Free Curse of The Seventh Sword: The Gauntlet of Feona by Kelechi Agu Page A

this possible?  No group of men could possibly best you and your team Trudor, unless they are of reaper class.”
    “ There was one man that could your highness… At best he fought on par with us your highness, and as I said, he wasn’t alone.  He had a group of fighters, each seeming to possess knowledge on the arts of magic.”
    “Describe this man to me.”
    “He was big and strong in frame.  He wielded a sword as if it was a wand, and his form and stance had no weaknesses.  He had dark graying hair and beard.  We were able to overpower and arrest him.  Before he was rescued by his friends, I did my very best to get some answers.  All I found out was his name… Ovar Tardust.  His son Davydd Tardust seems to have an interest in Jaynea.”
    “Ovar Tardust... ” King Sidion said and then trailed off. 
    “Your highness”.  You seem to know him.”
    “Knew.  I knew him.  He was a young soldier who fought during the Great War and was a student of my partner.  He died before his time, much too early in the war.  Another ambitious young warrior cut down by the Dragol.”
    “It would seem he survived after all.”
    “Oh no.  He’s dead.  Very dead.”
    Sidion turned and surveyed the map of Angweleth.
    “You say his son is Davydd Tardust.  You would not happen to know what the boy looks like do you.”
    “I do.”  As Trudor proceeded to desc ribe Davydd’s features to King Sidion, the king’s eyes widened ever so slightly in fear.  Someone greater than I ever was.  Could this really be happening?  At this time nonetheless? 
    “ Baximus Bastien.”  King Sidion finally said. 
    Trudor was briefly caught off guard but then regrouped.
    “Yes your highness .  He was said to be the greatest of reaper soldiers, and a man to be feared in his prime.  Each of us in the death class brotherhood learned our combat skills based on his principles in hopes that one day we might approach something in comparison to him.  But why mention him now.”
    The king looked at Trudor in a manner that conveyed his shock at his ignorance.
    “How do you meet he who you aspire to be like and not know you are in his presence?  You said yourself that he bested you.”
    “You mean Ovar Tardust is…”
    “Baximus.  Baximus Bastien.”
    “But I thought he committed suicide in grief after the death of King Rikard and his family, and Baximus’s own wife and child at child birth.”
    “I suppo se we were wrong about that as well.  The fact that you fell at the edge of his sword and lived to tell the tale has helped salvage your competence Trudor.  Now, take me to my daughter’s body.  We shall prepare to leave for Gor in a day.
    Trudor nodded.  “Y es your highness.  Follow me.”  Trudor led the king down a set of steps that led into the large courtyard of his palace.  They walked across the courtyard to the muted greetings of “long live the king” from the guards and dignitaries who were languishing in the area.  Since word of the princess’s death had spread, tension within the city of Alvo had risen.  Those closest to King Sidion had kept their distance for fear of attracting the grieving man’s ire.  King Sidion ignored their greetings.  He and Trudor walked unto one of the side pavements that lined the square shaped courtyard, going on to open a door on the other side of the yard. 
    “We prepared her as best we could .” Trudor said, as the king stepped inside.  The body of a female form was covered in white linen sheets from head to toe.  The king’s face betrayed his grief all over again.  His eyes reddened as he walked slowly to the figure’s side, and slowly peeled away the sheet covering her.  What he saw, took both he and Trudor completely by surprise.
    “This… can’t be!!” exclaimed Trudor looking at the body as if seeing it for the first time. 
    King Sidion sighed.
    “It would seem the princess’s best friend was more resourceful than we thought she was.  My