(Tragedy strikes again)

Caldur was sitting on his bed staring at his bedroom door. Yesterday was something he hadn't expected, so now he had to prepare he had to get stronger learn magic and how to wield a sword. Caldur stood up from his bed laced his boots threw on a tunic and walked out of the room, he looked out the window to see Zelren already out side practicing his stikes dawned in his full armor.

Caldur turned grabbing a piece of bread off the table and quickly scarfing it down before heading out.

"Morning Zelren getting an early start?"

Zelren relaxed and stuck the great sword into the ground.

"Yeah after yesterday I want to get faster, I need to be able to respond to magic quicker if I want to survive a fight against a mage... speaking of feel like a sparring match.

Caldur shrugged going to grab one of the old wooden great swords that Zelren had hand crafted.

"A great sword? Why?"

Caldured chuckled.

"Well first you and dad have boghed used them it seems right, second if you see somone clad in Armor wielding a great sword you wouldn't peg them as a mage would you?"

Zelren rolled the idea around in his head for a moment.

"I guess your right, can't really argue that."

Zelren walked over next to Caldur and grabbed another wooden great sword.

"Shall we then?"

Zelren walks a few steps away into the mild of the field infront of there house and ready the sword.

"We shall."

Caldur follows suit taking the opposing side, he shifted his weight around taking a few swings getting use to the heft of the great sword in his hand.

"Let me know when your ready over there cal."

Caldur readied himself he locked eyes with his brother. Zelren took the first step forward then the next and the next, Caldur made no move he waited watching eyes locked with Zelren. Zelren continued to move forward as he got closer enough to strike he hesitated wondering what Caldur was waiting for in there usual sparring sessions he would make the first move and he noticed his eyes never leaving his.

Zelren took his great sword which was postioned off to his right his hands and the hilt leveled with is hips and swung it from his right side aiming for Caldurs left hip. Cladur watched his brothers gaze drop to his left, this was it this is what he was waiting for. The moment Caldur saw Zelrens eyes shift he moved his great sword which was stait out infront of him to his left twisting his torso so his right side would face the blow bringing the hilt of the handle up to his face and the blade point towards the ground effectively having the Great sword shield his body as the two whooped swords connect with a loud *Thwack*.

"I see so that's what your doing."

Zelren withdrew his sword, Caldur matched going back to how he was originally. Zelren now understood what Caldur was doing he was reading the attack using his eyes and responding, Zelren brought his great sword up leveling the blade flat and strait out hilt leveled with his head and thrusted forward.

Caldur saw the thrust and responded how he thought best he stiked with is own Sword at the wooden blade of the the incoming great sword, as the two blades connected Cladured carried the momentum the flat of his blade gliding across the edge of Zelren as it got pushed away. Caldur lunges forward striking towards his brother, All Zelren could do was jump back narrowly avoiding the blow he brought his sword back infornt of him ready to take the defensive. However Caldur didn't push on instead he fell back onto his rear foot which was his left and waited.

Zelren grew groaned, Caldur was being patient for once but now he should learn he can't win just by playing defence and counter attacking. Zelren charged forward lifting his great sword above his head and smaching it down towards Caldurs left Shoulder. Caldur lifted his greatsword to block hilt on his left side and blade going towards his right, the two wooden blades once again connected but Zelrens blade had to much force behind it for Caldur to block as Zelrens blade hit Caldurs blade where the guard and blade met and pushed it down hitting his shoulder.

Caldured groaned slightly then used all his might to push his brothers blade up off him then used the guard to catch his brothers blade throwing to the right. then forcing it down as far as he could till his own blade touched the ground then let go.

Zelren struggled to lift his blade when all of a sudden it just went up, Zelren watched as Caldurs blade went flying and his shot up and by the time he could bring it back down Caldur had closed the distance his plan planted onto Zelrens chest.

"Gale palm."

A strong burst of wind left Caldurs palm and Zelren was sent flying back about fifteen feet landing on his back and groaning trying to catch his breath after having it knocked out of him.

"Shit Zel are you ok!"

Caldur ran over only to hear the groaning had turned into laughter.

"That's very good Caldur you got me very clever."

Caldur helped Zelren to his feets.

"Well I am still a mage ypu should have expected magic."

Zelren shook his head chuckling.

"True but in the moment I was more focused on your skills with a blade then what magic you would throw at me."

Caldur and Zelren walked back too the house where Zelren sat in one of the chairs.

"Well I think im good for now why don't you practice your magic for a bit do a few spells the get ready for class."

Caldur nodded and walked back out too the field. Zelren relaxed in the chair.

"Show me something new ive seen two spells now let's see what you got."

Caldur rolled his shoulders thinking of spells he could possible do at his level, then he lifted his hand palm facing towards him fingers curled slightly elbow bent.

