The Wandering Spire

Alcard's companions Summoned and Shaped the Earth aspect to form a large ring in the center of the chamber. A crowd of curious onlookers was forming when Jeze arrived. Alcard stood across from them inside the ring with his two handed hammer gripped in his hands.

"What's a Templar?" Jeze asked.

"A priest to the One Goddess," Irvin answered.

"She also goes by the Earth Mother and has a lot of worshipers in the Ironfist kingdom," Rainbow added.

Jeze nodded and told Swordslayer, "Be careful. He is a Rune Caster."

Swordslayer stretched his neck and shoulders and snorted, "Good, that means he is dependent upon his tricks and not his skill."

"Templars are known for their fighting ability and Rune magic," Irvin stated.

"Well, I do enjoy a challenge," Swordslayer responded. He kicked off his boots and unsheathed his swords.

"You can go and get your armor. I will wait," Alcard shouted from the other side of the circle.

"Not needed," Swordslayer responded and was stopped by Rainbow from entering the ring.

The multi-colored haired adventurer called out to Alcard, "Swear upon the Earth Mother that your colleagues will not aid you during or after this fight."

Alcard smirked and responded, "They won't be needed at all."

"Then swear," Rainbow called back.

Alcard sighed and stated, "I swear upon my goddess that my friends will not intervene." The two that were with him nodded in agreement.

"That works for me," Swordslayer said and hopped inside.

People recognized the sword fighter, and a large crowd formed along the perimeter of the stone ring. Jeze heard mutterings of anticipation to see the fight, and a few times, she heard the Sanguine Blades being mentioned. She asked Rainbow what that meant a second time but was ignored. Irvin's eyes narrowed, and he snorted at the multi-colored haired adventurer.

"You can't keep this secret from her. She will learn soon enough," the official grunted.

"Then you tell her," Rainbow snapped without taking her eyes off Swordslayer and Alcard.

The Templar completed a series of gestures, and piles of Earth formed in front of him. Swordslayer completed a few practice swings with his blades.

"Attack now before he finishes his Shaping!" Jeze cried.

"You fight your duels your way. I will fight them my way," Swordslayer responded without glancing back.

Jeze wanted to scream in frustration. Why was he being so stupid! Alcard Shaped the mounds of Earth into two giant hands that rushed toward Swordslayer like giant tidal waves made of rock. The sword fighter casually weaved and dodged the attacks but didn't advance further. Alcard Controlled the stone hands and attempted to entrap Swordslayer, but they missed the elusive fighters. The giant hands collided with each other in a thunderous crash and collapsed to rubble that faded into the ether.

"Come on, you coward!" Alcard roared.

"You are the one throwing rocks at me," Swordslayer countered. He remained where he stood with his swords by his sides and a smirk on his scarred face.

"What are the Sanguine Blades?" Jeze asked Irvin in a whisper as she kept her eyes on the duel.

Irvin was looking at Rainbow, but she did not glance back at him. The Guild official answered Jeze, "It is a forbidden sword style rumored to have been founded by the Vampire Lord Vornicius."

Rainbow snorted, "It is not forbidden."

"It is a dark path!" Irvin snapped.

Rainbow shook her head and glanced at Jeze. "Great warriors seek out Vornicus in order to learn the Sanguine Blades. It is an extremely difficult style that utilizes two swords. It is said that the Vampire Lord spent a lifetime of combat to perfect this style. In order to be his pupil, one must impress him in combat."

"What happens if they fail?" Jeze asked.

"They are killed. Vornicus is a Vampire and needs blood to live. It is said that he only drinks the blood from those he defeats in battle," answered Rainbow.

Alcard launched giant boulders that arced in the air and crashed down toward Swordslayer. The fighter sidestepped each attack, and the rocks shattered on the stone floor of the Guild Tower. Jeze didn't see a mark or a scratch on the dark surface. The craftsmanship was unparalleled! Alcard screamed in frustration.

