The Uncrowned King

Best Beating

I am just staring at Oliver. I can not believe what he just said. Not once since the dragon king has taken over the kingdom has he hosted the annual winter games. I have heard about the winter games that happened before I was born. It was a great show and a lot of people would attend it. But when the dragon king took over everything changed.

"Is this some kind of a joke?"

"No, I heard my dad talking to some of the nobles and I guess they are going to announce it anytime soon"

I can feel the excitement rising in my heart because that is what I have always wanted to become. I wanted to be a knight. I do not mind how I am going to become one, as long as I become one. Then I will find a way to join the secret society of dragon slayers.

"Do you know what this means?!"

"No?"

"It means I am going to have to practice even more. We have to go and practice right away"

I grab him by his arm and then we make our way to our usual spot where we train. We like to go out to an open field not too far away from the village. I need to practice my sword skills and this will force me to finish my sword just in time.

We start to fight against each other as Oliver has the privilege of training under a master. His parents want him to be a brave soldier but for some reason, I do not think he is cut out for that job. But that helps me because he trains me what his master trains him.

We practice until the sun is about to set and then I know that I should go home. I do not want to get in the same trouble as I did yesterday. As we say our goodbyes, I say to Oliver.

"Do you know when these winter games are about to begin?"

"They said it is to start next week but we must first wait for the announcement"

"Great! Then I will meet you tomorrow again after work and do not be late. We have much to train for"

Then I turn around and start to run back home. As I get close to my house I see my mother walking outside as if she was looking for me.

"I am glad that, for once, you are on time"

"Oh my dear mother, I know you missed me"

I put my hand around her neck and we make our way into the house. My mother has loved me ever since I can remember. She has been my strong pillar throughout my years and I have great respect for her.

As I take a seat at the dinner table in the kitchen, I see my sister cooking. I know that any second now she will have something to say to me. So, I wait patiently for her remarks but then something happens which I never expected to come from her mouth.

"I have a suitor that came knocking today"

I can see her looking at my mother and my mother is very excited about the suitor.

"...and who is the suitor if I may ask?"

"If you must know it is Lord Harrington"

I almost choke on the apple that I am eating from laughter.

"What is so funny?"

"Lord Harrington?! Do you know how old that man is?"

I can see that she is not happy with my words as she quickly focuses on what she is making in front of her.

"Age...is but only a number. I am sure that he will make a good husband one day"

I can not contain my laughter as I see the picture of my sister with an old man. I might not get along with my sister but I hate it when she talks about a suitor as her husband. It feels like I must first approve this suitor.

"Yes, maybe he would make a good grandfather"

She puts down the spoon that she was stirring the pot with and then walk up to me. I know that she is going to give me her best beating that she can give me. She slaps me against my shoulder and then turns around with her head held high.

"I will have you know that he has many lands in this Kingdom and he fancies me"

Ever since I can remember every boy and every man that I met fancied my sister. I have made an ordinance with my friends that they do not talk about my sister because everyone seems to be thinking that she is beautiful.

Then I look at her up and down trying to figure out what my friends see in her but then I shake my head, smiling for even thinking it. I will protect my sister against any man that would like to take advantage of her but I will never let her know that I will protect her.

"Of course, he has many lands because he has been in this world for ages"

"Urgh...Mother! Talk to your son"

I can but only laugh and then my mother says to me.

"Now come on, William. I am sure that your sister will make the right decision when it comes to men and we would not mind having some more money in this household because some people bet their coins on nonsense"

I just roll my eyes at my mother because I know one day she will swallow her words. I know that there will be winter games and soon I will make more money than Lord Harrington.

"Mother, have you heard that the dragon king is going to host the winter games this year?"

My mother jerks her head back and she looks at me with shock in her eyes.

"What did you say?!"

I know that my mother is very protective of me and that I should not get close to the dragon king but this is a different kind of face that she is showing to me.

"The dragon king is going to host the winter games"

"I hope you do not think for one second that you can participate in these games?"

"I was thinking of joining it because you can become a knight at The Royal-"

Then my mother's voice suddenly reaches a new high pitch I didn't know she had.

"You listen carefully to me, William. There is no way that you are going to participate in these games"

"But mother, this is my one chance-"

"I said you are not allowed to participate! Do you hear me, boy?!"

"But-"

"No, buts! Do you understand?!"

I am not certain about what is happening right now but it looks like my mother is scared. I do not know why she is scared because I can handle myself in a sword fight. I have been training. I see that her stare does not leave my eyes for a second time until I answer her.

"Yes, mother"

"We are not to talk of this again. Do you understand?"

"Yes, mother"

"You are not to come close to the dragon king. He is a dangerous man. Do you understand?"

"Yes, mother"

I look over to my sister that is also staring at my mother. It is clear to her too that our mother's demeanor has completely changed.

"Good. Now, go and wash up for dinner"

I stand up and walk to the bathroom not really sure what just happened. But I do not care what my mother thinks as I will become a knight. I will not let my mother's fears come in the way of what I should become. I need to show my mother that I am a man and one that is worthy of the honor of being a Knight.

As we sit down for dinner it is clear that our conversation has been taken away because of the thoughts in each one of our minds. I do not feel like sharing anything right now because my mother does not understand me. I make my way back to my bedroom and then I start to realize that if I join the winter games, I have no choice but to win.

I fall asleep dreaming of how I will become a Knight and how proud my mother will be of me.

I wake up the next morning knowing that it is my eighteenth birthday today. Today is going to be a great day because I am becoming of age. I will get a raise in my salary and then I can start to make my own choices. Now, more than ever, I will join the winter games and my mother can do nothing about it.

"You better get dressed, birthday boy you going to be late for work"

This time it is my sister that calls me and not my mother. I thought that my mother would at least bring me a cup of coffee to say happy birthday. I walk to where Clara is busy getting ready for the day and then she slaps me against my shoulder saying.

"Happy Birthday, brother. Welcome to the world of manhood. Something you know nothing about"

"You are so funny. Where is mother?"

"Oh, she had to go into town. Something about something important she needs to do today"

"Oh..."

I start to wonder what would be more important than celebrating my birthday today. But I get dressed and then make my way to work.