Konrad's story Options

[Konji]

I thought I would give it you in bitesize pieces...as I find them easier to read.


-----------------------Konrad’s Story-----------------------
Konrad woke up, slowly opening one of his eyes. He covered his face with his hand, the light of the midday sun burning his eyes. He pushed his bed covers down, his shiny leather tunic visible now. He never really changes his clothes, but has them washed immediately. He got up, sighing and brushing his coal black hair from his eyes.

“Where is father?” Konrad called down as he descended the antique wooden stairs.

“He is already at his school opening, but I didn’t want to wake you,” his mother replied, frowning as she looked up from her lunch. Picking up a slice of bread Konrad broke free of the confinement of his house, blinking ferociously at the revealed light. He looked around, still amazed at the artistry of the buildings surrounding him. He spent many an hour gazing out of the small opening in his room, just marvelling at the wonders of the architects and builders.

He glanced at the position of the sun to confirm his thoughts. “It is late in the day…I must get there if I am to pass the trials,” Konrad mumbled to himself. He raced through the backstreets of the city, passing the many landmarks on the way, and eventually reached his father’s dream…The Blade School.

[Konji]

Konrad stepped out onto the oval training grounds, the packed dirt beneath him giving him a slight spring. Stands ran along the length of it, though they were simple stone seats for the expenses were put to greater use with other things. Though there was a lot of space the stands were empty, as the public were only allowed in for tournaments and the like.

The area was not quiet though, all around him Konrad caught curses being thrown as the young warriors sparred for the place in the next round. Close to him were two young boys, around the ages of 7, screaming at each other as they charged with short wooden swords. The ‘swords’ clashed together, and the slightly younger boys weapon broke at the base of the blade. A tear rolled down the lad’s face, then he started to bawl wildly, falling to the floor in a heap.

Konrad watched the boys fight, then ran over to the crying child.

“Are you alright?” he asked, kneeling down and picking up the other piece of the sword. The child mumbled something illegible, then started crying again. Konrad sighed, looking up and seeing his father run over.

“What’s all this, son?” the large man asked, slowing down.

“A simple breakage father, he is not coping well,” Konrad replied slowly, getting back to his feet and walking over to his father.

“He will have to learn to deal with that early on in this academy. When your best friends die beside you, you cannot break down in tears…there is more at stake.” Leontus, Konrad’s father, commented on steely. He looked back at the child; shaking his head and kicking some dust up.

“Have heart father, he is too young.” Konrad urged, glaring at the man. He broke into a deep frown. “So about the contest, am I too late? I heard the first round was over?”

“No, it is not over…but it is late in the trials. Your opponent is an older Altmer, around 15 in our years, who is trying to stay away from the mage stereotype. He is over yonder, on the other side of the arena. He is impatient and outgoing…that is his downfall.” He patted Konrad on the shoulder, then turned and walked over to the Altmer.