Sunset Duel

[THOMAS'S POV]

July 15, 1337

Norwich Castle, a testament to William The Conqueror's early reign, stood prominently on the landscape. It played a significant role during the Revolt of The Earls, the last serious uprising against William. Over the years, strategic enhancements were made – the motte heightened, the surrounding ditch deepened. The stone keep, constructed in the early 12th century on the southwest part of the motte, boasted two internal floors. The entrance, leading to the upper floor on the eastern side, was accessed through an external stone stairway to a fore building known as Bigod Tower. The Castle Fee, the land surrounding the castle, came under royal control, likely for defensive purposes. 

In the Revolt of 1173–1174, when Henry II's sons rebelled, plunging the realm into civil war, Norwich Castle was prepared for potential conflict. Hugh Bigod, 1st Earl of Norfolk, a powerful figure, joined the rebellion against Henry. Capturing Norwich Castle with a force of 318 Flemish soldiers and 500 of his own men, Bigod held the stronghold. Following the restoration of peace later that year, Norwich returned to royal control.

In the Lent of 1190, during the violence against Jews that swept East Anglia, Norwich Castle provided refuge for those seeking safety. Unfortunately, those unable to find sanctuary within the castle fell victim to the massacre that befell the Jewish community in Norwich.

The Pipe Rolls, documenting royal expenditures, noted repairs at the castle in 1156–1158 and 1204–1205. However, in the 13th century, the castle underwent a transformation into a gaol, serving as a prison for noble prisoners. In 1312, upon being bestowed with the titles of Earl of Norfolk and Baron of Norwich, I utilized the considerable wealth from my royal inheritance to commence the reconstruction of the castle. Although it might not have ranked as the grandest in England, it certainly claimed the title of the finest in Norfolk. However, as I drew near, the castle walls and the ramparts of the barony emitted an otherworldly radiance, noticeable even from a mile away. The elevated position of the castle allowed its walls to be seen alongside the panoramic view of the city itself from a considerable distance.

After approximately 20 minutes, my men and I reached the city entrance. Upon closer inspection, the radiant glow on the walls turned out to be a result of the sunlight, revealing that the walls had undergone renovation, likely due to Edd's recent invention that he had demonstrated to me a few months ago. My hope was that these revamped walls would prove sturdy enough to withstand significant sieges. The guardsmen confirmed my suspicion about the renovation.

However, what unfolded next was even more surprising. Despite my initial skepticism about Edd's road-building initiative, deeming it a wasteful endeavor catering to the infrequent needs of peasants, I found myself proven wrong. The trade within the city was thriving more than ever, and distinct dialects, possibly from the northern regions, particularly Northumbria, could be heard.

Well, looks like my son is outpacing me sooner than expected. Life has a way of charting its own course, and we just have to navigate the twists and turns.

If only I had been the eldest among my brothers, I might have set up a vast domain for him to make his mark. 

Despite holding a strong claim to the thrones of both England and France, the thought of rebelling against Eddie has never crossed my mind. Despite my lukewarm feelings toward his father, Eddie has evolved into a capable man, and I take great pride in that. Besides, he's my nephew, and you know what they say—blood is thicker than water.

I passed through the castle gates, dismounted from my carriage, and made my way to where I believed Edd would likely be at this time of day. Opening the door to the study, I heard him respond in a commanding tone without lifting his eyes from the parchment, "I thought I made it clear that I would prefer not to be disturbed while in the study."

He slowly raised his head, ready to continue his sentence, but his words caught in his throat when he saw me. "Father!" he exclaimed, rising from the chair—technically my chair, but I'd let it be his for now.

"Edward," I replied with a smile.

"I didn't know you would arrive today," he said, moving toward me. "Sorry, I have not prepared for your arrival."

"It's alright. You know I'm not the man for those elegant feasts where you must look dignified while drinking booze from a goblet. Can you believe it? Not from a jug but from the goblet."

Edd chuckled at my reply and continued, "Now that you're here, take a seat," he said, pointing towards an empty chair. "Let me summarize the developments and reforms in the Earldom while you were in London."

I nodded and took the seat. He sat in my chair and started searching through the drawers, eventually pulling out a bundle of parchments and placing them on the table.

For the next hour, he explained every reform he had implemented, providing elaborate details when I inquired and offering reasonable justifications for each change. By the end of the session, I was genuinely satisfied. Not only were the reforms highly beneficial, but it was also reassuring to know that my heir was a competent individual capable of leading these lands in my absence, be it during times of war or after my passing.