"Glacial wall."

A wall of ice ten foot in length and 10 foot high formed along the ground, Caldur then straitened his arm plam forward.

"Shatter."

Delren watched the wall of ice shatter the shards floating in the air. Caldur bends his arm then stairts it out again.

"Ice shard."

All the shards of ice shot forward towards where Caldurs hand was pointing. Breaking apart as they hit the ground and trees, Zelren clapped slowly.

"Very impressive Caldur."

Caldur took a deep breath then put his hand above his head holding one finger up.

"Lighting Arc."

A small bolt of lighting left Caldurs finger rips Arcing in a half circle connecting with the ground. Caldur lowered his arm keeping it strait the bolt followed his movement as it reached forward and once his arm was half way down the bolt disconnected and traveled in its half circle shape for about Five feet before dissipating.

Caldur was breathing heavy he didn't realize how draining casting magic was. He slowly made his way over to his brother and sat in the other chair beside him.

"How is this more exuasting then sword training?"

Caldur leaned back in the chair.

"I'm not sure you tell me your the mage."

Caldur shrugged and closed his eyes taking a few moments to rest.

"That was rather impressive Caldur to use so many spells, you must have been studying magic long before you found out you were affiliated mage."

Both Caldur and Zelren sat up and then stood looking down the hill infront of there home, Seraphina casually strolled up the hill waving as she went.

"How did you find where I lived Seraphina."

Zelren hit Caldurs arm and fell to one knee interlocking his hands bowing his head and playijg his fingers too his forehead.

"Princess Serpahina its an honor to have you here."

Serpahina laughed slightly.

"Please please no need for that treat me how you would if it was my brother coming to visit."

Zelren stiffened and slowly raised his head.

"Yes princess if that's your wish."

This time Caldur hit Zelrens arm.

"I mean yes Seraphina I shall talk more comfortably."

Both Caldur and Serapahina laughed.

"Anyway Caldur to answer your question, your brother just became a knight cadet your housing is logged in his records. Also I've followed my brother her a few times just to get get a look at these dear friends he was always worried for."

Caldur looked at her for a moment and sighed.

"Elryan was her often when the last war started afraid our parents would volunteer to fight, he always convinced them not too till the drafts started."

Seraphina nodded.

"Yes and as soon as he heard they had been drafted he himself dawned his armor and races out too the field of battle... alot of good it did him so stupid challenging the arch mage just becuase of some people."

Caldur let his gaze wonder till her heard that last part of her sentence.

"He was trying to avenge our parents when he died and for that I will always be grateful and I will always respected him for it. They weren't just some people they were his friends our parents we had lost everything and he promised to avenge them, even though he failed he held his honor to the end."

Seraphina raised her hand defensively.

"Look in sorry I didn't mean to offend you it's just I lost my brother becuase of people I didn't even know. It's hard to deal with that lose you know."

Caldur and Zelren looked at eachother then back at her.

"Of course you do stupid question I apologize"

Caldur was about to say something when something caught his attention in the corner of his eye. Caldur turned towards the forest and tried to look through the trees.

"Cal what is it whats wrong."

Zelren ran back to where his great sword was still buried in the ground and yanked it out now also looking towards the forest.

"I think i se-"

Several balls of fire came flying out of the forest between the trees heading strait for Caldur. Caldur raised his hand quickly to defend.

"Glacial wall."

The wall of ice sprung forth blocking the fire balls causing steam to fill the air, Zelren ran back over and looked at Seraphina.

"Princess you must leave now im not sure what is happening but you are in danger here."

"Shatter."

Zelren watched the ice wall Shatter as it did before.

"Ice shard."

Cladur sent the shards of ice flying forward through the steam when he heard a few yells and groans, Cladur then struck his palm forward.

"Gale force."

A strong wind blew through the steam dissipating it revealing the enemies with in, Zelren studied the enemy black cloaks and mesh maskes each displaying the Coridium empire insignia. Each wielding various weapons but nothing large there were shortwords axes daggers long sword as well as bows and in the back still standing in the forest were five mages they held no weapon and were simply standing there watching. Zelren took count of the foot soldiers that had come forward he counted twenty, three already dead from Caldurs ice shards and two wounded.

"Princess these are assassins you must leave now."

Seraphina could barely understand what was happening and assassination attempt now? Why? And why target Caldur first? She couldn't proccess quick enough it wasn't till Zelren shoved her towards the hill that she finally listened and ran.

"I'll bring back help I promise."

Seraphina ran as hard as she could till she reached the bottom of the hill where her carriage was waiting with two of her guards who opened the carriage door as she arrive. Seraphina quickly got in.

"You two head up the hill and help the two up there hold off the assassins, Coachman take me to the castle with haste we must bring back help."

