--- Roric

A drip of cold sweat traced a line on Roric's forehead.

The boy kept his eyes on his opponent. He couldn't afford to lose sight of someone so dangerous. And aside from that, did he really have the strength to face that enemy? It didn't really matter. The important part was keeping him away from Elise and her father. That was his duty as an honour guard.

The first of us who moves will have the upper hand, but this could also turn into a huge trap. Rickhart knows it, and I bet he'll put me at a disadvantage if I give him the chance. I can't let him toy with me.

"Well?" the necromancer pressured him. "I must admit, I didn't think someone here could be able to resist my magic... I wasn't putting everything I had in it, yet it's definitely interesting."

"Shut up," replied Roric, coldly. "This is no place for the likes of you."

Rickhart's blade pressed against his own, with so much force that the young warrior struggled to keep his body in place. His enemy's maniacal stare seemed to tear through his head.

"Oh? Is hatred what I feel? I can't help but wondering about the reason, kid-"

Now!

With a grunt, the boy stepped sideways and freed his sword, ready to strike. And as expected, the necromancer didn't simply remain still, with the risk of getting hit. He moved with unparalleled speed, deflecting the attack and almost catching Roric by surprise despite his superhuman reflexes. That sudden reaction forced him to stay defensive. The only thing he managed to do was spinning his weapon in a series of feints, relying on his instincts for the rest.

He's tough. I can't say how much he's changed... There was no time to observe back then. I'm definitely better now but... I hope it will be enough. No, it must be. I have all the motivation in the world to win this fight.

Rickhart, the man who had slaughtered the mercenary company, was right there in front of him. It was the best chance to get revenge the young warrior could ask for. All he had to do was making use of his experience, his training. And also his grief. And his anger.

The two swords clanged loudly, many times. However, it only took a few moments for Roric to realize that his opponent wasn't taking him very seriously. From the way he stepped backwards, giving him a false sense of confidence, only to counter a brief instant later, it was clear that the gap between them was still too wide.

Shit. I need some help here. How long until the guards shake the fear off? If only I had-

He dodged the necromancer's weapon by an inch, spotting a nervous shiver in his face.

Impatience. Can I take advantage of it? He likes to talk, so maybe... I can at least stall the situation a bit.

"Of course I hate you, bastard," growled the boy. "After what you did."

Somehow, it worked. Halting his offensive momentarily, the necromancer glanced at him.

"Funny. I don't recall meeting you, brat. I did many things, and visited many places, so you'll have to be a bit more specific."

"Curious, are we?" Roric kept challenging him. "And forgetful, too. Last time we've seen each other, you looked so mad at me."

I can't go on forever. Come on... Someone recover!

"How..." The necromancer snapped his fingers like he had come to a sudden realization. "Oh, now I get it. This is just a bluff. For a moment, you almost had me. Very smart."

Ugh.

"You must be desperate for help," he continued. "But don't worry. I'm not letting anyone else interfere with my plan... Now, we've played enough. I commend your skill and bravery, but get out of my sight. I have work to do."

The young warrior's hands gripped the sword even tighter, as he prepared to fend off the enemy. His tricks were starting to run low.

There must be something I can do... Think, think! I could-

A weird thought crossed Roric's mind.

I have my Elemental powers... And he doesn't know. Can I really afford to use them in front of all these people? It's a matter of life or death, but...

The time was short, and the boy had to choose quickly. He decided that the best course of action for him was to keep poking Rickhart, to see if he could bring him to lower his guard.

"Are you sure you don't remember me, Rickhart?"

The young warrior's voice barely held that farce together. He struggled to prevent his legs from trembling, glaring instead at the necromancer with a confident smirk. For some reason, the moment he mentioned that name, his acting seemed to work just fine.

"Hmm... From what you said," commented Roric's opponent, this time more cautiously, "We clearly met sometimes in the past. I can't figure out when."

"So you finally accepted it."

Can I hit him from this distance? If only he came a little closer...

"Where was it? I'm certain I would recall someone this bold. That's so strange."

"Think harder," replied the boy. "It might just come to your mind."

In that moment, however, Rickhart's expression changed noticeably. He bit his lip, and shook his head.

"Fine, fine, whatever. You are right, I fell for this twice in a row. Who cares if this guy knows me?" asked Rickhart, with a sarcastic laugh. "Well, it was a fun talk, kid, but I'm afraid I've never seen you before. Get out of my way."

Roric stepped forward. He had never shot lightning that far, but something told him that he actually could.

If it's to protect the people here... I'll use my powers. Most of them aren't fond of me, but that doesn't mean I shouldn't value their lives! An evil man wants to kill everyone here and my duty is to stop him. This is what I've always believed. I swore that I would become stronger to prevent bad things like these from happening, after all... And that's precisely what I'm going to do!

There wasn't a way to confirm how many were watching, nor to be sure that a similar attack would have breached the necromancer's defenses. Yet, the boy knew is was the right thing to do.

He wasn't completely sold on that decision. Hiding that secret for so long had never been his intention, but it was necessary. Elementals were powerful, and feared by common humans. Roric knew it. Yet, revealing himself was the only way he saw to turn things in his favor.

Screw it. I'll prove that I'm different. It's not a matter of how much power you have, just how you use it.

"I'm not finished," he exclaimed, "Let's see if you remember this."

His left arm pointed towards Rickhart, whose expression was now a mix of amazement and disbelief. No matter how quick the necromancer was, he couldn't escape from lightning.

