Fisc Arylon

From Fantasy Novel

Revision as of 00:50, 22 June 2007

Fisc Arylon, also known as The Emerald Knight, is the older of the famous Arylon twins, born just minutes before his brother Taran. He is currently the Lord of Dakan, a region in the northeast of Toren. Additionally, Fisc is also a long-serving Fiduciary, as well as the Marshal of the Phoenix Guard. After his brother Taran's defection from their ancestral home of the Cagilian Empire to Abington, the brothers relationship has been somewhat cool, until their collaboration on the creation of the Aristoi Academy.

Vital Information

Fisc Arylon after a major battle. Painting the work of Matrim Gannon

• Titles: Fiduciary of Toren, Count of Dakan, Marshal of the Phoenix Guard
• Age: 20
• Height: 6'4"
• Weight: Roughly 230 lbs
• Eye Color: Green
• Hair: Brown, Short
• Class: Knight and Mentor

Mentor Handbook

Marshal Handbook

• Honor: 49
• Prestige: 26
• Continent: South-East Island
• Realm: Toren

Personality

Fisc's personality is extremely complex. He can equally be aggressive, as well as sullen. Since an extremely young age, Fisc has been haunted by a horrific and powerful anger that consumes him often. This rage stems from his realization, more than his brothers, that the world is by its very nature a drastically dangerous place, and that no one can truly be trusted - Fisc has been betrayed himself a number of times, only cementing his feelings.

He values loyalty, justice and action above all things. Fisc has an aggressive nature and seldom hesitates to throw the first punch. His personality can be alternately fierce, sarcastic, and full of angst. This has often caused him to act quickly (sometimes too quickly), as he feels too often people jabber, position and play politics when action is required.

He is generally the most likely of the Arylon brothers to experience extremes of emotion. Fisc is the most violent of them and had a tendency for going berserk either in battle or when his uncontrollable temper flared up. This can be to his benefit, but has also been known to be damaging to him as well.

This fierceness has allowed him to become clearly the most dangerous and powerful of the Arylon clan. While Jaden is the most technically proficient warrior, Nexis is the most physically athletic and gifted and Taran is the most tactically proficient, Fisc is considered extremely talented in all areas, and his rage and physical power has allowed him to truly set himself apart. That is not to say he is infallible - for all the advantages his passion gives him, it also has its drawbacks that have been known to mineralize Fisc's natural ability as well. This has been simultaneously his gift, and his curse.

Fisc also has a somewhat cynical and sarcastic sense of humor, and can be quite subdued. At a pub, he tends to be the man quietly drinking at a table in the corner, smoking a pipe and looking around the room, evaluating everyone he sees. He can go un-noticed when he wishes, and while other troop leaders are drawing too much attention to themselves, Fisc is smiling in the corner - confident.

He is also quite adept at the clandestine arts. Fisc values the gathering of key intelligence in all respects, for proper intelligence leads to better decision-making, foreknowledge of coming problems, and generally staying ahead of the curve in all respects. Because of this, it would not be uncommon for Fisc to disappear and infiltrate an organization just to gain a greater understanding of the political underpinnings currently facing him, and effectively use that information to prosecute his conflicts with deadly efficiency.

Fisc has an extremely cavalier view of life, believing that it can only truly be lived if one does so in the moment, and attempts to extract as much from each moment as possible. This attitude has caused him to take a great number of risks, prosecute his beliefs without a second thought, and take pleasure in much of mundane details of life others take for granted - such as the sweet smell of the air on a crisp autumn day, the bitter bite of a dark brew, or the soft touch of a woman.

Early History

Fisc's early life mirrored his brother Taran's. Those who knew the twins at this point in their lives have often said that Taran was a popular, outgoing extravert, and Fisc was a more reserved, less scholastic person. Nonetheless, both boys did well in school, up until they were 7 years old, and Mannix made the decision to set off for the colonies and attempt to carve out an estate in the expansive lands.