Just as the coachman whiped the reins to get the horses to go and pick up speed Seraphina looked out the window where her two guards were saluting as she left. Her eyes widened as she'll watched a figure that was in the same attire as the other assassins materialize out of thin air. They had a short sword in each hand which both was now pressed against each guards throat, all Seraphina could do was watch as both of the guards throats were slit as she got away.

Zelren watched the princess run down the hill where he spotted a carriage feeling likenshenwould be safe he ran to Caldurs side.

"First battle are you ready."

Caldur only nodded he was focused the wind was blowing strongly infornt of them Caldur was trying to slow the attackers approach.

"Caldur when I tell you stop the wind and back me up attack with spells from range ill try to keep then distracted up front, we can do this brother we jist have to hold till the princess gets back with help."

Cladur nodded.

"Yeah these guys don't stand a chance."

Zelren readied his great sword and took a deep breath. The mages in the back were bothering him why were they not attacking, he shook his head he couldn't sit and worry about it.

"Now."

Caldur stopped the wind and backed up a few steps.

"Glacial Spears. "

Five ice spikes formed over Caldurs head and went flying towards the recoving enemy troops only two connected killing one assassins as it pierced through their chest and wounding another as it pierced their shoulder. The other spikes were either dodged or deflected, Zelren ran forward charging towards the closest assassin who was wielding a long sword. As Zelren closed in the assassin noticed and swung his sword at him.

Zelren jumped out of the way the sword barely grazing his left pauldron. Seeing the opening the attack left Zelren brought his sword down with all his might, he watched as the blade sliced through his neck down into his collar bone and further into the chest before Zelren kicked him off. Zelren watched the body fall limp to the ground he then looked at his blade dripping im blood and felt like puking.

Zelren had never taken a life before he wasn't prepared for how startling it would be. He looked back towards his brother who so far has taken more lives than he has and wondered if this was how he was feeling or if he had overcome it. Suddenly Caldurs hand shot towards him he he watched as he said something he couldn't hear and a bolt of lighting came shooting at near him striking an assassin that was coming up behind him. Zelren came back to the moment gripping his greatsword he quickly spun around swinging the sword and the electrocuted assassin the blade slicing clean through his abdomen the free cloth of the cloak fell away flapping to the ground,Zelren saw the guts start to fall out and quickly turned away to fight the next assassin hearing the *thud* of the body as he left.

Caldur hadn't got much time to rest after practice it took all his concentration and will to keep throwing out spells. Cladur watched Zelren run from one enemy to the next all the while he was watching his back sending spell after spell to protect his brother from being flanked. However he had his own issues as a few of the assassins came directly for him his brother couldn't stop them all three of them were approaching fast there was no way he could keep distance.

Cladur stretched his right arm out to his side slightly andgled down and acted like he was gripping a sword.

"Ice blade."

A sword made of hardened ice formed into Caldurs right hand He swung his left hand towards the assassins.

"Gale blade."

A blade of wind flew towards the center assassin hearing into the ground as it traveled, the assassin dodged put of the way but in the proccess knocked into the other assassins on the left. Caldur smiled now they were a few steps behind each other now. The first assassin came close he swung an axe aimed right for Caldurs skull, Caldur quickly blocked raising the sword of ice catching the hilt of the axe. Caldur had also lifted his left hand bringing his middle and index finger to a point and directed it towards the assassins heart.

"Striking lighting."

A bolt of lightning launched from Caldurs finger tips and into the chest of the assassin, Cladur could smell the burnt cloth and skin as the assassin convulsed falling to the ground as the other two finally arrived. One had a long sword the other a dagger, they split up each taking a side Caldur tried to keep each in view he couldn't be rash he had to wait for one of them to make a move first.

Caldur didn't have to wait long as the one with the dagger went for a strike. Caldur grabbed his first and held it tightly.

"Freezing grasp."

In an instant the assassins arm was frozen solid, when the assassin tried to yanked away thair arm came off crumbling to the ground they were to shocked to respond to Caldur now gripping his neck. Caldur watched his breath frost over as their neck turned to ice, Caldur then quickly rolled out of the way as the longsword of the other assassins came down Shattering the head of the other. Caldur quickly stood up putting his ice blade infront of him he was breathing heavy he wasn't sure how much more he could do.

The assassin ruched forward sword raised above his head ready to strike, Caldur smirked he raised his sword and blocked the blow catching the assassins blade in the icey guard much like he did to Zelren earlier and forced the blade down. Once it was low enough Caldur let go of the ice blade and it crumpled to the ground he quickly closed distance pushing his palm out.

"Gale palm."

