The dawn broke over the mighty walls of Vigil's Keep. Home to the Ferelden Wardens, warriors extraordinaire and saviors of the Arl of Amaranthine. Guards both mundane and Warden initiates patrolled the ramparts. Darkspawn might be scarce, but bandits and pretentious Princes will never go extinct in Fereldon and the Keep was a shining jewel among the clouds and a magnet for fools looking to find glory.
Luckily most who come to Vigil's Keep aren't looking for trouble, just potential work as a guard or a maybe even a Warden. And right now one such recruit is in the training yard standing across the ring from the Constable of the Grey, Zadkiel Cousland. The Recruit was solidly built youth with a square fresh face and short dark brown hair. His name was Issac and he was dressed in just a pair of boots and pants as he stretched with a heavy training hammer eyeing the Warden-Constable up. Zad was seated upon a hay bale a dull training sword hanging loosely from his fingers dressed in the same manner. A small smirk was on his face as he watched the young man pump himself up. It wasn't too long ago Zad was just like him, eager for a fight, willing to endure all kinds of pain just to prove himself the best.
Reality always has a way of putting the arrogant down though. One of the many hard lessons a man must learn before he can call himself a man. Issac finished up his stretches and shouldered the heavy hammer walking to the middle of the ring bouncing lightly on his feet. Standing up Zadkiel spun the sword around his hand and joined Issac in the ring. The Senior Warden
Xander would be reffing the match and determining the young man's worth to the Wardens.
The men squared off and with a nod Xander laid out the rules.
"Gentlemen, this is a match of points. You will be using safer training weapons, but they can still injure. First blood and the match is ended no winner, you need three points to win. One point for a strike to the legs or torso, two points for the head and three for disarming or simulating a kill shot. Understood?"
The two men nodded, then Xander continued.
"Alright go to your corners and come out swinging. Best of luck gentlemen." He waved the two men away then took his place out of the designated combat area and let out a shrill whistle. Issac let out a bellow and charged full into Zadkiel many of the older Wardens were seated on bench sipping ale and chuckling at the boy. He's already lost he just didn't know it yet. Zad smiled and engaged the youth. He easily ducked under the man's heavy overhead swing and landed the first hit his blade slapping Issac's shin making him stumble forward some.
"Point Zadkiel!" Shouted Xander.
Issac groaned lightly hopping on his good leg quickly locking onto Zad again. He expected an immediate follow-up strike, but the Warden was simply standing in a relaxed pose his sword's tip resting in the dirt.
"Don't rush headfirst into conflict young man, the Hurlocks are slightly stronger than an average man and bull rushing is their specialty."
Issac nodded he didn't expect to be getting free lessons from the Warden-Constable. But he wasn't some farmer who had picked up his first weapon a week ago. He has been a guard in Denerim for three years. He took the man's advice and changed up his strategy. He still charged, but feinted his next downward strike quickly changing it into a forward thrust of the hammer's head. This surprised Zad, but not enough to cost him a point, he dropped to the ground and rolled aside he clipped Issac's leg again before moving out of range.
"Point Zadkiel!" Xander announced again.
Issac growled feeling anger build up inside of him. He didn't give Zad a chance to recover he charged and unleashed a barrage of attacks. Zadkiel blocked each attack the smile slowly leaving his face as he danced around the ring. He watched Xander's face slacken in disappointment some at the young man, but Zad saw potential. Still this had to end, he skipped out of range again only this time he attacked. Chargeing and nimbly ducking under Issac's guard he smashed the man in his stomach with the pommel of his sword then quickly aimed the the point under Issac's chin lifting his head and nodding.
"Killshot Zadkiel wins!" Xander shouted the other Wardens clapped for Zadkiel who lowered his blade and patted Issac on his shoulder. "You are strong Issac, but your temper will be your downfall if you cannot control it. Senior Warden Xander will work with you more, before we can let you do the Joining understood?"
Issac nodded bowing a little to Zadkiel.
"Yes Warden-Constable thank you."
Zad smiled and tossed the training blade to the Senior Warden before exiting the ring and gathering his clothing and normal weapons.
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