Since both Taran and Fisc were too young to take part in their father's expedition, they remained in Nardil to continue their education, while their brothers Jaden and Nexis went with Mannix. This separation effected Fisc a great deal more than Taran, causing him to lose interest in his studies, and retreat away from friends, classes, and sports. He began to grow bitter at his father's absence, acting out and continually getting himself suspended from the Academy. He seemed to be on track to burn out early, despite Taran's efforts to include him and temper his behavior.

All of that changed when the twins received word from their father stating that he was now in the south-east island, fighting for the nation of Toren. He was informed of the death of his mother and brothers, and his own indentured servitude to the noble in Toren.

Enraged, Fisc immediately left Cagilian Empire and set off for the south-east island. So consumed with anger and vengeance aimed at his father for causing his family to be destroyed, he vowed to go to Toren and find Mannix. He arrived in Toren Stronghold shortly thereafter and began to investigate his father's whereabouts. The trail got hot nearly a month later, when he got word from a local trader that Mannix was seen in Lesthem, on the front lines in Toren's struggle against the nation of Taselek. Fisc immediately set after him.

Reconciliation

Fisc tracked Mannix to the region of Lesthem, where a great battle was about to be fought between the forces of Toren and the nation of Taselak. He found the armies of Toren camped on the field the night before the battle and stealthily observed the troop movements, looking anxiously for his father.

Hate burned in his mind for Mannix - Fisc blamed him for the death of his mother and two older brothers, Jaden and Nexis. It was Mannix's own irrational need for power, land and title that had lead him to the colonies, and caused his family to go with him. Fisc had always believed that his mother never really wanted to go, and that it was only her love for Mannix that convinced her to follow him to the new world.

Deep into the night, Fisc approached the tent he had identified as Mannix's. Quietly he slipped by the night watch guards and opened the canvas of the tent, dagger in hand.

"I've been expecting you." The deep crackled voice sounded all too familiar to Fisc. His father was now pointing an arrow between his eyes - obviously he had been aware of Fisc's tracking.

Sword of Mannix Arylon - taken by Fisc after his father's death.

Fisc decided to risk it and dove for his father, only to be repelled, disarmed and thrown across the room - knocking the wind out of him as he hit the ground. As he lay gasping for air on the ground, Mannix continued. "Your brother Taran sent me word of your arrival here in Toren. You should not be here son."

Enraged, Fisc tore into Mannix, blaming him for everything that had happened to his family. He had been waiting for this moment for quite some time, and was not going to simply let his father get away with what he had done.

Mannix let his son finish, waiting until he was out of breath to speak.

"Fisc - your mother asked me to go to Giblot."

Stunned, Fisc initially did not believe his father, but he let him speak none the less. For over an hour, Mannix told his son the true story of his life in the colonies. It was actually Genesis who had asked Mannix to go to the colonies - he believed he could restore his name by staying in the Cagilan Empire, and eventually reconciling with his father Alexis. She did not agree, and threatened to leave him unless he was able to restore his family name, carve out an estate for himself, and bring honor to the name Mannix Arylon once again.

He continued, telling Fisc how he had forced his wife and sons to stay behind in Giblot while he was out on the frontier expanding his territory - so as to protect them from harm. Mannix explained that their deaths were the result of a great coalition of honorless nobles, and that the only reason his family was threatened at all was because the coalition was able to get to his Manor in Giblot before he could get his family out to sea.

He also made it clear to Fisc that in one year, he was to be released from his servitude to the Toren lord who had bought his freedom, and that he planned to return to Giblot and exact his revenge for the death of his family.

Fisc was stunned - it was apparent now that he had completely misjudged his father. A sneaking admiration crept into his heart, washing away the raging hate he had felt only hours before. "Father," he began, "I'm sorry. I had no idea."

"I know, son."

"I am 17 now, and have come of age. I am a free man, a minor noble in Nardil where your father still reigns. I wish to join you here in Toren, and when your service has expired, I will go with you to Giblot and kill Istar myself." Mannix smiled at Fisc, and nodded his head.

