Ammon rose slowly, brushing the soot from his tonic, his muscles still ached from the chaos. Ayden stood nearby, the faint glow of his dragon fire flickered in his eyes- wary and alert.
From the shadows of the forest, three figures emerged. Their steps confident and regal. Each wore a different insignia of different kingdoms, their armour gleaming faintly beneath their traveling cloaks.
The first, Prince Adler of varenthia held a calm but commanding presence, his eyes sharp as an eagle. Beside him, was princess Anya, her long silver hair, tied in braids that shimmered in the light, her gaze carrying both curiosity and strength. But the third- Prince Simon- walked with a smirk that betrayed arrogance rather than grace.
Ayden's flame dimmed as Ammon stepped forward and bowed.
"Thank you so much for saving us."
We owe you our lives. Ammon said sincerely, his voice steady despite exhaustion.
Prince Adler, nodded with composed ease. "No debt friend". The beast of the wild are merciless, we are glad we arrived when we did.
But Simon scoffed."friend? you must be the one they call the powerless prince of Dravencia."
Ayden's eyes flared by the insults, but ammon raised a hand to silence him. "Powerless or not, I was chosen by my king, to stand here."
Simon stepped closer, his smirk widening. Then prove it, if you wish to stand among heirs. One hit- that's all. Fail and I will petition the alliance to send someone more worthy in your replacement.
Adler frowned, Simon that's enough.
But the Argorian prince sword was already unsheathed, unardoned, yet steady in his grasps. Ayden clenched his fist, the air around him shimmering with restrained heat.
"Very well", Ammon said. "One strike".
The breeze stilled, even the birds were quiet.
The steel rang and the duel began.