The assassin was sent flying back by the time he had stopped and started to get back up Caldur had already cast his next spell. All the assassi felt was the cold as a spear of ice stabbed through his chest pinning him to the ground. The mage leader was watching from the distance and groaned in frustration he knew he didn't have the best assassins in the empire but this was just humiliating. A new knight cadet shouldn't be a issue but his swordsman ship is above the skill level of a novice and the mage the one that caused all this to happen the potential archmage, he had greatly be underestimated he had obviously been studying magic before hand.

The mage leader clenched his hand tightly it was time to get involved there forces had been cut in half, as he raised his hand he felt a presence behind him.

"Sir I regret to inform you the princess has escaped our time is limited."

Thr mage leader sighed.

"Fine then coat your blades we kill them now one way or another."

He felt the presence disappear and he and the other four mages lifted there hands.

Caldur looked towars his brother to check o how he was doing with out his support when he saw Zelren running towards him.

"Time to regroup the mages ar-"

Zelren was cut off by nearby explosions of fire.

"Yeah that head to the other side of the forest were can use the trees as cover and ambush them."

Caldur nodded and the brothers ran ti the ither side of there house using it as cover and breaking into the forest hoping to gain the advantage. The assassins gathered at the edge the five mages and the eleven footmen, the mages lifted there arms and more fire balls were conjured setting the forest ablaze.

Cladur could smell the smoke he turned towards Zelren who had stopped running and looked back.

"There turning the forest into a death trap."

Caldur also stopped.

"You know in hindsight maybe we shouldn't have taken covor in a forest with fire mages being our adversaries."

Zelren shrugged.

"In the moment seemed like a good idea ok."

Both of there heads snapped towards the fire they saw the assassins coming through the flames standing a good bit away bows drawn.

"That's gonna be a iss-"

Cladur didn't even get to finish his statement before feeling the burijg pain as heverything looked down seeing a tip of a sword piercing through his abdomen. When Caldur was cut off Zelren looked to him and saw horror a thousand thought ran through his mind in that moment, his attention was drawn to the cloaked figuer that had somehow gotten behind them.

The figuer removed his sword and Caldur fell to his knees and then used the bloodied sword to point towards the archers. Zelren had not time to react before he felt the stinging pain in his side close to his heart in the gap of his chest plate. Zelren looked down an arrow was stricking out of his side, Zelren spun towards the archers Swinging his sword managing to catch two arrows by pure luck begire threw more stuck his body. One lodged itself into his right shoulder between his pauldron and chest plate, another struck his left thigh then the next went right into his stomach.

"You really shouldn't turn you back on an opponent no matter the circumstances."

Zelren felt the burning as what he assumed was the figuers sword went across the back of both of his knees which brought him down to his knees.

"You now I take pride in my work you know my blades are poisoned, it'll render you immobile then slowly destroy your organs. However I'll give one of you a quick death but which one the target or the brother hm decisions, decisions."

Caldur kept struggling to get up he vision went in and out blurry to focused, Zelren stared into the figuers mask unable to see his eye but glared never the less and spit at him.

"You still have defiance good very good besides it would be wonderful to see your brothers face when I kill you.

Zelren opened his mouth to say something when the assassins sword was jammed into his throat so all that came out was choking gargling sounds. Caldur could only watch in horror how didnthis happen? Why? What could he do?

The assassin removed his sword and Zelrens body fell forward his head tilted to look towards Caldur his lifeless eyes staring at him. Caldur heard the crunching sound of leaves as people approached.

"You two certainly have us more trouble then I thought but still so inexperienced and out matched in the face of true power and strength."

Caldur looked over at the mage leader and did what he could to speak.

"Why?"

The mage laughed.

"What a simple question. So I'll give a simple answer, because you were a potential threat we couldn't ignore."

Caldur clenched his teeth so this was becuase of him.

"Tell me how does it feel to die knowing you were affiliated threat the empire had to get out of the way."

Caldur looked at the mage.

"Like I have nothing left to lose."

Caldurbroight his hand up thumb and middle finger connected.

"Ha your bluffing you couldn't possibly be able to use such a high levels spell you'll kill yourself if the proccess... wait."

The assassin could see the determination in his eyes feeling threatened he casted his own spell at the same time as Caldur snapped his fingers.

"Levitate self."

"Glacial snap freeze."

The mage flew up into the air hundred feet up, everything within a Fifty foot radius was instantly frozen solid around Caldur he started to cough blood and collapsed to the ground he looked towards his brother now iced over.

"I-im sorry...Zel"

Caldur fell unconscious. The mage floating above the now frozen forest laughed and pulled out his transmitter stone.

"Its done the threat is no more, I regret to inform Twenty-five causality I'm the only survivor will give full report back at the palace."

The mage closed the case of the transmitter stone, then looked to the forest again.

"You could have been a monster such a shame you where born her rather then the empire."

The mage flew off toward the valley back to the empire.