The Death of Mannix Arylon

The next day, the reunited father and son marched on Lesthem - little did they know the tragedy that would befall them there.

The forces of Taselak were more extensive than originally thought, and Toren's General was killed at the outset of the fighting. In disarray, confused and outnumbered, Toren's armies were quickly cut through. Mannix and Fisc were holding the third hill to the west of the fighting, but as Taselak advanced they were surrounded.

Faced with capture, Mannix threw down his sword and ordered Fisc to do the same. This was supposed to be honorable combat, so the forces of Taselak would take them prisoner, and they would be able to buy their way out in the future - living to fight another day. As a unit captain approached him, Mannix called out his name, rank and informed him of his surrender.

The captain, a bloodthirsty maniac named Rahvin said nothing, approached Mannix, withdrew his sword and sliced his head off in one foul swoop. Rahvin laughed, mounted his horse and ordered his men to leave Fisc where he was.

Horrified at what he had witnessed, Fisc dove to the ground and wailed. He had just learned his father was a truly honorable man, and now he had been stolen from him. "MURDERER!!" he screamed, "HE SURRENDERED TO YOU!!! HAVE YOU NO HONOR?"

Fisc was unable to contain his anger. He bent down and withdrew Mannix's sword from the ground, rose to the first riderless horse he could find, and charged after Rahvin and his men with bloodlust in his eyes. It wasn't long until he was on the heels of Rahvin, who by this time had realized he was being pursued, and had set himself for a fight.

As Fisc rode for him, Rahvin dismounted and waited. Fisc approached, and Rahvin dove on the ground, rolling and slicing the legs of the horse, throwing Fisc from it. He quickly recovered and wildly hacked at Rahvin, desperately trying to score a killing blow. The experienced captain easily blocked his attempts. Finally, as Fisc raised his sword and left himself open, Rahvin drew a dagger and stabbed Fisc in the thigh, then he kicked him over to the ground.

"I respect your courage boy, but you are no warrior. Go home and tend to the women, they need you more than the army of Tor does." Rahvin cackled wildly and mounted his steed again, leaving Fisc bleeding on the ground.

His blood loss was profound, and he lost consciousness.

Dedication to Toren

Fisc Arylon alone - surveying the route to Toren Stronghold to pledge his life to Toren.

When Fisc awoke, he found himself among a deserted battlefield littered with dead bodies. Rage consumed Fisc, and he had nowhere to direct it as he was alone. On his knees and covered in blood, he grabbed his hair and let out a great scream of agony.

Collecting himself, he found that Mannix's sword was still there - he picked it up and placed it in his back holster. He resolved at that moment that he would never touch another sword as long as he drew breath. He then began walking toward the city of Toren Stronghold - he had business there now.

Along the way to the Stronghold, Fisc stopped at a number of small towns to rest. At each stop, he would spend time at a local tavern and drink heavy amounts of beer. Locals would hear his story and learn he was traveling to Toren Stronghold, and many would ask to join him. By the time he arrived at the city he commanded 25 eager young men, all of whom felt a rush of bloodlust.

Once he arrived, Fisc directed one of his men to carry a letter to Phear, Pontifex. The letter told the story of how he arrived to Toren, and pledged his life and his sword to the realm. He then spent a day in the city, entertaining his men and resting, then set out for the front lines where he has been ever since.

Upon his first encounter with enemy forces after beginning his career in Toren, Fisc's unit was severely damaged, and he needed to withdraw from the front and return to Toren Stronghold to refit his unit. In his naiveté, he turned his back on the enemy as he retreated. He had been wounded and his usual acute senses did not see a Taselek soldier approaching him from the rear. Just as the enemy soldier drew his blade to strike Fisc, he felt a wind blow past his face and heard the zing of an arrow. At first, he thought the arrow was intended to kill him, and so he drew his weapon to attack the archer - whom he identified as a woman 10 meters from him.

