Chapter 9

After working on the Weaver's Spindle for two weeks and with only having two left, Lycurgus took a day off training to finish his weapon. Shezira had been telling him of a technique used to imbue weapons with great power and make them nigh indestructible. Every day Lycurgus would put his remaining energy into his lancer, sharpening, craving, and shaping it to the perfect size and fit for him.

It was unlike anything before it, the weapon could be wielded with two hands or one. A menacing sight to behold in Lycurgus' hands; he had managed to remove the excess of the bill of the Lancer-fish yet keep most of its strength. Using his mother's micro weave technique, he laced throughout it with his Tarmata making it practical in defensive measures as well. He had seen his father's effectiveness with his Tiger Whale club, Tujira. Able to use it both for devasting attacks and defense, but where his father crushed his foes, he wanted to pierce. It would allow for more precision and speed, but he could also double it as a sword allowing him to parry blows. He called in a short lance for the more traditional lances they used in fishing were much longer, but the concept still applied. With the handle being arm's length, he had to utilize a closer grip to the cross-guard and when wielding it with a two-handed grip it was similar to a great axe with his other hand near the pommel.

For the next two weeks, he focused on applying his bow training to his combat style by using his weapon. It had fit him perfectly, at first his movements were restricted due to the handle but as he practiced and trained, they became more fluid and effortless. Two days before the festival began Shezira stopped him before he left to train.

"I want to test your fighting skills."

Lycurgus knew that this was coming and had planned on how to defeat his mother, but to his surprise, Lysander stepped forward.

"I'm dueling Lysander?"

Shezira nodded

"I can't beat your brother in basic combat anymore, he's a natural fighter maybe even more of a natural than you."

Lysander smiled, when he was training with Lycurgus it was all simulated and routine spars testing techniques and positioning rather than actual combat. He was excited to finally test out his real skills. Lycurgus stared at his brother wondering if he had advanced that quickly in strength to defeat their mother.

Lycurgus smiled "Ok then let's see what you got."

Finding an open field, the two brothers stared each other down. Lycurgus wielding his Weaver's Spindle and Lysander wielding a weapon he was calling Sindano. It appeared to be a smaller version of the Weaver's Spindle that was made from the rib bone of the Red Lancer. They both wore the training suits Shezira had made allowing the battle to be much more aggressive and reducing the chance of injuries.

Lycurgus closed his eyes and breathed in a deep breath. He planned to finish this in one move. He had multiple advantages in just about every category, but he was interested in seeing his brother's development. If he could withstand his first attack, then he'd be worth his time.

"Are you guys ready?"

Lycurgus, with his eyes, still closed nodded his head, yes and Lysander's eyes focused on his brother did the same.

Shezira yelled, "Begin."

Speed blitzing the defense of Lysander, Lycurgus smashed into his brother's stomach with a wide sweep of Weaver's Spindle rocketing Lysander into a tree. Expecting his brother to be down, he was surprised to see him standing. Lysander had managed to pull out Yakgan-Yoshi just before the impact to block the attack. Though it didn't neutralize the damage it did prevent him from taking the full force. Lycurgus started laughing.

"Impressive Sandy you've really grown up in just a month's time."

Lysander lower his guard, sliding down the tree he admitted defeat once more to his older brother. 'This will be the last time I lose.' He thought to himself. Lycurgus walked over to his brother and hugged him. It took Lysander by surprise, but it was needed in a strange way. He felt relieved and at peace as though everything was going to be ok.

"You're getting strong Sandy; you'll be the strongest before too long." Another pause of just him holding his little brother then in a faint voice he said,

"I love you Lysander."

Lysander could feel a sting at the corner of his eyes and with a shaky voice said,

"I love you too Lycurgus."

Lycurgus checked all his gear before getting ready to rest for the night. He couldn't help but wonder if this plan would work. His mother wanted him to win the tournament and demand to be placed back into the main house, but he had a feeling that his father wouldn't allow it. Lycurgus had a plan of his own to use the various people on the island to escape and flee to either Yfantis, mom's home island, or maybe to the island of Soren which boosted the strongest military outside of Tiziano.

They seemed like safer more sure plans than to blatantly spit at father's mercy. Lycurgus shook his head, this was the path laid before him, but he felt wrong. He was going against his father and for what? Because his mother lost her temper? To repair her honor when she failed to maintain it, to begin with. But he knew it was wrong to judge her so, he knew nothing of her past, and as long as they were together things would be ok.

He glanced at his mother; she had cried almost every night. He didn't know the exact reason nor how she truly felt, maybe he had everything wrong. Being in the dark when it came to information made him feel so helpless, if it were not for his strength, he'd be practically useless.

He sighed, the weight, it felt so heavy. Crushing him, suffocating, drenching him, soaking into his very fiber of existence. He didn't even ponder the thought of failure. His brain went blank for a moment, and he turned his head to the night sky. His chest felt tight as he looked at the stars, and he felt a single tear streak down his face.

He couldn't shake the feeling that nothing would be the same after tomorrow.