Test Of commanders

The mock battle was in full swing, with soldiers clashing in fierce but controlled combat across the training grounds. Kael's carefully laid ambush had successfully disoriented Thane's forces, forcing them into a narrow pass. Though Kael's team held the tactical advantage, Thane's raw strength and ferocity continued to shift the tide. The battle was tense, but the most anticipated moment came when Kael and Thane found themselves face to face in the center of the battlefield.

"Step aside," Thane said, his voice a growl as he gripped his massive blade. "You've been giving orders all day. Let's see how you fight without them."

Kael smiled faintly, his sword steady in his hand. "You've been waiting for this, haven't you? Fine. Let's settle it."

The soldiers from both sides began to step back, forming a wide circle around the two leaders. All fighting ceased as the troops watched their commanders prepare to clash.

Thane lunged first, his massive sword descending in a powerful arc. Kael sidestepped, the blade crashing into the ground with enough force to send dirt flying.

"You always lead with power," Kael said, his voice calm as he danced out of reach. "It's predictable."

Thane smirked, pulling his sword free and swinging again. "Predictable doesn't mean ineffective!"

Kael parried the strike, the sound of steel against steel ringing across the field. Thane's raw strength pushed him back a step, but Kael quickly regained his footing. He countered with a quick thrust aimed at Thane's midsection, but Thane deflected it with his blade.

"You're faster than last time," Thane admitted, his grin widening. "But speed won't save you when I corner you."

Kael didn't reply, focusing instead on Thane's movements. He could see the faintest hesitation in Thane's swings, a sign of over-commitment.

Kael feinted to the left, drawing Thane into a wide swing. As Thane's blade passed harmlessly through the air, Kael stepped in, aiming a precise slash at Thane's shoulder. Thane twisted at the last moment, deflecting the strike with his gauntlet and retaliating with a backhand swing.

Kael ducked, the blade narrowly missing his head. "Your strength is impressive," Kael said, stepping back to create distance. "But you waste energy with every attack."

"Energy I have plenty of," Thane replied, advancing. He swung his sword in a series of heavy strikes, forcing Kael to block and evade in rapid succession. Each impact rattled Kael's arms, the force behind Thane's blows almost overwhelming.

Kael gritted his teeth, his mind racing. I can't match him head-on. I need to wear him down.

Kael began to shift his strategy, focusing on defense and counterattacks. He moved with precision, using his smaller blade to deflect Thane's strikes at angles that disrupted his balance.

Thane growled in frustration as one of Kael's parries forced his sword wide. Kael seized the opening, landing a quick slash across Thane's armored forearm.

"First blood," Kael said, stepping back.

Thane glanced at the shallow cut, then laughed. "I was just warming up."

He charged, swinging his sword in a devastating horizontal arc. Kael ducked under the blade and rolled to the side, coming up behind Thane. He aimed for Thane's exposed flank, but Thane spun around, his sword already coming down.

Kael raised his blade just in time to block, the impact sending a shockwave through his arms. He slid back from the force, his boots digging into the dirt.

"You're good, Kael," Thane admitted, his tone serious now. "But I'm not letting you win this time."

The crowd of soldiers watched in tense silence as the two commanders circled each other. Sweat dripped from their brows, and their movements became more calculated.

Kael feinted again, drawing Thane into another wide swing. This time, Kael stepped in close, too close for Thane to bring his sword to bear. Kael slammed his shoulder into Thane's chest, forcing him off balance.

Thane stumbled but recovered quickly, using his free hand to shove Kael back. He followed up with a downward strike, but Kael sidestepped and kicked Thane's knee, destabilizing him further.

Kael moved in for the finishing blow, his sword aimed at Thane's chest. But Thane dropped his sword and grabbed Kael's wrist, stopping the blade inches from his body.

With a roar, Thane used his brute strength to throw Kael to the ground. Kael rolled and sprang to his feet, his sword still in hand.

"You're relentless," Kael said, panting.

"And you're stubborn," Thane replied, picking up his sword. "Let's end this."

Kael nodded, his grip tightening on his sword. The two charged at each other, their blades meeting in a clash that echoed across the field.

Kael anticipated Thane's next move, sidestepping just as Thane brought his sword down. He pivoted and struck Thane's blade at an angle, disarming him.

Before Thane could recover, Kael pointed his sword at Thane's chest.

"It's over," Kael said, his voice steady.

Thane looked at the blade, then back at Kael. He smiled and raised his hands in surrender. "You win. Again."

The soldiers erupted into cheers, their admiration for both commanders evident. Kael lowered his sword and extended a hand to Thane.

"You almost had me," Kael admitted as Thane clasped his hand.

Thane laughed, pulling Kael into a brief, brotherly embrace. "Almost isn't good enough. Next time, you won't be so lucky."

Kael smiled. "I'll be ready."

Lyria stepped forward, clapping her hands. "That was impressive, both of you. But let's not forget the point of this exercise: teamwork. Let's get back to training."

As the soldiers returned to their drills, Kael and Thane stood side by side, watching their troops with pride. The mock battle had tested their skills and strengthened their bond, preparing them for the challenges ahead.