Years had passed since the battle between Jake's kingdom and Vonhelsine's death army. David Smith, now nineteen, stood at the threshold of adulthood. His noble and kind nature had captivated the admiration of his people and the heart of Serena, his dear friend and love interest.
The scars of the battle had faded, yet the memory of Adia's attachment to Vonhelsine lingered. Jake, David's father, had etched his victory over Vonhelsine into history, but Vonhelsine's defeat had not diminished his ambition. Stripped of his powers, Vonhelsine had conquered Diama and Tigrasia, forging a new empire.
When news of Vonhelsine's survival and conquests reached Jake, he knew it was imperative to fortify his defenses. The shadow of revenge loomed, and Jake was certain that Vonhelsine's thirst for retribution would soon be unleashed.
Jake's gaze lingered on his beloved late wife's picture, her memory stirring a deep sense of promise and responsibility. He had vowed to inform David about Valyndor when he turned nineteen, revealing the mysterious connection they shared.
With a resolute sigh, Jake rose from his throne and ventured to David's chambers.
Meanwhile, David slumbered, unaware of the pivotal moment unfolding.
His dreamscape transformed into a vivid realm, where a majestic being emerged. The godlike figure boasted flaming eyes, a radiant white robe, and black sandals. Ethereal glow enveloped him, as if the very essence of fire danced within. Four wings sprawled from his back, shimmering with divine light.
In this celestial being's grasp lay Valyndor, the sword of legend. Its blade shone with an ethereal light, forged from the essence of stars. Intricate patterns danced with inner fire on its silver-blue surface. The hilt, crafted from glowing material, radiated immense power.
As the god's flaming eyes gazed upon Valyndor, the sword pulsated, unleashing energy waves resonating through the realms. Its power stirred within David, awakening a deep connection.
The god's voice whispered secrets, echoing through David's mind: "This sword, forged in the divine heart, holds the key to your destiny. Its power shall awaken, and with it, your true purpose shall unfold."
David's dream intensified, his heart quickening. The god's words struck a chord, and he sensed an ancient memory, long dormant. Valyndor's power coursed through him, beckoning him toward a greater truth.
Jake's arrival interrupted David's dream, but the seed of curiosity had been planted. The time of revelation had begun.
David's curiosity overflowed as he recounted his extraordinary dream to Jake. "Father, I saw a god with flaming eyes, wearing a white robe and black sandals. He had four wings, and his presence was mesmerizing. He held a magnificent sword, unlike anything I've ever seen."
Jake's expression transformed from interest to astonishment. His eyes sparkled with recognition. "The god you saw was Eris, the god of Fire," he declared. "And the sword, David, was Valyndor – the Sword of Legend."
David's eyes widened in awe. "Valyndor?" he exclaimed.
Jake nodded solemnly. "Yes, Valyndor. Forged by the divine hands of Eris himself, the sword holds unimaginable power."
David's curiosity was piqued. "Tell me more," he urged.
Jake paused, collecting his thoughts. "Valyndor's legend dates back to the dawn of time. Eris forged the sword from the essence of stars, imbuing it with his divine fire. The sword's power can vanquish darkness, ignite hope, and unleash unparalleled potential within its wielder."
As Jake spoke, David's amazement grew. He envisioned the sword's majesty, its power coursing through him. "Who wielded it before?" he asked.
Jake's expression turned solemn. "The divine siblings – Eris, Diana, Tigris, and Adam. Their souls and powers reside within Valyndor. Adam, the most righteous, hid the sword on a mountain, embedding it in a rock with their signs. A course protects it, testing worthiness."
David's mind reeled. "What about the creatures defending it?" he asked.
Jake's voice dropped to a whisper. "I know not, for none have returned to tell the tale. But I know this – you are the chosen one, destined to wield Valyndor.
David's face filled with excitement. "How are we connected to the sword?"
Jake's eyes gleamed with a knowing light. "Adam saw favor in our lineage, granting us a fraction of Valyndor's power. The gods foresaw a great evil threatening the world and chose our lineage to produce the hero who would wield Valyndor and save the world."
David's breath caught in his throat as he processed the weight of Jake's words. "Why did Eris appear to me in a dream?", his voice barely above a whisper.
Jake's smile was warm and reassuring. "The sword chose you as its next wielder. Eris informed you of your destiny."
David's curiosity overflowed, and he leaned forward, his eyes locked on Jake's. "How did you know all this?", his voice filled with wonder.
Jake's expression turned nostalgic, and a faraway look crept into his eyes. "The divine siblings appeared to me and your mother when you were born, declaring you the chosen one. They gifted me a divine sword Argent to protect you from the foreseen evil – Vonhelsine."
David's eyes widened in shock. "Vonhelsine?"
Jake nodded gravely. "Yes. After our battle, the sword Argent disappeared, confirming the prophecy. Your mother instructed me to reveal Valyndor's truth when you turned nineteen."
David's face set with determination, and he stood up, his eyes blazing with purpose. "What's next?"
Jake's voice filled with conviction. "When the season comes, and the path opens, you'll retrieve Valyndor. Until then, Author, my old friend and sword master, will train you. Your journey begins tomorrow."
Jake departed, David's mind swirled with wonder, his heart ablaze with purpose. Tomorrow, his legend would unfold.