"Good work all around, but did you simply occupy this chair for months, buried in paperwork? I would be more disappointed to hear that the son of the Earl Marshal turned out to be a mere scholar," I remarked with an amused tone. I had never expected him to possess a robust stature, considering he was an ill boy from birth. It was a miracle that he survived infancy, but my love for him was unwavering, after all, he is my only son. He even defied fate three years ago, significantly improving his strength. While his swordsmanship was still rough, it showed promise. I would have loved to personally instruct him in the art of the sword, but my schedule rarely allowed for such indulgences. Half of my time was spent in the capital, and a quarter was dedicated to travel.

"I would love to show you my progress, Father," he replied eagerly, surprising me. Had he made progress even while implementing these reforms?

"It's alright, Edd. You can be an administrative earl if you wish. It's certainly better than being a commander earl like me."

"No, Father, I am genuinely curious to test my new skills against yours," Edward pleaded.

"Well, if you say so," I replied with a smile, making my way towards the training grounds.

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the training grounds. The air was filled with the sounds of clashing swords and the rhythmic footwork of combatants. As we reached the training area, I noticed a change in Edd's demeanor. He stood there, his eyes fixed on the practice swords, a determined expression on his face.

"Father," he said, his voice steady, "I've been practicing a new style. I hope you're ready for a surprise."

Curiosity piqued, I nodded, unsheathing my own practice sword, it was made of blunt steel in order to not hurt the practitioners. The onlookers, a mix of soldiers and training staff, hushed as our duel began and the clash of steel echoed through the air. Edd stepped forward, and as our swords met, I could feel the difference immediately. There was a fluidity to his movements, a grace that spoke of countless hours spent perfecting his art.

Our practice swords danced in the fading sunlight, and Edd's elegance on the battlefield was nothing short of captivating. He moved with a finesse that belied his previous image as an ill boy, and I found myself adjusting to the rhythm of his strikes. His footwork was precise, his parries effortless, and it became clear that he had embraced the sword not just as a weapon but as an art form.

The duel intensified, and Edd's strikes became more intricate. He seamlessly transitioned between offense and defense, creating a mesmerizing display of swordsmanship. The gathered audience watched in awe as father and son engaged in a spirited dance of blades. Edd's determination was palpable, and it fueled his every move.

As the duel progressed, I couldn't help but be impressed by Edd's growth. His attacks were not just swift but calculated, each strike carrying the weight of newfound skill. It was apparent that he had dedicated himself to mastering the intricacies of swordplay. The occasional banter and jests were replaced by a focused intensity, a shared understanding that this was more than just a sparring session. Soon, as he displayed a familiar slash, a smile crept on my face. Seems like Osbert has also entertained and helped him in his training over these months.

The clash of our practice swords echoed through the training grounds, creating a symphony of steel. Edd's elegance was matched only by the deadly precision of his strikes. The unpredictability of his movements kept me on my toes, and I found myself genuinely exerting effort to counter his advances. It was a dance of skill and strategy, a duel that surpassed the boundaries of familial bonds.

As the duel reached its climax, Edd, though ultimately overpowered, displayed a resilience that left me genuinely impressed. He had pushed me to exert more effort than I had anticipated, and the satisfaction in his eyes mirrored my own.

"Well fought, Edd," I acknowledged, catching my breath. "Your progress is not just surprising but commendable. Your dedication to the art of the sword is evident in every move."

Edd, still catching his breath, grinned. "Thank you, Father. I've been working hard on this, hoping to prove that a noble can be both, a competent administrator as well as a skilled warrior."

"You've proven that and more, my son," I replied, clapping a hand on his shoulder. "Your elegance on the battlefield is a reflection of your dedication. I couldn't be prouder."

As we left the training grounds, the setting sun painted the sky in hues of orange and pink. The air was filled with a sense of accomplishment and mutual respect. Edd's journey from an ailing child to a skilled warrior had not only surprised me but had also deepened the bond between us.

The walk back to the castle was filled with discussions about strategies, leadership, and the future of our lands. It was no longer a conversation between father and son; it was a dialogue between two warriors, each recognizing the strengths of the other. The surprise in the training grounds had not only showcased Edd's growth but had also forged a connection that went beyond familial ties—a connection between two leaders, ready to face the challenges that lay ahead.