Dorack's Prime Weapon(The Dragon Head Kris)

The large black mare moved sluggishly with very little grace left. I wouldn't blame her!

Five days it was that we had been faithful to the journey. Exhaustion was just at the rear.
I had ridden across the Eastern portion of the Plains, conscious at every point to evade path to the Huldar clan domain even though in reality that path seemed shorter.

As it were, I was the biggest trouble to the Clan's unification. Only the heavens could tell what fate would become mine if I were caught.

I had been keen to the map given me by the leader of the strange riders. The mare was such a companion on my escapade. But even her was yet to deal with the fate I willed on her. Begrudgingly she led me on yet.

I felt her plight. I was separating her from her family -- perhaps forever. But the beast yet held memories. It knew I'd been it's closest companion. It was her responsibility to stand with me even now.

Patient now. It would soon come to an end!

We had stretched through thick woods and grasslands and snuck through lands of other clans -- some of allies, others far from it, and some others deep enemies. I had to avoid a confrontation of any sort. Series of experience had told me just how catastrophic my ill temper could be. I dared not test it now!

Now here we were! Sometime around midday  I found myself out of the wilderness. The free footpath was the break for fresh hope.

I massaged my forehead with a strand of frustration. The mid-afternoon sun beat upon us with the least sign of remorse. My sight almost seemed blurred. But the meandering river ahead was no mirage. I would take its path!

Even in my weary state I took note of the changes in vegetation. The trees and grasses were becoming sparse. The vegetation wasn't lush and thick anymore. The ground was dried.

Then I beheld it!

"You can choose," The sudden bellow rang from upon my advancement.
"Life or death."

I lowered my pace but would not stop.

Before me, several paces away stood the mighty wall. Surrounding it was nothing but a vast land of stones and sand.

Where was the inhabitation and sign of life?

In the Plains, settlements were told by grazing livestock, patrolling herdsmen and warriors,  smokes of campfire and songs of women and children.

This structure told differently!

The wall was a humongous one, dealt deep in foundation for decades. It was thickly latticed with creeping ivy and tinged with moss and lichen. The gate itself was prodigious -- made of ironwood with a descent fretwork.

"If you love your life stranger, you would state who you are and your purpose here." The threat came stronger. And then I saw it! A band of men rallying together and peeking from top the wall with flashed out steel propelling heads -- arrows!

I tapped the mare gently and assured her of safety, but even I knew it was far from reality. The beast halted and I dropped from her gently. I was aware! I was in archers range now, and the men on wall were more than willing to comply if the order per chance came.

My heart throbbed harder. I furrowed my brows then lifted my hands up, and with hands held high above my head I addressed the speaker...whoever he might be!

"I am Dorack, son of Dun, son of Tailoc -- native of the Mountain Plains and Commander of the IronWolf clan warriors." I narrowed my eyes drawing closer to the wall with short steps. The archers responded oddly to this. I frowned.

"The man who I seek had come to my village with a band of horse men, and haven given me this map, invited me. He said I would find him here, in Kedrone." I puffed out my chest in arrogance while holding a firm tone and lifting high the map.

I was a fearless warrior after all!

Or so I wished them believe. Verily, in my heart I was trembling with the thought of falling.

I saw the speaker come to view now. But there was no words from him again. The atmosphere was with silence. Uncertainty and fear were inevitable.

The Captain had remained that way with eyes boring into me. It seemed like eternity. From down where I laid I could see the mighty man and for a moment I thought the Captain was deciding to compel his men to rain me the arrows.

Apparently he changed his mind and with a roar called out an order.
"Open the gate."

My heart melted in solitude at the words I heard. Peace stepped in. Although I strangely felt it wouldn't last.

Returning on the back of my beast, I proceeded towards the opening gate. The parting gate ushered us to a new world entirely.

I entered the city with an unusual amusement. My eyes swept unrestrainedly...it could catch only but a fraction of the glamorous scene. This was new life! It was nothing in comparison with my simple clan. I saw structures of which I had never beheld before and had no understanding of.

