her with the full force of gravity at his side. She slid back but held her ground to the blow. Then the force of the impact was gone and Naleeit stepped forward with power. She threw him three body lengths away before he landed on his feet surprised to her strength. “ So you gave up your wings in order to become a wall.”
Guiniss took to the air again. This time he put his back to the sun. It was an old strategy but an effective one for a grounded target. As he turned back toward her he noticed the ground bare. Those still there looking up surprised. He looked to what they were too late to find a steel gauntlet colliding with his gut. A moment later it was around his neck as he started to fall. Naleeit helped him back to the ground as she drew her sword and made a light mark on his arm. “ How were you able to fly?”
Naleeit cleaned her sword and put it away. “ I am a Drakan. It is in our blood to fly, but I am not one of your people. I was raised in the lands of men. Those who see defense over speed. When I first came here with Dramix it was so strange to me how your people worked but after living here for so many years I grew into both your people and kept my own. It was natural that I grew strong enough to fly in my armor but it is heavy and even with my strength and endurance I can not do it more than a short time. I must say thank you for picking me instead of the younger ones of your house. I fear that fight might have become one to death. I have enough blood on my hands.” (
Naleeit lowers her hand and offers him back up to his feet and he accepted it.
Naleeit separated from her opponent with neither of them truly harmed but Guinee was not as fortunate as his armor was ripped asunder and laying in pieces on the ground. A stretcher was brought out and he was put on it. As he was passing Draama he raised his hand. “ Housemaster.”
Draama moved over to him and grabs his hand. “ I tried housemaster but he was so strong.”
Draama broke her composure and wrapped her other hand around his after letting go of her spear. “ That is all I asked any of you to do is try.” (
Guinee shed a tear. “ I would not have given up but in death housemaster but that would have made you sad.”
Draama gently wiped the tear away. “ These games are not worth throwing your life away for.”
Guinee tightened his grip. “ Housemaster, I wanted to ask you, why did you and your spirit choose me? There are so many stronger and smarter in your house. Why am I chosen for such kindness?”
Draama was without words. Peter was not. “ Tell him it is not your place to question the potential in each of us. You are the child of an outcast and the son of a simple tailor.” (
Draama raised her head surprised to the fact she already knew. She gripped his hand tighter as well. “ You asked for our help in coming to my house. We have never refused any who have come for our help as long as it was for help. And in return, you have become part of my house and part of my life. I have grown to care for you as I care for all in my house.”
Guinee pulled his hand away and put it on his bandaged chest. “ Housemaster one last question. Would you have found me worthy to be your clutch father if I had won.”
Draama noticed not only his eyes were wondering about the question. “ I do not know my friend, but I know you are worthy to try to convince me.”
Guinee laid his head down. “ Truly housemaster you are special and humble. I could not have asked for a better one than you.”
Draama turned confused about what she was feeling at that moment. She had seen it in her parents but never understood the emotion. She liked it. The way she feels. Then she remembered the stories of her sister. “ Spirit. This feeling I am having. What is it?”
Peter looked into the status of Draama and almost laughed out loud. Instead, he paused to consider it. “ You are feeling a powerful emotion. One not easily tamed. With this, I fear I will be a little help with you.” (
Draama sighed to herself as she turned and got her spear from the one holding it. “ It is as I feared.”
Peter chuckled. “ With this, I think it is best to ask your parents about it. When all this is over.”
Draama sighed again and turned to look at the victor of the final match.