"Swordslayer was Vornicus's pupil?" Jeze asked.

"So it is rumored," Rainbow stated.

"You know damn well he was," Irvin snapped.

"Why is that so bad?" Jeze asked.

Irvin looked at the teenager with sadness in his eyes and answered, "Facing Vornicus in battle is hard enough, but to train under him is even worse, for he is a punishing teacher. Anyone who survives comes out forever changed. There is an evil planted in their souls. Vornicus invites them to seek him out again once they reach the peak of human ability. It is said that he will then grant them the power to advance to the Elite rank."

Jeze nodded and observed, "That does not seem so bad, aside from the evil thing. We are all trying to get stronger."

"No, girl, this is different. The Sanguine Blades is the start of a dark and evil road that one may never return from," Irvin answered.

"Jeze, you should learn that style!" Ziplocke screeched.

The teenager was in further awe of Swordslayer over the fact that he trained under a Vampire Lord and learned the Sanguine Blades style His skill was evident in his fight against the Templar. Swordslayer gracefully dodged each attack, and this time, he advanced forward. Alcard was prepared and attacked with his hammer. Swordslayer sidestepped, and the metal head slammed into the stone surface, leaving not a mark. Alcard demonstrated impressive strength as he quickly redirected his maul for a second swing. Swordslayer spun away from the attack and slashed with both his blades, which were parallel to each other. One came in high, and the other came in low.

Alcard had to make a single choice on which blade to block and the Templar chose the higher sword. Swordslayer's second weapon sparked loudly off the chain mail that protected Alcard's knee. The blade did not penetrate the armor but struck the joint hard enough to cause the Templar to grunt in pain. Swordslayer continued moving and ducked the Templar's hammer swing. The sword fighter was a step ahead of Alcard's defenses and scored two more precision hits to the Templar's less protected elbows and wrists. Sparks flew as the blades slapped painfully across the mail. However, the attack cost Swordslayer as Alcard made a quick adjustment and caught the sword fighter with a glancing blow.

Jeze gasped, her hands covered her mouth. Rainbow and Irvin shook their heads as they watched Swordslayer stumble to the ground. Alcard, remorseless, followed up with an attack, and his hammer slammed loudly onto the dark stone floor where Swordslayer had laid just mere moments earlier. The sword fighter had dove quickly out of the way, but not before stabbing the back of Alcard's knee. Mail was good against slashing attacks but not piercing, and he left a shallow cut. Even though it was a small wound, it was one that bled enough to slow the Templar down a little. Both combatants turned to face each other, and both were hurt. Alcard was breathing harder, and Swordslayer grimaced from the blow he took to his ribs. The Templar began to shape Glyphs.

"Attack now!" Jeze cried, but Swordslayer remained where he stood.

The pause allowed Alcard to complete the Rune pattern and everyone watched as the Templar's visible skin not encased in armor turned to rock. It was the same as Lady Kalina's rock form body, a technique practiced by the warriors from the Ironfist Kingdom.

"He was too late," Jeze said.

"I like Swordslayer, but I will enjoy the look on his face when he gets hit by that hammer for a final time!" Ziplocke said with mischievous delight.

Alcard rushed in fast and recklessly swung his heavy weapon. Swordslayer dodged and twirled while delivering a flurry of slashes from both his swords. The blades sparked off the Templar's armor and rock-enhanced skin. Jeze shook her head. Alcard was stronger and more protected, and it was only a matter of time before he landed a solid hit that would end Swordslayer.

"Just watch and pay attention," Rainbow insisted.

Jeze watched the fight with more focus. Her knowledge of Rune magic made her realize that Alcard's power was diminishing. The Templar was actually fighting with a frantic desperation to end the bout because time was against him. But, all Alcard needed was one hit, and Swordslayer danced along the fine line between life and death.

