Duel of Trust

Morning, just before the dawn.

Mist drifts across the field , the grass is filled with dew. The scent of earth and humidity fills the air. Only roosters and birds could be heard and the ocasional soft sounds of a metal echoes now and then. On one side are the ruins of the fortress Harazamos, on the other the village's panorama. A faint breeze goes through the field.

From the distance, many figures approach the lone warrior whom is standing on the field, awaiting his foe. It isn't an official duel, yet some witnesses decided to come. On the grass stands Max, wearing his armor, axe in his right hand, a large triangular shield in his left. A visible steam comes from his armor, as he must have warmed up before arriving.

Nearby arrives Roland, wearing a kettle hat and a hauberk over his gambeson. He also have metal guards on his shoulders, elbows and knees. Aswell as metal gauntlets. He holds his axe in one hand and a small triangular shield in the other. His confident steps echoes across the field, sending shivers to the villagers watching. His gaze is cold and judgmental. 

"I will see, what you really can do".

Roland closes the distance quickly, attacking from the right, then twisting his wrist for a left strike. He raises his shield, ducks low and strikes into Max's legs. Max blocks the first two attacks with his shield and quickly steps back to avoid a leg hit.

"Standard sequence, better than I expected" After quick thought, Max responses the same sequence to his foe.

"He's got strength, swings hard." As Roland thinks. Than a couple of repetivie attacks, blocks and counters happens between them. "He won't be easy to defeat" Roland continues his inner thoughts. The duel remains evenly matched, each fighter testing the other.

After few more exchanges, Max sidesteps and strikes with his right elbow, Roland blocks with shield, but Max follows instantly with a shield punch.

"With the shield? You surprised me there, young one!" As Roland thinks. He's pushed back and instantly counters, then attempts a side kick against Max. "Damn, he barely felt that through his armor" As Roland notes.

Suddenly both stand at half-sword distance, eyes locked with caution. They're analazying each other. They know they are no ordinary opponents.

"He's no amateur... I must catch him off guard" as Max plans his next move, studying Roland's stance. In Roland's eyes is a small visible trace of respect, though his face is still written with unwillingness to fully accept Max.

Adrenaline pumps through Max's body. His hands tremble, his heart beats faster, he breathes quicker, yet he forces himself to focus and think what to do next.

Max inhales deeply, then take two steps back. Roland, surprised thinks "What's this? He's changing his style mid-fight - you can't be serious..."

Suddenly Max charges, bashing his shield into Roland and forcing him backward. He follows with a front kick and slashes at an odd angle, tearing a piece of Roland's garment - proof he has passed the test.

Roland moves to raise his axe, thinking, "This won't go unchallenged!" but Max hasn't finished his sequence. He lifts his shield overhead, bends his knees, twists whole body to follow the movement of the previous axe attack, pivots and again strikes stopping the attack right in front of his knee. Roland's axe attack is stopped by Max's shield.

"A fancy move, rarely done, but I'm happy it worked" As Max calms down and deepen his breathes.

"What a damn trick... I've never seen anyone make such a risky move." Roland admits his impression acknowledging his own defeat.

The crowd erupts in applause, their surprise and admiration is clear. Max hangs his axe on his belt, lifts his visor and give a hand to Roland. The guard hesitates, breathing heavily, than put away his own weapon and shakes Max's hand. 

"I could feel a strong squeeze of my hand, he may not show it in his expression as a guard, but that grip said it all. He began to respect me."

Roland's voice is tired but sincere:

"You have the heart of a warrior... and I sense some kindness inyou, which is lacking in nowadays"

"Thank you. I think this is a good start of our cooperation."

Max gives a small smile as they walk toward the crowd, villagers brougth some waterskins for the fighters and throws loud positive feedback to both fighters. After a while the witnesses head to village to begin their work, leaving Max and Roland alone at the field.

Roland quietly speaks :

"The others don't know it, but bandit numbers most likely increased recently. The scouts of nearby neighbour village suspects that they might planning an attack in three days - on festival day."

"So that's when you'll be away..."

"Don't there's a villager helping them, by telling my plans. Festivals are a good opportunity for raids, no matter if I'm here or not."

"Then what do we do? We have little time."

"At afternoon. We'll plan out to scout their camp. Meet me by the ruins. Use the time to recover, just in case we end up in a fight with them"

Roland slowly stands and heads off toward the village. Max remains seated, staring at his weapon and shield, thinking:

"I don't know how I came to this place, but I know why I'm here. To help them. Yet... can I face a real fight to the death? This will no longer be a sport... can I do it?"

Afternoon, in the shadow of the ruins.

Roland and Max meet again, joined now by Nadia. Roland clearly resents her presence, knowing that she had to follow them in secret, but Nadia in a small anger says:

"You two can't handle it alone. I'm a hunter, if something goes bad, I'll help with by shooting them down"

Roland seems to be stuck in thougths, but in the end nods allowing her to join. In his gaze is a hint of nostalgia, as if he sees himself years ago. He crouches and unfolds a map.

"I know that Nadia can, but Max... can you read a map?"

"Yes, but I don't know where we are right now on this map."

Roland points out their position, the village, and the surrounding area, then continues:

"The bandits attacked at few points" He points them with his finger. "Animal trails have shifted, likely their camp is located northwest. An abandoned old sawmill is nearby, a perfect hideout. They'll strike during the festival. Today we'll observe. If possible, we'll quietly eliminate a bandit or two. Max, you must stay in bigger distance behind me, your armor will make too much noise."

"Alright. First based on a camp we assume how many of them would be there, we should observe what kind of gear we should expect from them, if they are in small number we should attack them, then we'll decide to strike immediately or lay a future ambush" As Max says to Roland.

"Good. You catch on quickly. You remind me of someone from the old days, whom did what needed to be done without questions."

Roland stands and heads toward the sawmill, Nadia and Max follow him.

As they are halfway through, Max can't stand the silence, comes closer to Roland and silently asks:

"Why aren't there more guards?"

Roland anwers darkly:

"Bandits. Actors playing war. Foolish imperial decisions. Some think peace needs no soldiers... until it's too late."

Max wanted to say to himself in mind, but by accident says quietly:

"If you want peace, prepare for war. Every world makes the same mistakes..."

Roland narrows his eyes, but stays silent. Suddenly Nadia comes closer from behind:

"What's with the gloomy face, old man? Are you still tired from your defeat?"

"Funny, you scamp. Focus on hitting the target. I will not babysit you today, like in many hunts."

"Ah, come on... That was many seasons ago... I've improved."

"I hope so. Shhhh, time to stay quiet."

As Roland says, it is time to  remain silent, they're getting close, producing too much noise through dialogue is a huge risk. They fall into formation: Roland leads, Max follows behind in a bigger distance and Nadia at the end.

After a while, Max stops, listening to the silence. From the trees comes a light wind, from which a light voices and laughter comes - as an icy echo stabbing into Max's chest like a blade of fear.

"Is everything I've learnt, enough?"

A shiver runs through him as the question weigths on his heart and soul: do I belong in this world? In that moment he recalls Roland's morning glance and understands: the true test is only just beginning.