However, he heard a body drop behind him, turned around to look and saw a soldier now laying face first on the ground - sword in hand, arrow in chest. Fisc understood what had just happened, the female archer had saved his life because he had been negligent with his own life.

The woman walked up to Fisc, nodded in his direction and uttered, "Averyll." He understood this to be her name, and had heard of her before. She was the countess of the region of Jerelin, the Fiduciary of Toren. Embarrassed, Fisc hung his head and softly muttered his own name in introduction.

Averyll smiled, and clapped her hand on the young soldiers back. "You're young - don't spend too much time thinking about it. I myself have had my life saved a dozen times over. This is one mistake you won't make again."

Her words gave comfort to Fisc, who cracked a smile. "Thank you," he replied, "I appreciate somebody watching my back."

Fisc and Averyll would meet on the battlefield a number of times. Fisc was even able to repay the favor at a fateful battle in Falens. When Averyll had been knocked to the ground and was vulnerable to attack, Fisc placed himself between Averyll and a group of 10 Taselek soldier, managing to hold them long enough for a group of Toren nobles to arrive and help drive their enemies away.

This proved Fisc's worth as a soldier, and as a friend. After Falens, Averyll invited Fisc to come to Jerelin to her personal estate. The two became great friends, sharing drinks and war stories. They forged what can be considered an informal alliance between their two great houses, to the benefit of each. Indeed, one can see the benefit with the forging of the great Aristoi Academy, a major project that proved to be a joint venture of both the Arylon and Arete families.

After roughly six months in the field, constantly fighting in the borderlands, others began to take note of Fisc's warrior heart. His loyalty to the realm, and adherence to the chain of command earned him the reputation of being a reliable and stout warrior who could always be counted on for contributions to the war effort.

Elevation to Region Lord of Dakan

Fisc has become somewhat famous for his worth as a soldier. Each time the Army of Tor is ordered to the front, Fisc is there, regardless of the number of soldiers under his command. He has fielded a unit at every major engagement between Toren and Taselek for the course of the conflict between the two nations.

Manor of Fisc Arylon - assumed upon his grant of landed nobility.

He was instrumental in victories at Falens, Seggelin and Lesthem - including 5 separate assaults on Lesthem, as well as the following takeovers of the regions. Fisc is ever the dependable troop leader, following orders to the letter and ensuring that the will of the General of Toren is carried out effectively.

His ascent to region lord began with an incredible tragedy. The great Pontifex of Toren, Sir Phear Fantom was present at a great battle in Lesthem. At this battle, the heroic leader was slain - ending the most effective rulership Toren had ever seen. This vacated the office of Pontifex and began a series of events that would lead to Fisc's advancement within the realm of Toren.

The ensuing election to replace Phear saw the elevation of Fisc's greatest friend, Averyll in a narrow victory. A stroke of luck for Fisc, for due to their friendship, Averyll had seen first hand Fisc's leadership and battle skills, and new that he had immense potential to lead.

Initially, Averyll refused to grant Fisc a lordship - understandable given the close relationship between the two. Averyll had no desire to appear to favor nepotism in any way. As time wore on however, and the region of Dakan needing a lord, Averyll arrived at the decision that regardless of how it might look, Fisc was really the only choice for a new lord that made sense. After much thought, Averyll dispatched a courier to the front in Lesthem to order Fisc to travel to Dakan with her, to take command of the region.

Fisc narrowly survived the battle before he left the front lines - his unit was smashed as the Taselak forces overran Lesthem. Luckily, he, his captain and 3 of his men made it out alive, and began the long journey to the other side of the kingdom in the region of Dakan. Fisc was immediately appointed as region lord of Dakan, and began to run the affairs of the local peasantry.

Election to Fiduciary of Toren

As Averyll was the previous Fiduciary of Toren, upon her ascension to Pontifex she was forced to abdicate the duties of Fiduciary and a replacement was needed. At the Nardil Academy as a boy, Fisc had an aggressive scholastic education in finance, trade and tax policy. Certainly no expert - but more than competent enough to serve the realm in financial matters.