The Templar feinted, and Swordslayer reacted to it. Alcard reversed his grip and swung an attack that forced the sword fighter to bring up both his blades to defend. The hammer overpowered the two weapons and knocked Swordslayer onto the ground. Jeze couldn't watch and she covered her eyes as Alcard barreled forward. Swordslayer rolled to his feet and thrusted with both blades.

"Gah…" was all Alcard could gurgle.

His hammer dropped from weak fingers. The Rock-Body spell had expired, and two swords had pierced through the mail that protected Alcard's neck. Swordslayer yanked his swords free and sent a geyser of Alcard's blood to spray outwards, and the Templar fell to his knees. Alcard’s eyes were wide as he frantically held his neck, where blood flowed freely through the torn mail armor. The Templar fell to his side and gurgled for air.

"We have to do something!" Jeze exclaimed.

Rainbow shook her head, and Irvin rubbed his face.

"Unnecessary bloodshed," the Guild official muttered.

"Priceless! That look was priceless!" Ziplocke cheered and clapped.

Jeze opened her pack and grabbed her Life aspect channeling tool and rushed to treat Alcard's wounds. She did her best and Summoned and Shaped the flesh to close. The pressure on her Will was so enormous that she almost fainted. Alcard closed his eyes and barely breathed. But, he was breathing.

"Can someone help him!" Jeze cried. She did all that she could.

"You should not have done that. He will just come after us again," Swordslayer said as he shook the blood from his blades and sheathed them.

His voice and face were remorseless and it shocked Jeze. Her earlier feelings of awe were gone. Who was this monster? She wondered.

"Rainbow! Can you do something?" Jeze asked.

The multi-colored haired adventurer shook her head. "He knew what he was getting into when he challenged us."

“What?” Jeze gasped, she couldn’t believe that the two that she adventured with were so dispassionate. To think that she wanted to be a part of their team.

Irvin had his face in his hands. Jeze looked around for anyone to help. How could there not be a healer among all of these adventurers? Alcard's two companions looked helpless and angry. Their oaths prevented them from attacking Swordslayer. Finally, a stranger came and knelt beside Jeze.

"You stopped the bleeding. I can do the rest," they said.

Jeze thanked them and she stepped away as Alcard's companions replaced her by his side. When she looked up she saw that Lady Kalina had arrived. The Amber Guard rested a gentle hand on Alcard's shoulder and glared at Swordslayer. Were Lady Kalina and Alcard friends? Jeze wondered and she recalled that Lady Kalina was from the Ironfist kingdom. Was she also a Templar? Did she worship the One Goddess?

"This will not go unpunished. This reckless behavior will not be ignored," Lady Kalina said.

"Oh, is that right? Does the Lady wish to test her steel against mine?" Swordslayer said, his eyes distant and wild.

What was wrong with him? Jeze narrowed her eyes. Swordslayer looked crazed with a wide grin on his face. Lady Kalina’s eyes narrowed, and her hand went to the hilt of her sword.

"We had enough bloodshed for today," Irvin said upon approach.

The two sword fighters turned to look at the staunch official with bushy eyebrows. Irvin spoke up.

"Swordslayer, return the medallion to Alcard." To Lady Kalina, the official added, "That was the reason for the duel."

Swordslayer hesitated, and Irvin barked, "Do it now! Let us be done with this nonsense."

The sword fighter with the scarred face scowled but withdrew the medallion and handed it to one of Alcard's companions. They wordlessly accepted.

"There, are you happy now?" Swordslayer growled.

Irvin turned to Lady Kalina and said, "Alcard still lives, and the family treasure has been returned. This matter is now put to rest."

Lady Kalina took a deep breath and replied, "One of these days, your actions will catch up to you, Swordslayer."

The Amber Guard departed, but not before looking at Jeze. Lady Kalina shook her head and disappeared into the dispersing crowd.

"Looks like you may have lost an important ally," Ziplocke snickered into her ear.