David burst into the market, excitement coursing through his veins. He purchased leather armor, a sturdy helmet, and a majestic sword with an arm's length blade, its steel shimmering like diamonds. Intricate designs danced along the hilt, captivating his gaze. Satisfied with his gear, he hastened to the castle.
Upon entering his chambers, David's eyes landed on Serena, her beauty radiant as ever. Without hesitation, he swept her into his room, eagerness etched on his face. Serena's astonishment morphed into unease as she found herself alone with David.
"David, what's going on?" Serena asked, her voice trembling.
David settled beside her, hands resting on her shoulders. "I have so much to tell you," he began.
But Serena's mind raced with misgivings. She recoiled, slapping his hands away. "What's wrong, Serena?" David asked, perplexed.
Serena's face flamed crimson. "I thought...you wanted..." She faltered, unable to finish.
Comprehension dawned on David. "Oh, Serena, no! I just wanted to share my news," he protested, falling to his knees.
Relief washed over Serena. "Huww! I thought you wanted to...you know," she confessed.
David's curiosity got the better of him. "What did you think I wanted to do?"
Serena's eyes darted toward the door. "I think I heard my mom calling."
David grasped her hand, his touch sending shivers down her spine. "Don't go, Serena. Please."
As he pulled her back, David lost his footing, dragging Serena with him. They stumbled to the floor, their faces inches apart.
David's gaze locked onto Serena's captivating features – sapphire eyes, raven hair, and inviting lips. His heart raced. Serena, too, was lost in David's chiseled face, golden locks, and emerald eyes.
Their lips almost touched, the air thick with tension. David confessed, "Serena, you're beautiful. I've always liked you."
Serena's cheeks flushed. "I feel the same, David."
Their lips met in a tender, passionate kiss. Time stood still.
When the heart filled moment was over, David explained his connection to Valyndor, his voice filled with conviction. Serena listened, entranced.
Afterward, they sat on the bed, unable to meet each other's gaze. David broke the silence. "I have to go for training soon."
Just as their lips were about to meet again, Jake burst in, unannounced. "David, it's time for training."
David and Serena sprang apart, faces aflame. Jake closed the door without a word.
David seeing Serena's worried look reassured her. "Don't worry, My father will not be furious."
David smiled. "My dad will understand."
With a gentle kiss on his cheek, Serena departed.
David donned his gear, the leather armor hugging his physique, the sword at his side. His heart still raced from the encounter with Serena.
As he left for training, David couldn't shake the feeling – he had found his soulmate.
David arrived at the training field, still lost in thought. Arthur, his martial arts teacher, shouted loudly, "Are you the rookie prince I'm supposed to teach?" David snapped out of his reverie, surprised to see the old man.
Arthur stood tall, his weathered face creased with age and experience. His piercing blue eyes sparkled with a hint of amusement, and his silver hair was tied back in a neat ponytail. He wore a worn leather tunic, adorned with intricate sword-shaped embroidery.
"Who are you?" David asked, seeking verification that this was indeed Arthur, the sword master his father had hired.
"I am Arthur, the sword master and your personal trainer," the old man replied with a gentle smile.
David couldn't hide his disappointment. "You're...40 right?", unsure if this older man could effectively train him. His eyebrows furrowed, and his lips pursed in skepticism.
Arthur noticed David's skepticism. "We're behind schedule. Let the training begin!" he declared, his voice firm but kind.
David asked, "What will we be learning today?"
"Sword swinging," Arthur replied, his eyes twinkling with amusement.
David's frustration boiled over. "I have a world to save, and all you're teaching me is sword swinging?"
Arthur's authoritative voice countered, "Who is the teacher here?" His expression turned stern, and his jaw clenched.
For hours, David swung his sword, sweating profusely. His arms ached, and the sword slipped from his grasp. Finally, exhausted, David collapsed.
Arthur called out, "That's all for today. Shower, eat, and rest for tomorrow." His expression softened, and he offered David a warm smile.
Arthur departed, he shouted, "Rookie, be early tomorrow!" David sighed, too tired to respond.
That evening, David joined his father, King Jake, for dinner. David's frail voice and weary expression concerned Jake.
"How was your day?" Jake asked, his eyes sunken and his skin pale.
"Totally boring and exhausting," David replied. "All I did was sword swinging. You call him Arthur the sword master, sword master my ass?" David's tone dripped with sarcasm.
King Jake's face broke into a gentle smile. "Don't say that, son. Arthur's training may seem unorthodox, but he's the best swordsman I've ever seen." Jake's voice weakened further. "After me, of course."
David raised an eyebrow, intrigued.
Jake continued, "Don't worry, Arthur is a good teacher. Just follow everything he says, and you'll see everything will turn out fine."
David voice a whisper"Okay, if you say so." His expression reflected his lingering doubts.
He paid his father respect and left for his chamber, seeking a good night's rest. Once there, David jumped onto the bed, embracing the softness like a starving man.
As he settled in, David reflected on the day's events. Serena's face flashed through his mind, reminding him of their passionate kiss. A soft smile spread across his lips.
"At least the day wasn't a total failure," he whispered, touching his lips.
The castle grew quiet, like a graveyard. Nightingales sang their sweet melodies, and crickets provided a soothing background hum. Everyone slept peacefully, lost in their dreams.
David drifted off, his thoughts still swirling around Serena and the mysterious Arthur. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, but for now, he surrendered to the allure of sleep.