What in bloody hell- no wonder he was roaming around like a dog.
Morris kept searching the crowd before meeting eyes with Lancelot. A proud smile plastered itself on his face as he waved his hand downwards as if to let him know to wait.
Lancelot smiled back at him, trying to hold down his anger. I mean it can't get worse right? He asked himself as he took out a metal ball from his pocket, something his father gave in order to help him hold down his anger, especially after the last case.
The people cheered as they stood in front of them. It was something that Lancelot had wished he could experience one day but his status was a crushing reality. Though, there was always that small spark of hope that never got extinguished.
And today it was going to ignite to a flame.
The king raised his hands to his subjects and every one was quiet. He smiled at them and finally spoke with aa audible voice that everyone clearly heard.
"My loyal subjects! What a great honour it is to stand here in front of you and announce such wonderful news. Truly it is a wonderful day to be born."
Lancelot cringed at his remarks. 'A great honour' what lies. Who would feel honoured to be live in this godforsaken town. Wait why even announce it here in the first place. Lancelot's mind was now running on endless questions.
"I know how busy and productive the townsfolk of Cyndor are so let me not waste your time. Let me introduce to you, the hero of our mighty nation, the one who dared to infiltrate that wretched embodiment of the end's realm, Urathos, just to save my one and only child, out of nothing but pure kindness."
The people gasped in uniform that it shocked Lancelot even more than the achievement. Then again it really didn't hit him at first what kind of feat the adventurer just accomplished.
From the stories he's heard from his father, older brothers and some of the townsfolk, Baskill was a dragon so terrifying that it took a great amount of courage to even say it's name, in fear that it might conjure him out of thin air.
It was said that it's size was so massive that just a single flap of its wings would reshape the geographical structures of earth. It's roar was loud enough to inflict utter fear into the hearts of men from the corners of the world. It's scales tightly shut together that not even air could penatrate through. Such a malevolent creature knew nothing of mercy. It was the pure embodiment of the apocalypse.
Texts that were able to survive the end days talked of it how not even the strongest men were able to get near it. All hope was gone once the saw it. Then out of mercy, the gods seemed to banish it to a realm where it could be contained.
All of this seemed like exaggerated stories. The more he heard about it, the more it seemed outrageous but he couldn't deny that what everyone told him all had the same connection. It was getting scarier and scarier the more he heard.
… Well I'll be damned.
The king raised his hands again and the people were silenced once again. Seriously how does he do that. "Time is of the essence so let me get to the point. I introduce to you, Borris Baskerville, the duke's first son and the new Second Greatest Adventurer!"
He came out of the carriage with the loud cheers that welcomed him. He looked nothing like the scrawny Morris. He ressembled his father, the slick oiled hair that was kept back, the small pointy goatee and slender mustache. His physique, strong and upright and a crooked smile that gave off a small hint of mischief.
He was in a his silver armour with a white cape that had his family crest on it. He waved to the crowd and knelt before the king. The king turned around to meet his royal golden double edge sword on a pillow being held by the crimson knight.
"Ah! Thank you Valor." the king took his blade and turned back to the adventurer. "Its such an honour to dub thee," he placed his sword on of his shoulders and moving to the next, "Second Greatest Adventurer, Borris Baskerville!"
With that, the world has officially received him as among strongest hero to walk on the lands. A new hope was rising on the lands. It was magnificent news. Wonderful, excelle-
A loud pop could be heard in the crowd, scaring those around Lancelot and even keeping the knight alert. They all turned to Lancelot, shocked as to what just happened.
"Sorry! I got a bit…excited! I apologise!"
"Well that was a bit alarming, wasn't it?" the king said whilst laughing his lungs out. The kind of laughter only the rich know. "All is forgiven young lad!" The king forgave him and went on with his 'grand speech'.
The people around him though were perplexed. Not only did he crush the ball with nothing but brute strength but also that the shards somehow didn't injure anyone.
A miracle truth be told.
Lancelot took a deep breath and looked down at his hand. He was bleeding but it didn't seem to bring about any concerns. He took out the small shards, small whinces here and there and took out a cloth from his pocket, covering the wounds.
"Uhm… son do you need some help with that?"
Lancelot turned to find Mr. Richard worried of the wound he has.
How ironic Lancelot laughed at the thought.
"I'm good, thank you for your concern Mr. Richard. It'll heal pretty soon just you wait!" he replied with a smile. The same smile he does to let the people around to not worry about it.
Mr. Richard let out a worried sigh, "You never fail to surprise me my boy." He laughed at it before patting him on the shoulder. Lancelot joined in only now with an awkward laugh. Socialising was never really his strong suit. A few voices buzzed silently around. "Freak." "What's his problem?" "I told you to keep your distance from him. Now you see what I mean."
Of course, he was used to it…even though he wished he wasn't.
He looked up to find Valor, the crimson knight staring at him. Their eyes locked in a tight confinement, as though… it was only the two of them.
He thought he was imagining things but he saw–even if for a moment– a glimpse of worry in those eyes. All of a sudden they weren't so harsh and piercing. She broke the gaze looking off in a different direction. Maybe he was just imagining things. He turned to the king to find out that he was finishing his speech.