What world had I step into?

In the entire Plains, there was in fact nothing like this ever seen. Not even the largest Clan upon the Plains - Huldar could boast of such lavishness.

But a strange feeling suddenly struck me!

Did I truly belong to such a place?

I gave no answer to my troubled mind. Not because I lacked an answer, but because I knew it would contradict my stubborn resolve.

But this was civilization far beyond imagination. Tall structures of fine bricks which seemed like it were touching the sky. Kedrone was indeed living far up to expectations.

The strange land was a diverse country. Skin color ranged from light to ebony. But one thing was clear, their dressing of silk and varying colored tunic spoke of a different world than the Plains.

Abruptly the Captain approached me tearing me from my insane thoughts.

"You are Dorack?" He said. His words were more of a confirmation than an inquiry.
The man was a tall fellow, bright in skin and eyes. Remarkable build -- even from firm armour worn one could tell of his muscular frame.

He strode for me with a swagger worn from many years service. I nodded in acknowledgment.

"Welcome to Kedrone, although the outpost." He spread his hands in a gesture.
"I have heard of you, "said he. "but didn't think the same man well spoken of would be only a young man after all." He smirked
"I am Captain Corl." He introduced himself with a simple bow.

"I guess am not the only young man with an appetizing story."
He gave a simple smile at my words.

"Prince Karmdin has been expecting you. He has been asking of you and was afraid if you would even make it for the banquet." He smirked.

"Prince Karmdin?" I asked in confusion.

"Yes," he responded "the man that had given you that map and invited you here." Told he.

"He is a prince?" I grimaced.

"Yes, our prince, why?" He laughed.

"It sounds shocking -- how a Prince would ride on his own with an invitation all the way to my clan, completely neglecting his own safety." I twitched my lips.

"You are not the only one who seems amazed by the methods of the Prince." Said the Captain.
"Come on now, you the last man I've been waiting for." The Captain spoke while a young soldier lead a mixed breed steed on.

With a simple move he mounted the beast, urging me as well to the mount. While I sat upon my mare, the mighty man led us on.

    ∆∆∆

The Captain guided us through the cobblestone town square.

The city was loud and bright. Banners of fine cerulean linen crossed the sky of the city, from buildings to buildings.

It was packed with high bricked structures, stalls, crowded market, yelling merchants and sturdy carts.

The Captain had led us deeper into the city and finally brought us to what seemed like another fortress. It was an enormous villa.
"Blue Clover Keep." He announced.

The building was crowded and the air filled with blare of trumpets and humming music.

We rode straight into the building, the sentinels on post according the officer due reverence.

Abruptly, duo lancepesade came saluting the Captain and taking over our reins once we un-mounted our beast.

"Prince Karmdin is inside."
The Captain suddenly uttered after leading me in silence. To a hall up ahead he gestured me proceed.

"Dorack," he called.  "you seem an honest man. A piece of advice, eschew fame and be smart...and brave."

I smiled at him before puffing my chest and turning away.
"I am an Ironwolf. I was born with steel and fire running in my blood." I boasted as I walked away.

"Best of luck Dorack, son of Dun." I heard yet his frail voice call at my departing frame.

I was an Ironwolf, I was bred a warrior -- bravery was truly least of my worries.

I took a deep sigh and with a final admonishing, willed myself through the double door and into the hall.

A strange stirring paused all activities in the hall with deep silence -- it was obviously my break in.

The playing music and dancing women had seized. The entertained audience as well had shifted gaze from the show and turned to behold the cause of the intrusion.

Each one said nothing, save staring at me strangely. I knew why - I was verily different.

My muscle flexed with every step I took.
My jet black hair was made in a short cut. My skin was tanned and my beard, though decently trimmed, gave a savage picture.

My garb was as a typical Northern tribesman. Save the bear hide that cloaked me, I was on nothing but a mere silk tunic -- the most part of my torso shone out. On my neck hung a necklace of beads and one made of my greatest victory souvenirs - a cougar tooth, a small tusk and little animal bones.

