Chapter 3: Beginning
Present time.... the kingdom era
"Cicero show me a way to change her death?" Neil tried to change the future, he saw the girl dying. The ring demonstrated him a similar vision showed him running towards her fragments of the stranger who attacked her it didn't shed the light of his identity yet.
Neil was in his bed laying on top of the covers in a very big room. The bed was the central point of the room and was made from cast iron and brass. The beds were covered with canopies drapes, many pillows, the room had a display of shelves with drawers made of oak and mahogany.
The study table had traditional lamps; however, crystal, brass pottery, and candlesticks were used on summer nights to light the room. Rugs on the floor were another feature of the bedroom soft rugs Oriental weaved rug on the floor space. Walls were ornamented with family paintings.
The windows were neatly accessorized with drapes full curtains having fresh colors that brought brightness in the room. The windows opened as they were covered with laces curtains with a darker color base for cover. The fabrics on the curtains are blue velvet, and brocade.
"Cicero show me a solution. How can l keep her safe …" he sighed as he saw nothing his eyelids moving before he opened his eyes green piercing eyes, his thin lips in a curl, hair sprawled on the bed …Dark silver, curly cascading lustrous strands, his figure making a faint depression the bed, a thin, slim full-figured, average height to his father his head barely reaching his torso.
"Son, you're at again …aren't you? Your grandfather told you when the right time comes the Ring will reveal the truth to you" the modulated voice of his father speaking as he walked in the room door wide open.
Randlett was a mature man, well defined, with a sharp jaw and angular cheekbones. The complexion of his fair skin went in tune with his green eyes golden flecked, mouth in firm expression, full chestnut brown hair neatly combed.
" l know but sometimes l can't resist just trying to understand" his frustration showed with frown lines on his face moving his arms in support propping himself upright on the bed to sit up, where he was laid back in respect of his father's presence.
"I was calling you prior thumping on the door when l heard no response figuring as much...the ring you used it right?
"Your still young adult as you are it doesn't give you much knowledge and experience either" his father advised him as his walking steps came to a halt at the bed. Smartly dressed in pants, pleated frock shirt tucked in by the waist in low day boots hands by his sides facing his son.
"Now your grandfather can help you with how to understand the ring later now, come out its time for your lessons" he informed about to trace his steps back walking in exit to the door.
"Battling lessons again.... why?" his mouth puckering in a complaint with knowledge of academic lessons astrology, music, geometry e.tc, suddenly he was being trained to fight this felt excessive for him to handle.
" Neil, we discussed this as a man you will have to protect not only yourself but what you wish to protect, follow me now.... Another thing a man doesn't pout Neil even if don't like something " his steps stopping turning back Randlett smiled at his son to his that last remark and went out leaving the room strolling in the foyer anticipating that the kid should follow out behind him.
Neil smiled back in response to his father"Yes father" moving ceaselessly away from the bed, he stood up leaving his bedroom as well.
Neil followed his father's trail out of his room, passing closed bedrooms wing of his family, into the foyer down the stairs.
" Good day Lord Landon, afternoon young master Neil "the servants in greeting who were tidying the room furniture before proceeding with their obligations.
Neil's father returned the greeting with a brief nod and reply in acknowledgment passing by the boy following suit , walking into the parlor which was opposite the front hall behind the closed doors of the second entryway of the residence, walking through the open drawing-room door where servants were busy working to the back hallway exit passing by servants moving around the house, organizing food, household servants performing their duties , cooks cleaning in the kitchens walking in the passage leading the outside.
Outside where the courtyard led to open to the pavements of residence, the manor house stables showing hills grassy landscape of the land. The manor was built with a panorama of the surrounding land of free nature of forests, river streams, manors, castle estates. Steadfast walls were built for defense in an age that was defined by jealousy, greed, and the love of power as much as honor, nobility, and loyalty to the crown.
