Chapter 126: Krikolm

Chapter 126: Krikolm

Callum did not know how to answer his fathers question. He knew that Clypeus did not like him, but he also knew Clypeus was honorable. Callum was not sure he could say the same about himself. The vault chamber grew quiet, his father let the question be and simply admired the painting of Veres I and Gale I.

Callums eye caught the empty sword pedestal standing below the founders portrait. He glanced up at the red blade depicted in the painting.

Father, what happened to Krikolm? Was our ancestral sword really lost? Or did House Thorn destroy it? Callum asked.

Bah! The Thorns? Destroying Krikolm? What idiot told you that? Lord Veres IX laughed.

Feryd told me, he admitted.

Dont believe everything your brother tells you. That boy doesnt even know what Krikolm means and he pretends to know the fate of our Houses sword? I should really have a talk with him one of these days, Lord Veres shook his head.

Wait, so what actually happened to the sword?

...Follow me, Veres sighed.

He took Callum to a small corner of the chamber. There were no pedestals nor treasures here, only a single small portrait. It depicted a warrior clad in azure armor from head to toe. The heroic warrior held Krikolm in hand, waving it in a wide slashing arc.

The people knew her as The Blue Rose. She was as deadly as she was beautiful, and there were none in Hollow Shade more beautiful, Lord Veres said quietly.

Pity her face is covered by a helmet then, Callum chuckled.

The Blue Rose didnt care for high society nor its beauty standards, she wanted to be remembered as a warrior. She was brave, powerful, and dedicated to House Veres. She was one of our greatest family leaders and the last wielder of Krikolm.

Last wielder? Callum swallowed.

He had always wanted to know about the last wielder of Krikolm, but no one knew who they were, House Veres had gone to great lengths to erase that information from the public.

You are old enough to know the truth, but remember that this information stays within our family, understood? Lord Veres said sternly.

I understand, father, Callum nodded.

Good. He stared at the painting, Many people underestimated the Blue Rose and she proved them all wrong. She did not simply become the family leader. She earned the title, despite all the obstacles against her.

Obstacles?

She was a hybrid vampire, like you.

Callums eyes widened, Hybrid?

There was a hybrid family leader before? If that was true, if she could accomplish it, then couldnt he?

Lord Veres nodded, Yes. You see, the Blue Rose was born with powerful mutations and outstanding talent in chromatic magic. She rose above her siblings with ease and yet she had a determination to succeed like no other. Her mother saw her greatness and gave her Krikolm and named her the successor of the family.

She actually did it then, the Blue Rose succeeded, Callum smiled at the painting of the armored warrior.

Hollow Shade was young back then, the ebon lords had just formed their alliance. Many do not know this, but the city flourished under the ebon lords reign despite the wars raging about the Realm, largely thanks to House Veres. At the time, the Blue Rose was the grand marshal, commander of all the armies of Hollow Shade. She led them all to victory, time and time again. The future of our House seemed bright, until something happened to our family leader.

What? What happened?

The Blue Rose saw something. We dont know what, she refused to tell anyone. All we know is that the Blue Rose said she had discovered something that would change the world as we knew it. She was determined to find whatever it was that she saw, despite her family advising otherwise. She left the city by herself that same night. She didnt tell anyone where she was going... No one ever saw the Blue Rose or Krikolm ever again.

T-that doesnt make any sense. Why would she go by herself? Why didnt she tell anyone? Callum shook his head.

Gale turned her gaze on the young goblin, Come on, youre up next.

Strygs eyes widened. He glanced at the pitiful excuse for a short sword in his hand, Oh, shit.

Gale dashed at him in a blur of gold and silver. Stryg raised his blade just in time to parry the quick thrust. She took a quick step back and slashed at him. Stryg dropped low, doding the blow. He pushed his legs forward with all the strength he could muster, flying like an arrow straight at Gales knee.

The vampiress jumped above the attack, twisted in the air, and landed safely on the other side. Stryg skipped across the ground in a clumsy roll. He pushed himself to his feet to face his opponent, but Gale was already on him, her blade coming down on his head.

Orange mana flooded his legs, the veins darkened, agility magic coming to life. He kicked away, barely evading the attack. He tried to put space between them, but Gale stayed on him, her blade a flurry of blinding attacks. Strygs eyes followed each stroke, but he could not react in time. Compared to her, Stryg felt as if he was moving underwater, his body sluggish.

The wooden blades scratched off each other, his innate strength winning over. Gales blade twisted instantly and slashed below, smacking into his ribs. Stryg winced in pain and tried counterattacking. Gale was already serving another two strikes at his forearm and hip. His stance was broken and he stumbled. She finished with a long swipe across his legs. His vision swam and he suddenly found himself staring at the evening sky.

Tsk, tsk. What did I tell you about using magic during training? Gale shook her head.

Stryg stayed quiet, content to stay still. His aching muscles agreed.

Gale glanced between both her students prone bodies, Come on guys, get up. You cant stay on the ground forever.

Id beg to differ, Clypeus grumbled.

Stryg said nothing.

Neither of you plan on getting up, do you? Gale crossed her arms.

I prefer going to sleep with only a half a dozen bruises, thank you very much, Clypeus said.

Ugh, lazy brat, Gale groaned.

I dont get it, I cant even dodge properly with an agility spell. I mean you didnt even use magic, how does that make sense? Stryg muttered to himself.

Its called skill. Swordplay, to be precise. Yknow, the thing Ive been trying to teach you two for the past few months? She said.

Stryg glanced at his wooden shortsword, I want my spear, not this little flat stick.

Gale looked over her own blade, checking for any imperfections. A long sword is too big for you and its a lot harder to learn to use two blades at once. It took Clypeus years before he finally managed to dual wield his gladii.

I dont even want a sword. All I wanted was to learn how to dodge a sword, not fight with one, Stryg sighed.

And I didnt want an ungrateful brat as a student, but here we are, Gale snapped. You want to learn how to defend against a sword properly? Then learn how to use one. Honestly, you should count yourself lucky. Do you know how many people would kill just to have a chance at learning under a Gale sword master, let alone a grandmaster?

Lucky me, Stryg groaned in pain.

Why do I even waste my time with you lazy nitwits? I should be like my uncle and teach one of the Veres children instead. At least they listen, Gale threw her blade on the ground and walked away. Be sure to be here before dawn. Ill make sure to teach you how to dodge a sword then, even if I have to beat it into you.

...Shit, Stryg closed his eyes.

Clypeus looked over from across the ground, It gets easier, you know.

Really? Stryg asked.

No, not at all.

Shit.

Pretty much.