Initially though, Fisc did not seek the position. He felt that in the realm there was likely others with a higher level of understanding of financial matters, and that a noble would step forward and become the consensus choice as Averyll's replacement. As time went on however, it became apparent that the field of candidates was inadequate, and the realm needed a strong presence to lead the financial matters that were at the time in transition.

Once Fisc made the decision to run, he began a ruthlessly efficient campaign to gain the position. Pledging a transparent and open administration of finances, Fisc made direct appeals to each individual noble in Toren, informing them of his detailed plans for the position while speaking individually to each. The grassroots campaign struck a cord with a great deal of Toren nobles, who have increasingly felt distanced from their rulers and responded positively to being spoken to on an individual level.

The ground level work paid off, with Fisc winning the election with 47.7% of the vote, despite facing 14 separate candidates. His victory was by more than 32%, giving him a clear mandate and vote of support from the people of Toren.

Since his ascension to Fiduciary of Toren, Fisc has begun a systematic evaluation process to fully root out the dynamics of the new tax system to ensure that the nobles of Toren do not suffer by the transition, and that the war effort goes forward.

Establishment of the Aristoi Academy

After a long blackout of communications between Taran and Fisc, Taran reached out to his brother by writing him a rather conciliatory letter to Fisc, apologizing for dishonoring the family by abandoning the Cagilan Empire in favor of Abington. His letter told of his spiritual dedication to Aristoi Atamarism, and wish to reconcile with Fisc, to return to a firm connection of brotherhood. Fisc was impressed by the maturity shown by his brother, and while he could not forgive him for his betrayal, he could move past it. Fisc then sent word to Taran and suggested the two meet at his estate in Dakan and try to start over.

Aristoi Academy, located on the coast of Suville.

Once Taran arrived, the two brothers began the process of healing their relationship. During their conversation, an interesting parallel began to show itself. Fisc learned that it was Aeryn Arete, the sister of Averyll Arete that was the conduit for Fisc's religious conversion. While he did not share Taran's religious philosophy, Aeryn's involvement legitimized it in his mind and he accepted Taran's life as having worth again.

As the talks progressed further, they each spoke of their evolving understanding of their fields - military and religious. The information each of them had accumulated was extensive, and they began to talk of spreading that understanding to other nobles in both Toren and Abington - and even beyond. It was then that the brothers started the process of creating the Aristoi Academy.

After Taran left Dakan, the members of the Arylon and Arete clans began preliminary negotiations on the creation of a center of learning, with the stated purpose of identifying nobles who have the potential for greatness, and helping to elevate those nobles to places they could not have reached alone, by educating them to be truly influential.

As the basis of the knowledge that would be taught came from the collected works of the Aristoi, it was decided that a loose affiliation with the Aristoi was wise, and thus it was named the Aristoi Academy. Work began in the early spring on the central facility, which is now completed and located in Suville, near the main temple of the Aristoi.

Fisc was named the primary professor of military affairs, teaching nobles effective understanding of all things relating to the militaristic nature of their lives.

Rebellion in Toren

In the spring, Toren faced rebellion. At a time deep in the night, the underground movement that had been systematically planning their revolt finally acted. A noble named Hiddukel had originally planned on calling the rebellion, but circumstances prevented him from doing so - instead Zellion stepped up and while standing near the seat of government in Toren Stronghold, gave an impassioned speech, attempting to rally as many nobles as possible to the cause of the rebellion.

Leading the Loyalist Forces

Loyalist forces overrunning the rebel positions in Toren Stronghold.

Fisc had inserted himself into the underground movement, using the pseudonym The Emerald Knight for nearly a month before the rebellion began. As such, he had been kept abreast of the activities of the rebels for some time, and was well aware of their intentions to call a rebellion when they did. He had warned the Advisory Council, and was standing by with several nobles just outside of Toren Stronghold, ready to respond when the rebellion was called.