The king's castle stood tall faraway and inspired awe in a realm run on deference to royalty, to title and social status. From cloistered rooms, land parcels were given to lords for promised service. In times when "technology" meant wood, string, and metal armory, the expectation of comfort was reserved for just a few. It was a world of subsistence living for all but the mighty who guarded their kingdoms and people.
The trees stood mute in the late spring air the mugginess with an alleviating wind bring relief. The sun was splendid in the cornflower-blue sky, sparkling as though one impeccable petal was extended so wide around all the world. The scent of the unmistakable fragrance of leaf and soil dry from the breeze of the wind.
Summer crept across the housing estate igniting the weeds and grasses that grew in the cracked pavement beside the courtyard.
Neil was on his second week of learning swordsmanship grumbled, "Who in the century has found this to be a useful skill?" He tried to insert some humor in his complaint, Neil was standing in breeches, white-collar shirt, his brother getting ready to practice with him, in the courtyard waiting for him after arriving from an errand sent by his father early morning in the town.
"Everybody utilizes it, Neil, you will require it soon enough, for your own assurance presently let your sibling show you properly "Randlett his dad exhorted pushing him forward to get a wooden practice sword.
As he went back to the sitting area, approaching were the set-up treats and drinks were by the servant maid on the table next to them, Randlett standing up to the side table getting ale looked down for a moment, pouring glasses one for his father before and bringing his own drink to his lips.
Randlett plunked down adjacent to his father on the chair's tables centralized put out by the servants in the courtyard for them to watch his sons battling.
"Are you scared now, baby brother?" Alexon tone in mocking voice, extending a grin on his face looking at his younger brother. Approaching forward before him, in all his grandeur.
A black tailored suit with a charming black tie in boots, dressed for an outing he had gone to not having the time to change. His chiseled jaw lifted with a proud, provocative smile. His eyes sparkling green, his soft, feather-like black hair brushed away from his brow. He was charming and smart. His voice was that of any matured young man, honeyed and proud.
" No, l am not afraid of you Alexon!... but father, he has more experience than me, of course, he will win against an amateur?" Neil complained looking at his brother and to his father who was sitting down in a distant across them.
"Neil that's is the whole point, so your get experience quickly. Now get ready to practice take this seriously it's important"
" Apologies yes father " adhering to his father's command, prepared himself bring to thought, his first practice lesson Neil looked at the practice wooden blanks on the table one the weapons wall left side of the courtyard space.
Neil hauled his own weapon, contemplating Alexon's stance his feet were spread at the right edges, his deserted arm standing out him, sword pointed directly at him ..."More weight on your back foot," he stated, poking Neil's boots further separated.
"So, you can push off when you attack..."
"Consistently hold sideways to your rival," he stated, tenderly turning her. "That way, your chest presents the littlest conceivable objective " snatching his wooden sword against his brother, at last, testing him.
Neil was brought out of his daze by his grandfather's voice to begin dismissing his eyes from the training wooden shield boards.
" Now boys get ready to use your shield blanks and wooden sword sticks by tables across you from the ground.
Felix grandfather of the boys and his son, his appearance was identifiable through similar green eyes, the wrinkles of age were signs of aging, however, he had a taller body build from them. Referencing to the tools laid out for them to fight which was beside arranged for in advance for their lessons.
Alexon and Neil appropriately went head-to-head on the stone squares solid floor of the yard. The region was wide enough for both to battle and not hurt others.
They were many practice weapons, yet they began with the least complex for a beginner. Alexon threw off his dark suit jacket, revealed a man clothed in a shirt and long tight-fitting pants.
Neil held on to his weapon, gripped the sword with both hands, having his right hand at the top end of the grip and the other hand at the bottom of the grip, closer to the pommel as he was taught. His posture elbows bent and close to the body.
Alexon in procedural getting ready also took his wooden sword having a firm hold on, opening his body at angle degree.
This position allows a firm base of support to attack from hips toward his opponent, facing his younger brother.
