Shattered Steel
The Tournament Platform
Scene 1 of 3
Scene 1 of 3
The tournament grounds sprawled across the valley floor.
Banners snapped in the wind from every region of the kingdom.
Warriors gathered in clusters, their polished steel catching the morning sun.
Kaelen stood at the edge of the raised platform, his father's ancient blade resting against his shoulder.
The scent of pine still clung to his clothes.
A reminder of Ironwood Peak, of home, of everything he stood to lose or gain this day.
He scanned the crowd and found his father's face among the onlookers.
Stoic.
Expecting.
The herald's voice boomed across the grounds.
"Kaelen Vane, son of Ironwood Peak!"
A cheer rose from the handful of villagers who had made the journey.
Kaelen's chest swelled.
This was his moment.
His chance to prove that the remote mountain village still produced swordsmen of worth.
The champion from Stonehold Citadel stepped forward.
His posture remained relaxed, his dark eyes assessing Kaelen like a predator studying prey.
Kaelen raised his blade.
He assumed the First Position of Ironwood, feet shoulder-width apart, blade held before him in both hands.
The crowd's roar faded into the background.
His world narrowed to the space between him and his opponent.
The champion's blade lifted.
Steel gleamed in the sunlight.
The duel began.