Sparks crawled out of Roric's skin, crackling, jumping across his muscles, their passage leaving behind a pleasant sensation. The boy's hand opened, aiming straight at his opponent. It happened almost immediately, but his unnatural mind made that short time way longer. More than enough to retain full control over his abilities.

The thunderbolt rifted through the air, connecting with its target. Only Roric could see it fully, from the moment it left his body to when it discharged in Rickhart's torso, an instant later. The necromancer lost his balance, stumbling and falling on his back.

Before the young warrior could fully savor his success, the usual headache assailed him.

Ouch, ouch! But he's taken a hit... So, my win!

"You..."

Huh?

With a deep, raucous voice, the necromancer used his arms and sword to get back on his feet. His face had completely changed, now. There was nothing of his previous trickery and sense of spectacle anymore. Just unbridled rage.

"I remember you now..." he roared. "You were the one with... With that paladin."

"Exactly..." panted Roric. "I'm glad I managed to jog your memory."

Now I'm done for. I'm definitely done for.

Rickhart however began looking left and right, nervously, so the young warrior did the same. The guests and the guards were apparently coming to their senses. If the assailant had other cards to play, it was going to happen soon.

I can still fight. I did a number on him, but it's not over. A blast that powerful... Can I do another one in my state? No, it's already a miracle that I didn't fall unconscious. My sword is the only thing I can rely on, now...

The weapon felt heavy in Roric's hands, but his fingers were firm. His body was starting to get used to the after-effects of his abilities, one step at a time. That was a massive improvement compared to that day in Fradot, when even shocking a couple of bandits at point blank range was a heavy burden.

He's totally going to jump at me... And he's mad. Will I have the force to resist?

"Shut up!" roared Rickhart. "Don't tell me what I have to do!"

"What... What did you say?"

Weirdly panicking, the necromancer glared towards the King and shot one of his magic beams. It was so sudden that Roric, still numb because of his recent effort, couldn't react at all. Not that his powers could do anything about it. His eyes simply followed the trajectory of the spell, hoping that someone else would have saved the day...

Right when the dangerous beam was about to reach King Sebastian, a shiny purple barrier appeared in front of him. The magic impacted on it and was absorbed, harmlessly. Below the nobles' table, commanding it, stood a very determined-looking Mary. She was a bit paler than usual, but at least she was able to fight again.

Way to go, Mary! She mentioned being able to create walls with the Arcane. Now we have a chance!

Roric let out a satisfied chuckle. "Seems like you are in trouble, Rickhart."

Guards stumbled forward from every direction, trying to surround the enemy. The necromancer took two steps back, then he replied.

"I see. Another time, then."

He did a strange gesture, and another wave of fear assailed the room. It was weaker than the last one, but enough to distract everyone for a few seconds. When the young warrior was finally able to glance at the door again, Rickhart was gone.

I'm not letting him go. Not this time!

Eager to begin his chase, he turned to the Mage.

"Mary! Protect them, while I-"

It was only then that Roric noticed the stares. The entire hall was looking at him, and not in a friendly way. It was like they had just witnessed something unspeakable. Even Mary's eyes, from the distance, were wide open in shock.

Oh, no. Don't tell me...

A pointy object touched the boy's side. It was the tip of a pike. The guards had formed a circle around him, and seemed ready to end his life at any moment. This much, at least, Roric could read in their expressions.

"I'm not an enemy!" exclaimed the young warrior. "Back off! We have to catch him or he'll-"

"That... That is no Mage!" yelled Lord Isaac, who had just recovered. "An Elemental, in my home! Kill him! Kill him now!"

Crap.

"Hold on!"

An imposing voice intervened. It belonged to King Sebastian. He was holding Elise in his arms. The girl had fainted at some point, probably. Her father's gaze, usually friendly enough towards Roric, was now much more hostile.

"Arrest him, for now."

"My liege!" stepped in Norburg's ruler. "I... I apologize for the lack of security on our part, but I can assure you everything was done to... Let me put down this monster and-"

"I said no," Sebastian replied. "The one who escaped. Find out who he is. Interrogate this young man, since he has clearly met him before. I want to know what else he hides."

"But... He's an Elemental, Your Majesty. I strongly advise you to-"

"Do I have to repeat myself, Isaac?"

What... What the hell is happening?

Roric was speechless. He had fought hard to save those people, and now they were arguing if it was better to kill him or put him in a cell? Really? If only Elise would have waken up...

Mary! I can rely on her, right?

The Mage girl had sat on a chair, and was exhausted. She could barely keep herself straight.

Don't tell me I'm alone in this. Don't tell me-

"Your weapon. Put it down," said one of the guards. "And keep your hands where I can see them."

"This is a mistake..." answered the boy. "My King! Listen, I beg you! That man is dangerous, and must be taken care of right now. He is the real enemy, not me!"

Sebastian didn't pay any attention to him, instead leaving through a side entrance. It was Lord Isaac who spoke back, in a very serious tone.

"Guards, take him in. Don't trust the words of the monster."

Monster... I am no monster!

"Please, stop... I just wanted to..."

It was at that moment that Roric realized opposing was useless. He had chosen his fate when he had showed everyone what he really was. Even if it was all to save the people he cared about, along with those he didn't, it was a gamble so huge that he couldn't hope to come out as a winner.

The young warrior didn't resist anymore. The soldiers tied his arms and carried him away from the hall. With every step, he could feel the weight and the hatred of the countless eyes fixed on him.

What's going to happen to me, now?