The Duel

                                    

                                          

When Nathaniel woke up the next morning, he had something that he was looking forward to. He and Christopher had decided to have the duel before breakfast. Nathaniel dressed in an appropriate outfit, he took his sword down from the wall where he kept it when he didn't carry it during the day and strapped it around his waist, then headed down to the dueling grounds. Christopher was already there waiting for him. He seemed to be looking at the beautiful colors of the sky as the sun continued its ascent. "Good morning, Prince Christopher," Nathaniel broke the silence between them.
Christopher looked his way, "Good morning to you as well, Prince Nathaniel. I hope you slept well."

"I did indeed. I am most anxious to see if this little duel of ours will do all that you say."

Christopher smirked, "There is only one way to find out."

"I suppose you are right."

Both of them pulled their swords from their scabbards. For the longest time, the two of them just looked at one another, each assessing the other, neither willing to make the first move. Each had a longsword, but each had a different handle. Nathaniel was holding his sword in the guard of the woman stance while Christopher held his in full iron gate guard stance. Nathaniel stuck first. He lifted his sword, which caused Christopher to lift his own. Nathaniel then struck out in a circle parry bringing his sword down on Christopher's as hard as he could. Christopher brought his sword up just in time to deflect the attack. There they were, the two of them clashing swords. Christopher had been right. Nathaniel felt better. Christopher pushed Nathaniel with his sword back and off of him. It took a moment for Nathaniel to get his bearings. By the time he did Christopher was lunging at him. Nathaniel defended against this with a riposte. Christopher parried this attack. Nathaniel had to admit that Christopher was quite good and much stronger than himself. Their two swords had clashed loudly against one another again. Nathaniel pulled his sword away just to use a feint. Christopher didn't fall for it though, and he parried the attack only to disengage and bring his sword to Nathaniel's neck. Nathaniel pointed his sword to the ground, "Well done Prince Christopher. You have bested me."

Christopher lowered his sword, "You did not make it easy Prince Nathaniel. You are a very good partner."

Both of them put their swords away and started back to the palace. "How do you feel about our visit Prince Nathaniel?" Christopher asked as they walked.

"You as well as I know the burden that lies on the shoulders of a future king. I cannot say how I feel about your sister yet Prince Christopher, but we have many years to cultivate a relationship if we so choose."

"Very wise. Samantha is looking forward to the ball at the end of the week. She has talked nonstop about dancing with you."

Nathaniel chuckled, "I will be sure to ask her to dance multiple times, after all, she is a guest."

"Are the others not?"

"Yes," Nathaniel said as he looked at Christopher. "But not from other kingdoms."

Christopher chuckled, "I do appreciate your sense of humor."

The two of them shared a laugh before they headed into the palace to get washed up and head to breakfast.

What did you think of the duel? What do you think will happen at the ball?

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