The bandolier that crossed over my shoulder and to my back, nested my truest weapon - a Kris. Few straps held other tools of my trade - a poniard, a pair of rapier and a short double-bladed axe.

I was truly different.

The other men in the room were mostly dressed in fancy armor, and of the women, sumptuous dresses. And their delicate skin, much lighter than mine.

But in the moment of my assessment, my eyes suddenly picked the strange figure - Keiya. She was on stage playing her string as other entertainers.

For a moment I felt my heart seize. My blood was hot - strangely not for action but for passion. Everything else seemed like it were on pause.

She was sitting head up; her poise and elegance profound. Her beautiful lace dress - sumptuous in every sense.

She too had stopped her play, and was wildly gazing at me now. What ran through her mind, I dared not conceive - either disgust or faint approval.

Abruptly, strong hands gripped me and guided me towards where I should stay. It was only then I realised I was already walking few steps in her direction.
O my lust!

Suddenly yet, my rational mind pricked me to a fact. I was in company of almost a dozen young men, armed and dressed for battle.

What kind of game needed such readiness? I thought within.

As I scanned the room, my eyes locked onto a familiar face – Halam, the clan heir of Hulda. His menacing smirk was directed at me, and I knew I was in for a challenge. I was foolish to think they wouldn't have come for them as well. Perhaps even before us. Halam had always been a formidable foe, but his lack of strategy had often led to his downfall. I recalled the times I had outsmarted him, and a sly smile spread across my face.

But Halam's presence here meant more than just a personal vendetta. He was likely seeking an alliance with Prince Karmdin, then again there was the price of the beauty Keiya, and the prospect of revenge against me was just the crowning of it all

One thing was certain – only one of us would leave this place alive. The mountain plains would soon lose a talented warrior.

Just then, Prince Karmdin emerged, resplendent in rich apparel. He took his place beside Keiya, and with a wave of his hand, the music ceased. "Welcome, my sons," he began, his voice dripping with sincerity. "Tonight, one of you will win the hand of my daughter Keiya. But to do so, you must prove yourself the bravest among all."

He paused, his eyes locking onto mine with a smirk. "You've all heard tales of the vicious games played in my city, I presume?" The room fell silent, and Prince Karmdin's smile grew wider. "If not, prepare yourselves tonight, for you shall be among the ones to keep telling these tales.""It is not a game for faint hearts. But he who thinks that Keiya is not a sufficient prize to induce him to take part, let him leave now." The Prince' tone remained low, yet it affirmed threat and resentment.

Everybody remained unshaken. Not even a man dared lift a hand. It wasn't for a supposed threat, it was merely to evade bruising our ego.
The men in hall with me held up their stern countenance. Though a number of them were good looking, but the scorn and detest that hung on their faces told these men were prideful -- a champions kind of pride.

Instantly the Prince' face darkened at our response.

"Some of you here will not breath tomorrows air. Therefore, eat and drink your last, for the game may claim your life." His eyes were red as true ember.

These were his last words before he proceeded to to his table and the banquet thus began.

The words of the Prince were chasing each other in my head and was in fact driving vigorously away the urge to eat.

The same feeling had washed over few young men, but somehow some still managed to gorge themselves of the meal. And now I was wondering if truly they had heard the Prince' words.

My eyes fell on on Keiya at that moment. Coincidentally she was staring at me as well.
What was running in her beautiful mind?

Her gaze remained blank and filled with uncertainty. Every of my being wanted to be with this radiant creature. Clearly my imperfection and crude manners were evident beside her -- she was the real definition of perfection. And yet, I dared crave to be by her side.
Call it covetousness, I was merely being true to my heart.

I wasn't certain if I had made the right choice riding down this strange land and for this woman. But I would test my luck.

Let Karmadin bring his worst. Let him rain us with hail and fire. Let my flesh suffer and my soul die many times. But even in death I shall prove my desires for her.

With a final resolve made, I began digging into my meal as the other brave men in the hall.