"...and to those who will be able to come to the capital city, you'll and join the feast. I wish for all the citizens of this kingdom to share this memorable day. The day a saviour was born."
Saviour? It didn't really have a ring to it or so Lancelot thought.
"Valor please get the best, fattest bull in this town and bring them back home. It'll be as a token of gratitude to the outstanding townsfolk for their co-operation and warm welcome. We'll get the others from the royal farm."
'Token of gratitude' tsk…what nonsense. He looks down on us and everyone here starts squirming around with joy. Well then mark my words you royal family I'll show you how a real adventurer does it. Soon I'll be on that mountain.
He could feel it. The drive to achieve his dream finally taking a good hold. He remembered…even though it was only for a second, he remembered it all too well. A voice in his dream that started the sparks of becoming an adventurer. And the best their is.
He never knew when to start, but today those sparks ignited a flame. A flame he hoped will never extinguish.
He watched as everyone got back in to the carriage and leave Valor behind to look for the bull.
Just how big is that carriage. An honest question that kept Lancelot confused. The people left the podium rushing back to their stores to keep business up–including Lancelot–. Those with bulls rushed to Valor, not just for the money but for the fame. Getting anyone who is related to royalty to buy your goods will keep your business booming for at least a month.
However the more they got closer they more they wanted to retreat. She wasn't giving anyone a chance to even offer their bulls to her. Her authority seemed to coat her with an aura that gave the men fear.
I guess she's not the 'Crimson Knight' for nothing Lancelot snickered at how she made men act. Amusing to say the least. He engrossed himself at the bull, removing the ticks on its fur that he hadn't noticed that she was heading his way.
She stood at his stall waiting to see if he'll notice. Nothing. He was too engrossed with the bull you'd think he married it. She couldn't help but get curious. It's the first time that she didn't get noticed…well only when she wanted to be noticed.
She scratched her head and awkwardly tapped his shoulder. Lancelot turned and looked up at the knight. His eyes squinted at her as if trying to comprehend what he was seeing. Then as if it finally hit, his eyes widened with surprise. Not because of her presence but rather he didn't expect to find she was taller than him. Nothing biased but it never really came to mind.
"Can I help you with something?"
Lancelot could feel the envious eyes that glowered over him, waiting to see him fumble and immediately take his position. He took pride in that too.
Valor tilted his head at him before turning to the awfully hand made sign. "Depends, are you still in business?"
Lancelot then realised that she was here for the bull. "Uhm…yeah. Sorry, lost in thoughts. Depends on who is buying." Valor squinted her eyes at him before asking, "What if I'm buying?"
"Then I'm charging double." Lancelot could feel the tension in the air after saying that. Oh well already went to far, might as well finish it off.
"How much?"
"Can't you read?" Lancelot asked while pointing to the sign board. Then he realised what he just said and wanted to immediately apologise but saw it as too late to do so and kept his pride.
Valor took a hard look at him then…smiled?
Lancelot was quite dumbstruck at the result. He was expecting to feel his head on the ground, falling off his body.
"You know, you really do surprise me." She handed him a leather pouch, embroidered with the Royal family's crest. It was full of gold coins.
"Uhm…I think you've given me more than enough."
"Keep it." she replied as she untied the bull from its post.
Odd. Well money is money. Lancelot thought to himself laughing internally on how much this has helped him… his family as a matter of fact.
"Well, thank you… I guess?"
"Don't think about it." she took a deep breath before continuing, "I might seem crazy for telling you this but… I'm looking forward to seeing you become the Third Greatest Adventurer."
Lancelot didn't know what to say. His tongue tied. He wasn't expecting to hear that today, especially from a stranger whom he was sure he never told his desire to. So how did she actually know.
"Why I know of your desires is that your facial expression always sells you out. I'd say you are the most 'alive' person I know…well second most 'alive' person."
Valor tied the bull's legs tight, giving it no chance to escape. It looked at Lancelot with nothing but betrayal in its eyes. Lancelot couldn't help but laugh at the sick thought.
She looked at him, eyes squinted again, as if trying to understand him. First time meeting someone like him. Someone who showed more emotion towards her instead of fear or seriousness. In the case for the king, it would be more of authoritative.
"Sorry…just thought of something funny. All in all thank you. I shall keep that in mind."
She nodded and threw the bull on top of her shoulder, getting a good grip. With a snap of her fingers, a sea of golden sparks ignited from her hand, forming a large, white, war stallion. It's size could make it look like a giant's offspring.
With one flick of the reigns, she was off, faster than you could blink. Lancelot was left in shock.
How in…no wonder she's a member of the four ark knights! That's …wow.
He turned back while slapping the dust off his clothes. He looked at his stand with thoughts in his mind. Was he really ready to start. What was stopping him except for his own thoughts.
He pushed them away and smiled of in the direction to which Valor took off.
Soon… I'll bring back my family's honour.
He looked back at his shabby stand and smiled gleefully as he left quickly for home.
First time coming back home this early. Father might think I lost it to some bandits, I should just stay here for a while…no I shouldn't waste my time. I need to start as fast as possible.