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Registered: 11-2004
Posts: 406
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The day that Amras passed his Fighter Test


He stepped into the clearing, glancing from left to right as he always did, though this place was never new to him. He had fought here many times before, fought and lost. Today seemed different, the way the wind moved, the way his body seemed to be effortlessly gliding and cutting, moving so swiftly he could barely control it. He glanced towards his waiting enemies and summed them up in an instant. They were large, both hefting monstrous shields and weapons that afforded them a great deal more reach than his much preferred short sword. He had never met them before and had no idea how they fought, but newcomers were increasingly more and more common amongst the crusade these days, especially after his three month journey. In those months he had not even needed to use his sword and barely had the time to even put any effort in his training, he had traveled long and hard searching for the lost city of his people. Upon seeing his ruined body, and the way that living amongst humans had changed his demeanor a riot broke out and he was thrown from the city. Shaking such memories from his mind he focused on the task at hand. Athron appeared from the edge of the clearing, seeking to begin the test. Amras gestured for one more moment of preparation, a last ditch effort to pass the test that had held him back for what seemed a lifetime. He looked into the sky and prayed to his God, prayed for strength and guidance. Upon completion of this all too alien gesture (as his people had no gods, and relied upon no one) he turned to look at his enemies one last time before immersing himself in the battle…

As always, all outside sound and movement were blocked from his mind. So great was his focus that when his comrades and fellow crusaders gathered to watch, he did not even register their presence. He had mind only for his testers. He advanced towards them without hesitation, throwing three quick blows on the two shields. His only goal was to test their skill; he had plenty of time to beat them at this game. After all, it was HIS game that they were playing; he had tested enough potential fighters to know this game very well and make it his own. Their blocks were solid but not fast, he knew that if he created the right opportunity he could slip around one and land a killing blow. In the instant that he paused to contemplate that information his enemies attacked as one, each throwing blow after blow on both sides of his shield forcing him to strain to block them both and back off. Fifteen seconds in and he saw in his mind how he was going to beat them. Left sword arm… too slow, right tester, less strength, more speed, harder shot. He thought to himself as he threw a few more shots and was forced to retreat. His only concern was the one on his left; the other did not have enough of a shot to worry him. His heart quickened as he thought for a moment that he discerned a pattern… yes a definite pattern in the left one’s fighting! Amras saw him throw the same shot on his shield every time he attacked the tester on the right. Quickly taking advantage of this he threw two shots on the right shield, faking a third and cutting straight for the arm that he knew would be there. CRACK. A solid hit and the tester dropped his sword. They quickly changed sides so that the only sword could get at him. Thirty seconds in and he had gained a great advantage, now using his increased agility to maneuver the two into each other as he searched to create another opening. He danced around them throwing shots and blocking them in turn, not backing off because there was no need. He cut for the injured enemy’s leg seeing a small gap and watching it disappear precisely when his shot should have landed. It was a hard block, but an even harder shot to throw and the tester on the left took advantage of that fact as he punched a quick wrap around Amras’ waiting shield. The blade should not have landed and in Amras’ focused mind it had not. A few seconds passed and he felt a definite bruise spreading across his left leg as the shot from the practice sword was finally felt past the fire in his veins. He took his leg with a wave of defeat nearly overwhelming him. He had never come so far in the test to suffer defeat like this. And he would not do so this day, the determination kicked in that had kept him alive through battles and wars. The fire turned into an inferno as he screamed in rage and pounded the ground with his sword. The testers had fear in their eyes as his eyes took on an animal look and he lunged at them. He threw shot after frenzied shot, hoping to catch one off guard. Five, ten, fifteen shots and neither of them had faltered, though they had not had the chance to attack. He screamed again but his fury abated for a second and that was all that they needed, throwing themselves at him as hard and as fast as they could. Unfortunately for them, they had never fought him before and did not know that wounded or not he was just as dangerous, and now more determined to win. He dove aside and slashed at an exposed leg. It was the already previously injured fighter who clutched his now bruised leg and crawled out of the fight.

It was just him and the unwounded tester one on one. The man had bulk and he was using it brutally, smashing his shield into Amras’, who dove to the side blindly. The attacker knew that he had the advantage while doing this and continued to throw himself at the legged Amras. After the fifth time, Amras was ready to pull all of his stops, fully release himself to the inferno and let loose. With a scream he leapt off from his good leg and met the attacked in full charge, slamming both shields and bodies together. His shoulder cracked as he swung his short sword hard and high, hitting the enemy with full force straight across the back.

Both collapsed in a heap and sat back nursing injuries. It took Amras many seconds to realize what had occurred and a smile spread across his face as he let go of the rage, just as he was mobbed by his closest friends that could not congratulate him enough. As the cheering began to die down, Athron stepped forward and quieted the crowd with his presence. “We have all known that you have had the skill for many months to pass this test. The only difference between today and yesterday is that for the first time YOU realized that you had the skill to pass this. It was your belief in your abilities that won this fight. It is the only way that you could pass, and I now congratulate you as the newest fighter in the crusade.” He walked from the clearing as the cheers started up again, and an exhausted Amras was so moved that he fell to the ground in amazement and wonder.


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As strong as I am there is naught to fear in my strength, for it is nothing. Rather, fear the strength of He that protects me, for I am but a mere lamb of His flock.
9/27/2005, 8:32 pm Link to this post Send Email to AmrasOfEryndor   Send PM to AmrasOfEryndor
 
yakamo Profile
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Registered: 08-2004
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Re: The day that Amras passed his Fighter Test


congratz again

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The honorary Mexican of Eryndor
9/27/2005, 8:42 pm Link to this post Send Email to yakamo   Send PM to yakamo
 
AmrasOfEryndor Profile
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Re: The day that Amras passed his Fighter Test


Thanks again, I think there's a third one around here too!

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As strong as I am there is naught to fear in my strength, for it is nothing. Rather, fear the strength of He that protects me, for I am but a mere lamb of His flock.
9/27/2005, 9:44 pm Link to this post Send Email to AmrasOfEryndor   Send PM to AmrasOfEryndor
 


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