Promise

PROLOGUE

"Present Arms!" The General shouted to the group of recruits grasping their weapons, as he held his spear. "I am your enemy. Face me!"

The recruits were so disciplined that each of them straightened their backs at the general's harsh cry. Their minds could do nothing but to command their hands to hold their weapons. Each young knight, grabbing a little of their courage, lined up.

The first young knight in line rushed at the General, raising his mace. The lines around his eyes were tight and drawn and his stare intense. Like a fearless lion. He roared, "For Demacia!"

Taric followed each motion between the knight and the General.

The knight distorted his torso, tilting his shield as the other hand swung the mace. The older man didn't move as the mace collided against the spear. The knight slid his legs back.

The knights in line gasped as his widened eyes witnessed with fervour the action in the training yard. Taric was paralyzed by the violence and effort of his comrade. He grasped his sword with anticipation. He desired to rush to battle and help the poor knight, against such a General he wouldn't stand a chance. But his mind constantly reminded him this was a test to make all Demacians courageous and fearless. So, against his will, he waited.

The General, as terrifying as an angry bear, moved his spear towards the knight's leg, fast and precise. The older man jabbed the spear at his legs, the recruit barely dodged, failing to his knees. Sweat ran over his face as his widened eyes stared at his mentor. The knight tried to stand up, however the General pressed the blade on the knight's neck. Taking a defeated breath, the knight raised his hand in defeat. Approaching the knight, the General stood over his recruit and offered his hand, helping the knight get up. He returned to his comrades.

And so the rest of the recruits fought their best to win against the General. Defeat after defeat, failure after failure, they fell to the ground until only Taric was left.

A tense silence descended on the yard. The wind whistled through the grass and trees as Taric's eyes focused on the General. Squeezing his shield and sword, he waited for the older man to make a move. Every young knight murmured between themselves, like a crowd in a coliseum. And so, they waited... expecting to see the battle.

The General laughed. "What's the matter? Aren't you capable of fighting?"

Even a little tense, Taric concentrated as the man remained in his place.

"Such cowardliness for a Demacian!" the bearded General grinned. "Afraid to dirty your pretty hands? Huh?"

Taric could hear the other knights whispering between them in mockery. "The princess is here.", "He will catch another flower today you will see.", "I bet his muscles are just for show.", "He's the weakest of us, he will not stand a chance." Raising his sword closer to his shield in front of him, "For beauty, love and life," he murmured, sprinting towards the General.

Closer to him, the General stabbed his spear against Taric's legs. Taric gasped, as he swiftly defended himself with his shield. The harsh sound of the weapons against one another cried with anger and precision. Taric pushed the older man's spear aside with his shield, as the General steadied his legs to keep balance.

Taric knew this wouldn't be enough. By the older man's performance with his comrades, the General will be a tough adversary for Taric to prove himself.

The General raised his spear to hit Taric's face. Taric dodged in an attempt to escape his General's wrath, but instead, his sword hit the older man's helmet. The clash of metal echoed in the yard in a frenzy. The older man's eyes widened like a vicious eagle, his teeth clashed in fury like an unleashed mad dog.