NOVEL NEXT Chapter 46: Chapter 46 : Sarah Ironwood
The district five town square was almost silent, a far contrast of its former self, it was unusually scanty as most of the shop owners, buyers, hawkers and its general residents had taken their rare opportunity to go to the third district and watch the child of light's challenge.
A prestigious carriage, dragged by horses, trotted into the town square.The vehicle itself was a masterpiece of craftsmanship, it glided across the town square with an air of dignified grandeur. Intricately carved panels of dark wood decorated the exterior, while delicate curtains of the finest materials concealed the figure within from prying eyes.
On both side of the carriage's door was a bild carving of the church of Eternal Light's emblem; a radiant sun, encircled by a halo of light.
A formidable entourage accompanied the carriage, underscoring the importance of her visit. Hefty soldiers, clad in armor that gleamed in the light despite the blood stains on them formed a protective phalanx around the vehicle. Their disciplined march resonated through the square.
Flanking the carriage were devoted acolytes, their humble robes contrasted sharply with the splendor around them. They moved with quiet purpose, their heads bowed in deference. Their presence added a solemn gravity to the atmosphere around the carriage.
Among the retinue were two people dressed in priestly robes, one of which was priest Mathias and the other was a woman whose face was hidden by the darkness created by their cowl. It was easy to tell by the way her robes were designed, as well as her body shape, although her facial features were unknown, it was certainly a woman underneath the hood.
Behind the priests and amongst the acolytes were Nigel, Dickson and Anias, their tired and drooping faces betrayed their weariness as they marched in sync.
A long, lean, slender and graceful finger, parted the carriage's curtain "Why is the town looking empty Mathias? Is something happening today that we aren't aware of?", A soft spoken voice, coming from the carriage said
Mathias walked to the side of the carriage, "I am unaware of any such thing your eminence," He answered, "But I will ask around," He added
After asking a random passerby, Mathias wlaked back to the carriage, "Your eminence, it appears there's an event taking place in the fourth district, and the king himself has invited the people of Eldoria to attend," he reported to the High-luminary
"An event?" The High-luminary queried
"Yes, and it involves the child of light, the king and the family head," Mathias replied
"The child of light?"
"Yes"
'I wonder if this has to do with the challenge, the king mentioned before I left the castle' Mathias thought to himself
"Hmm, I have mixed feelings about this event, tell the rider to change our destination to the fourth district" The High-luminary calmly ordered
"Certainly" Priest Mathias bowed, 'I hope you haven't gotten yourself into a difficult situation Elias Ashdown'
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"Let the fight begin!" Alan declared and the entire arena roared with cheers
Standing before Elias was a woman who stood at least three inches taller than Elias, the woman had fiery red hair that cascaded in wild waves. Her deep intense green eyes were framed by a face marked with a distinctive mark on her forehead. Her skin was a smooth light caramel.
She wore properly crafted silver and leather armor, which highlighted her lithe yet muscular frame. A finely designed sword rested at her side, adding to her battle-ready appearance.
"I am Sarah Ironwood, of the house Ironwood," She introduced herself
"Is that…your daughter?" Lord Thane raised an inquisitive brow
A smile appeared on Lord Varric's face, "Haha, I thought it would be fair to put someone close to his age against him, but after witnessing the last fight, I don't think 'fair' is something I should be considering against Elias Ashdown," He said
"Give your daughter some credit, she is rhe revolutionary genius of the Ironwood house, is she not" Lady Isolde remarked
"Haha, we'll see about that" He said, his voice taken a sudden serious tone
Elias focused on Sarah's appearance, "Aren't you a little too young to be here?" He asked
"I don't want to hear that from you," sarah sharply retorted
"Ouch, that's fair. So what's your deal? Another caster?" He asked
Sarah's brows narrowed, as she unsheathed her sword as pointed it at Elias, assuming a fighting stance, "You will find out soon enough,"
"Very impatient I see," Elias said
Sarah stood there as her mana welled up, causing her hair to flare upward, her focus remained unwavering as her eyes reasted on her target; Elias
"For someone so impatient, you sure are taking your tim—,"
Suddenly, Sarah launched at Elias with inconceivable speed, the ground where she once stood cracked under the sheer intense force of her acceleration.
She stood in front of Elias, her sword pointed at him, altough she showcased incredible speed, Elias was faster as he stopped her attack with his sword at the last second. The impact of the collision sent a resounding shockwavearound the arena.
The crowd gasped in awe, to them it was as if Sarah had disappeared and appeared in front of Elias.
"A swordsman? That's interesting" Elias remarked, "But that's all it is, "
A smug smirk crept up on Sarah's face, "Are you sure about that?" she asked
Elias face took on a puzzled expression, "What do you mean by that?" He asked, then he felt a warmth on his cheek, he touched his cheek only to find blood on his palm
Elias confused expression contorted into a disturbingly wide grin, "Haha, I almost forgot why I was doing this? Thanks for the reminder sarah Ironwood, "
Seeing his expression, Sarah immediately skipped back, "What…are you?" She stammered
Elias slotted his sword back into his inventory, "Me? Simple, I am Elias Ashdown, the child of light, and from now on when you attack me, do it with the intent to kill, or else you may end up dying too" He said icily as cracked his knuckles