Draco's quest

18. Mysterious Man

Draco pov

Weeks have passed by since that first training session and I honestly think I have improved. My trainer, Harold was a hard coach and skilled warrior. I could assure you that. when the king had said that I was to train from the best, he meant it. After all, he was the royal trainer. 

 My trainer made sure that I mastered something new every day. He was adamant in giving his best to make me the most skilled swordsman. He had clearly explained his reasons, they had their powers while I had none. I will have to rely completely on my skills with my sword, and he was right.

Ever since the day I found that treasure, my daily schedule had changed. I now no longer had to cook for them. They had hired a new cook and this time, it was not a slave. Rather a skilled cook in this world, which I thought was the best for everyone. But I was still in charge of some little chores around the palace and the gardening. I still took the enchanted scroll from time to time but ever since it revealed the spot where the treasure was buried, it had stayed the same.

Perhaps it would help when it was time to reveal something important.

Now that I have regular training sessions, I don’t find the need to mimic the knights in secret. And it has been a while since I last entered the secret room. My secret room was where a strange glowing gem-like stone floated above a stand.

 Well, I would know where to hide if I had to. I honestly don’t think they knew anything about a movable wall and a hidden room inside. But I wonder what that stone was. whatever it is, I better not touch it. my curiosity has put me in this mess. I better keep my hands to myself. 

Just like any day, I woke up and had my breakfast before going to the training arena where my trainer, Harold would always be waiting for me. Ever since I had discovered that treasure, which meant a lot to these people, I had been treated better by everyone. Even those who used to push me around among the knights. At least they didn’t taunt me each time they saw me anymore. 

Well, everyone except the devil’s incarnate, Killian treated me a lot better. He didn’t seem to change even the tiniest bit. He would scoff at me or at least mumble an insult loud enough for me to hear. However, that didn’t make me feel anything. He was a devil in disguise, what else should I expect from him? It was a good thing that the king and his family were now on my side. 

Finding that treasure was a good thing. Maybe I should try to find some more of those. 

“Ah. My student. I’ve been waiting for you Draco.” Harold greeted me as soon as he saw me. 

“As always, we are going, to begin with, 20 laps around the arena. Quick, quick. Move it.” He commanded and I started my laps.

 After a month of nonstop training, my stamina and fitness had increased. I could feel the difference in my movements. Even running around has become easier. 

And ever since I had been allowed a good diet, I had regained my weight and strength. And with the training, I had gained muscles too. I loved this. So my mom was right. No matter how hard things get, if I don’t give up, eventually things will start getting better. 

I smiled at her memory. Even after her death, she had been the one I looked up to the most. Yes. I will not give up. I will get through this. And I will find a way to get out of this place. At least before Killian managed to become someone who had a say in this kingdom’s affairs. 

“Today marks a month since you started to train. One more month is left for your tests. From now on, you will duel with me every day. In your test, you will have to duel with someone. I don’t know who yet. All I know is I must train you to the best I could.” 

With that, Harold took a sword and faced me with confidence. 

“Come and fight.” 

Taking a deep breath, I also took a sword and faced my trainer. 

I’ve got this. 

I blocked each of his advances and made a couple of my attacks. I’ve been working for a whole month, and I tried my best to use each one of the tactics that I had learnt. I managed to block almost all of his advances until finally, he managed to get the upper hand. 

My sword flew from my hand and he had the tip of his sword pointed at my throat. 

But then he slowly retreated and smirked in my direction. 

“That was pretty good for a first-timer. Within a month, I believe you will do it. You can stay here to train for as long as you want. I will end the training for today. I have some personal affairs to attend to.” 

He then left the arena leaving me flabbergasted by what had happened. He wanted me to improve. He wanted me to be the best there is. When the king said that I was to train from the best, he meant it. Harold is one tough coach. 

Once again, I picked my sword and continued to repeat the moves I was taught during the last month until I felt just too tired to continue. Gasping for breath, I sat on the marbled floor of the arena, with sweat trickling down my sideburns. The shirt I wore was now completely soaked with the moisture of my body. I felt all the muscles, protesting against any further movement. 

Groaning in exhaustion, I lay down on my back and stared at the high ceiling of the arena. 

“Can I do this? This is so hard.” I murmured to myself. Sighing I closed my eyes. I was just too tired to move. Too tired. But I had learnt a lot already. Maybe if I hold on a little longer......

I walked across the green meadow. I had seen this place a couple of times already. And each time it was the same. I would skilfully fight against a hideous creature with rotting flesh and no nose. But this time I was just strolling through the vast place. Green grass spread throughout the entire horizon. The sky was clear and there wasn’t even a gust of wind 

Why do I keep returning to this place? I wandered around until I came face to face with a tall and buff man. His unclothed torso boasted of ripped muscles. His face looked kind, yet stern, just like the king of this wizard world. His wavy, white hair reached up to his shoulders. What caught my attention was his hair and beard, in addition to his facial expressions, which had striking similarities with the king of the wizards. 

Or could it be possible that this person was him? I gazed deep into his eyes and noticed how it glimmered mysteriously. His stare was soft, however, the longer I stared, a sense of concern started to creep in and fill my chest, making it hard to continue eye contact with him. Instead, I frowned as my gaze drifted towards the white pants he wore. My eyes landed on his belt which seemed to have a familiar design on it. He sure seemed like an important person because he was fully armed. With a sword on his belt and a shield in his left arm. 

Why do the carvings on the shield and his belt like I have seen it somewhere before?

I continued to think about it, still trying to avoid his continuous stare. My eyes slowly zeroed on the handle of the sword that was still in his belt. 

Wait. Is that..... could it be? Was that the sword I had found the other day in the garden?

I looked up so that I could see his face, and try to read his expressions, but his face was void except for the constant soft smile on his lips. Then, just as mysteriously, he slowly started to fade away. I watched bewildered and speechless when he disappeared into the thin air, leaving me confused and wondering about him. 

Who was that? Whoever that was, certainly didn’t seem to be a threat. But why didn’t he speak with me? 

***

I didn’t know for how long I had been lying there, I woke up startled when I heard the king calling my name. My eyes flung open and it took a moment for me to realise that I had woken up from a dream. 

“Why are you sleeping here? Don’t you know that this is a training arena?” he questioned.

I hastened to scramble up to my feet and bow down to pay my respects. 

“I am sorry your majesty. I fell asleep when I lay to relax after training.” 

He nodded, in a way that made me think that he was somehow pleased.

”I believe that Harold is doing a good job in training you. Just a month is left. And then I will see how good you have become.” The king smiled, revealing his pearly whites. My eyes lingered on his wavy hair for some time before I quickly averted my gaze. 

His hair and facial features reminded me so much of that person I saw in my dream. But it certainly was not the king. 

Then who was that? 

“I believe you should be going now.” The king’s voice brought me back to reality. 

“Yes. Your highness.” 

I bowed down and left to attend the garden since that was the only thing I had to do now. The rest were simple chores. Still thinking about the majestic man I saw in my dream, I did my work. 

I just couldn’t ignore the feeling that whoever that was, had something important to do with everything that had happened to me during the recent days. 

Maybe, just maybe, I will find out who that mysterious person is someday.