" On guard now! Start! " The father voice in instruction to signify to the boys that they should get into positions and start attacking.
Alexon moving forward the first step in attack with his sword thrusting forward, parrying quickly, reflexively, the attack redirecting the attack by pushing his sword out of the way with his sword moving forward in to attack. Alexon cut from the other side, and Neil again parried. They moved, back and forth, trying to get a touch on the opponent's body with a good pace until they actually begin to pay attention and speed beginning.
Neil with the next cut forward, Alexon threw his hands up, and parried high, with his sword point towards Neil's face missing however missed the attack, Neil smiled in his pleasure at his brother miss, which gave him the confidence to hit Alexon's chest.
Alexon countered in defense again nearly missing the moment to thrust but thrust he did. Neil, surprised, stepped backward, slapping his brother's blade aside. Alexon did not fight the blow, but turned the deflection into a moulinet and hit at Neil's neck and chest causing him to loose balance knocking over in jerky move dropping his sword to the effect of the hit and speed they were moving.
"I yield brother!" Neil spoke out admitting defeat to his brother's strike to his chest and neck Neil coughed out as air whooshed from his lungs, as he was pushed breathing fast his chest vibrating protesting from the sparring.
" Neil besides physical defense's think clearly when you move, you would be dead with the hits inflicted in a real fight" his brother demonstrated earlier.
Alexon standing slowly drew down his wooden sword from his attack position, Alexon's face was a relaxed demeanor turning his attention to his grandfather's interference. All the while, Neil was holding his brother firmly in his gaze as he was out of breath squatting on his knees in exhaustion.
" Alexon great job on the surprise deflection, your skills are getting more refined " his grandfather acknowledged with a nod.
" Neil be aware of your feet distance also shoulder-width apart, step forward use your sword then start again! " Randlett reprimanded his son as he was practicing how to fight against his attacker.
"Yes father, l will try again," it was not any task learning how to fight with swords and to add an opponent with experience however he was taken off balance, Neil tried his best moving from his squatting posture from the ground standing up again taking his sword.
"Next, press again use the advantage decisively Neil, stand firm my boy " his grandfather shouted in encouragement from his seat in the courtyard area cleared for fight training.
" Alexon doesn't go easy on your younger brother, he needs to learn to defend himself otherwise he will hopeless when he faces real danger" Randlett advised his son Alec to use his best strength if the Cicero owner had a great responsibility.
"On guard again and .... Start "
Neil got ready again, his brother across in position raising his sword up again to attack taking the first lounge forward approaching close with force to land a hit on his torso.
Neil took a large step back to avoid the attack, Alexon fast on his reflexes with speed his sword making a swipe to jab a hit, in swift move blocking the jab displacing Alexon's sword his sword countering and launching a clean hit his chest as he attacked taking his brother in surprise.
"Excellent Neil but hold the handle of your sword properly, you will twist your wrist " his brother confirmed as he went back to defense position.
They continued training attacking, thrusting countering with wooden swords Neil stumbling a few times, getting successful hits a few times.
Alexon countered him proving guidance in other instances, both out of breath and sweat drenching their shirts wet. The summer sun beat upon them relentlessly, forcing beads of sweat down to appear on their foreheads.
Randlett lighting his hand signaled his sons to stop with enough practice for the day as Xavier White his male attendant arrived with a message.
Xavier the male attendant who arrived relaying" Lord Landon, urgent news have arrived of the investigation and a message for the Lord Astro" referring to Felix who listened and instructed the attendant to convey in the study.
" Alexon, it's enough for the day for training you're allowed to go where you wish, take a break too Neil"
Felix instructed his grandsons to stand up from his seat in the courtyard about to walk into the house.
Melia the boy's mother appeared in the courtyard, as she was walking from the kitchen door entryway, the boys packed away their practice wooden planks on the nearby table. Felix was walking to the entryway walking into the house as he met her halfway Melia greeted him with warmth.
