Scene 1
Volk POV
"Hey! Have you guys seen Alexisos?" Entering the barracks of the city army, as my breathing came out in gasps, trying to calm down. Turning a two-day sprint into a one-day blitz as I ignored my increased rank from 2nd to 1st Order Warrior.
Only finding some of the new recruits that made it this year. This being Alexisos's second year as a Warrior again. Something he put off and even accepted a peaceful city in favor of traveling back to Bacchus's kingdom.
"The city warriors left two days ago. They'll be meeting up with the rest of the Zeus Empire armies near the northern Gaia Mountains." Getting the answer I needed as I decided to use what little items I brought along with me. Along with my old sword, Bacchus Warriors. Trading for a horse as I began the journey back to my home.
"Volk! Where's Alexisos?" Stopping in front of our remote home as Rilk ran out. Clearly listening to the words I communicated silently.
"We have to go get him, and I can't leave you here by yourself. Grab some clothes and food. Meet me out here." Sighing as I jumped down and secured the horse to a tree. Before heading towards the back of our house, where a shovel sat, before grabbing it and walking ten minutes down a slope.
Before finding my spot marked by a broken tree as I dug up the ground. Digging until I uncovered my hidden legacy. Something Woden wrote for me and yet I never truly read it. A notebook like he described. Containing pages of words he trained me to read. Just like I've trained Rilk to be able to read Woden's tongue and our Greek.
Returning to the house where Rilk was feeding the horse some fruit as he laughed, playing with it. Not noticing me until I grabbed his shoulder as he jumped in fright.
"Here. This is for you. Just in case something goes wrong." Placing the notebook in his hand as he watched it with caution. Before accepting my gift as we both hopped onto the horse and set off. Potentially saying goodbye to this life.
Scene 2
"Why are we using sticks?" Holding the stick awkwardly as he looked at me nervously. Rilk was still unsure about using sticks as substitutes for swords.
"That's how I was taught. It might seem childish now, but when using a sword, the weight might be different along with the length. But your body will understand how to move already. Since we can't barge into the army demanding Alexisos, it's better to train while we trail the armies."
"Sounds like you made it up last minute." Swinging his stick nervously as he stared at it before looking to me.
Laughing at the memory of me saying the exact same words.
Stepping forward as I lost my smile while bringing my stick down on him. As he raised it in haste, barely blocking the bruise-leaving strike. Using my free hand to lightly tap his stick near his hand as it forced my own off.
Before carrying forward, striking his shoulder as he dropped the stick.
"Rule one. Never drop your weapon unless you mean to." Bringing my hand up as he closed his eyes. Before stopping and placing it on his head. As he opened his eyes to me, gesturing for him to pick it up.
"This is to prepare you. Not torture you. I don't know why you see me as the bully and not Alexisos." Laughing to myself, I waited for him to regain his stance.
Scene 3
Alexisos POV
"You beat everyone again. Did you get some training before serving in the army?" Accepting the waterskin as I took a seat next to the general of the army. A Demi-God-class mortal sent by Lord Zeus to lead us.
"Yes, sir. My best friend and I have been sparring since we were young men." Smiling as I remembered the memories of us fighting, then becoming teammates in the numerous skirmishes Bacchus City would be caught in against other kingdoms.
"Oh, and where is this friend of yours? If he can spar with you religiously, then he's no small figure." Glancing at the numerous 2nd and 1st Order Warriors I've been defeating as a Peak 2nd Order Warrior.
"Back in the City of Hermes. Brother Volk and I have been together since our childhood. Without him, I would've been dead many times over, my lord." Rubbing my hands as I remembered our home burning down as we walked away from certain death as Warriors.
While my mother would've been tortured due to her age and lack of value as a slave, and Rilk, my adopted little brother, would've been sentenced to the worst fate of all. Ending a slave while still young enough to be considered a child, getting ready for Warrior training for every man under Lord Zeus's Empire.
"Is he worth sending a squad to retrieve? After all, Lord Zeus blesses all talents who can accomplish Order Defying feats. If he's even half of you, then Lord Zeus will be happy to accept him as well into our fold." Thinking about it as the idea of persuading Volk to fight in a war again sounded like a dream come true.
"He is the only man I can trust my back to. Like I said, without him, then I would've buried my mother long ago." Watching him wave to a group of men who released the wings they earned from becoming Lord Zeus's chosen. Something every Demi-God under our Empire receives at Demi-God from Lord Zeus himself.
Something I've only dreamed of receiving as a Warrior born to a poor mother. As the only things I know are the lessons Volk taught me. Not willing to accept an honor he deserves more than me. A future War Saint of Zeus. Yet his dislike of war has turned him away. As I hope this will be the spark to bring him back.