Armies faced. Two separate sides facing each other.

The king of the other army rode forward. His armor was black, glinting in the sunlight. Instead of a helmet he wore a crown of gold.

I rode forward on my own steed. A challenge had been issued. Two kings of separate countries facing each other. Two brothers. Settling old rivalries once and for all.

Each of us dismounted, watching each other.

"Let's finish this, brother," Almar turned to his army and slid his sword out of his own sheath, pointing it to the sky. The warriors erupted in cheers and yells, urging their king on to victory.

Turning to my own army, I raised a gauntleted fist in the air, forcing myself to smile. Cheers sounded, along with swords being unsheathed and raised to the sky in my honor.

I bowed my head deeply, displaying my gratitude for their support.

I turned back to my blood brother, even as he turned to face me. A mix of determination and rage was set in his eyes as he met my gaze steadily.

Victory would be no easy task for either of us.

Unsheathing my sword, I put it in a ready position, watching Almar. Knowing my brother, I knew he would make the first move.

He did not disappoint, suddenly lunging forward with his sword.

I stepped quickly to the side, narrowly avoiding the blow, and now ready to strike back.

I swung a hard blow with my sword at him, which was blocked by his own sword.

Seconds turned into minutes, and minutes turned to hours as we exchanged blows. Back and forth we fought viciously, each determined to gain the upper hand.

Each of us was growing tired as time ticked by. However, I soon realized I was doing so faster than he was. My blows and blocks were becoming slow. I could feel it and knew it was only a matter of time before I made a fatal mistake.

It came soon.

Almar feinted a blow towards my left side, and I swung my sword to block it. Altering the direction of his sword, he slipped the tip below the cross guard, flicking the sword out of my hand.

My sword was thrown out of reach, and I sank to my knees, exhausted.

My eyes closed in preparation of the final blow which would end my life.

A cold blade of steel touched lightly against the back of my neck, and I suppressed the urge to shudder. It began to slide, cutting into my flesh, and drawing hot blood which trickled down my neck.

Then it stopped, and the blade was removed, "I have my victory, brother." Almar abruptly sheathed his sword.

I opened my eyes to see his outstretched hand. Clasping it, I pulled myself to my feet.

"Brother."

Almar inclined his head before remounting his horse.

He rode towards his own ranks, rejoining his own army, greeted by cheers and shouts.

His army followed their king as he rode at their head, leading them away from Geltir, the place of settling scores.

I stood slowly, raising a clenched fist as my brother returned to his own kingdom.

Rivalries had been settled.

Bonds had been reunited.

Heeyyyy everyone!!! Hope you enjoyed this short story. :)

Anyway, I love constructive criticism/feedback, so please comment either one of them! :)

<>Evara<>