"Lord Astro supervising the boys training as usual" face bowing before she looked upwards Melia smiled at her father-in-law, looking past him her sons looking depleted and her husband seated about to stand.
"Yes, since it was their weekly survey time, Neil is struggling but there is room for progress" alluding to their fighting earlier.
" Great to hear, he is changing in accordance with his lessons alright, Lunch is being served l came to inform you in the dining hall come join us?"
"Will do after talk with, Finish some estate affairs in the study but go ahead along with boys"
" As you wish" she nodded giving him way as he strolled past her into the house.
"Melia! l was beginning to wonder where you were?" Randlett inserted to his wife's presence, deserting his seat standing in approach. She smiled at his attention strolling towards embracing him kissing his cheeks as they met before they separated.
" l went on an errand for a few gardening materials for the flowers in the garden in town just came now, realizing l am famished lunchtime in the dining?
"Melia smiled at her husband so disarmingly unaware of her beauty, suggesting to him they should walk together relaying their day.
Melia was an attractive woman with almond-shaped hazel eyes, a fully pouty mouth, corn silk long wavy hair, dressed in a stylish blue lacy gown with a square neckline demonstrating her slender body and medium height frame. Her pearl skin was completely flawless.
She was all about simplicity, making things easy, helping those around her, and being happy with the people around her.
"Darling we will join you after l attend to matters in the study" referring to his attendant and his father who went ahead walking into the house.
"Alright .... l will leave you to it but find me when you're done" faced her husband in a smile that brightened her face. Randlett's expression caught off guard, but he quickly recovered smiling walking close to his wife closing their distance.
"Mother! we're still here "Neil complained in a sulk done clearing up their practice tools on the table at the side of the patio.
Alexon picking his jacket about to walk across the centre of the courtyard, back to the house.
"Yes, l think it's our cue to leave Neil ... mother we will refresh before we eat in the dining hall" Alexon mentioned as Neil followed his steps approaching the couple walking past them into the house.
"A smart man knows when to peruse a situation go off now" Randlett's eyes mesmerized on his wife concurred with the statement, as Alexon and Neil left the courtyard leaving their presence.
Moments later in the study domain of the house the dark oak, leather-clad rooms filled with solid furniture, large windows, fitted bookshelves, certificates, and personal memorabilia.
Antique mahogany rectangular table with three drawers on the right-side swivel chair in the centering the room, at the left side of the room the display table with accompanying couches and middle highchair were family members read, work quietly.
The main table on the surface a stack of papers pilling up, the writing quail and ink beside it, summons. Felix was sitting on his chair at the table in front of him working through some paperwork.
Xavier spoke the report he received " Lord Astro, there is a request to investigate the kidnapping of four nobles' sons who have disappeared "
" A case like that vigils department can deal with is that all? " Looking down kept marking of certain solicitations his consideration regarding the administrative work.
"My Lord their female and male workers were discovered dead their wrists sliced open as they bleed to death .... and a cross imprint was left on all hands a letter, left on the garments of their bodies" the male orderly indicated in a concerning articulation.
"What did the letter say that was found on them?" Felix was attention was stirred dropping his qual quickly lifting his face looking the attendant eyes darting to his face.
"Confess.... your sins or your sons die" voice firm, tall build, blond-haired, deep-set, black eyes which were hidden with his face down before he was allowed to be ease.
" Xavier at ease now explain, how where the sons were even taken in the first place?"
That is obscure right now, that will be investigated"
" The is request accepted, immediately send men to investigate who commits such a crime and alert the head guard of this news so patrols can be made.
" Yes, l will do …can l inform Lord Landon"
" Proceed his help would essential as it should be reported to the vigils bureau"
" Yes, Lord Astro" walking out Xavier left the study closing the door.
Felix wasn't surprised with the vanishing of the sons but the killings of servants were different, his doubts and suspicions currently now rising who was out there creating chaos in the making intertwining his hands on the table as gazed out there over the open window in thought.
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