After Zellion's speech, a few nobles openly declared themselves rebels while others declared loyal to the realm. Averyll was unavailable to rally the Loyalists at the time, and so Fisc, deeply familiar with the rebellions plans, took up the mantle of leading the Loyalists against the rebels. Gaius Julius was the first and most vocally supportive Marshall of the Loyalists, and Fisc instructed him to make preparations for the upcoming military campaign in Toren Stronghold to put down the rebellion.

Orders soon went out to all loyal nobles of Toren instructing them to return to Toren Stronghold to destroy the rebellion. Flocks of nobles, even those who were not pleased with the government, declared themselves loyalists and responded to the orders, moving to Toren Stronghold.

The rebels found themselves vastly outnumbered, and in only one day, their military effectiveness was cut off, effectively ending the threat they posed to the government.

Rebellion Ends

Though Zellion called the rebellion, Hiddukel was the driving force behind it. After it became clear that the revolt had failed, Hiddukel offered himself to the Loyalist forces, calling for his own sacrifice as penance for the rebellion.

Fisc rejected Hiddukel's original offer, instead demanding that Hiddukel be executed for his crimes, that all rebels be exiled from South East Island, and that a direct contact be established between the Toren nobles and their government be appointed. Though Hiddukel agreed to these terms, Averyll gave a public call for healing, and asked that Hiddukel be exiled, not executed. Fisc agreed to these terms, as did Hiddukel.

Fisc and Hiddukel then jointly ordered the rebels to disband their units, ending the rebellion.

Re-election as Fiduciary of Toren

Fisc had instituted a number of reforms in Toren after he was elected. Initially he attempted to create a usable war chest to use once Toren finished off Taselak. Later, he established the Toren Commission, which while it was not a financial matter, helped to restore faith in Toren's government by stressing accountability and open government.

None the less, there were certain nobles in Toren that felt Fisc had not shown sufficient progress as Fiduciary to warrant his re-election. Early on, the brother of Toren's great and respected Pontifex Phear - Phettish, declared that he wished to ascend to the position of Fiduciary, declaring that he wished to make the position more aggressive and "nasty" than it had been previously. At the same time, the notable discontent Sianon also declared that he wished to become Fiduciary, decrying Fisc as ineffective and too young to serve in the position.

As the days went on, debate raged in Toren as to Fisc's merit, accomplishments and fitness to be Fiduciary. Just two days before the election, Fisc fought on the front lines in a battle in Kail against Taselak - and in that battle he was severely injured, which made rendered him unable to campaign or ask for support. At this point, Fisc became worried that his name would fall into the background of the realm, and he would not have an opportunity to continue serving the realm.

As Election Day came and the results were announced, Fisc was extremely pleased to see how the election had turned out. He had received over 120 votes, amounting to 57% of the vote, giving him a clear 40% victory over Phettish, his next closest opponent. The people of Toren had apparently reaffirmed their trust in Fisc, and after his wounds had healed, he traveled to Toren Stronghold to begin focusing on fiscal policy once more.

Conflict with Phettish

A major defining point in Fisc's life came several days after his re-election as Fiduciary of Toren. After his victory, he ordered his men to stay in Kail and provide civil defense, while he traveled to his home region of Dakan. Toren was in desperate need of new recruitment centers - after the rebellion and the subsequent defenses against the Taselak onslaught, Toren recruitment centers were near the breaking point. Fisc traveled to Dakan and immediately invested his own family's money in the creation of a new recruitment center, to take the stress off the rest of the realm. The Dakan Omega Force Special Forces center was erected quickly, and it began recruiting men right away.

Capture

After its construction, Fisc immediately headed back to Toren Stronghold to recruit a new group of soldiers. What he did not know was that the Taselak army had somehow obtained intelligence stating that the Fiduciary of Toren was traveling from the northern regions to Toren Stronghold, and had no unit to protect him. They immediately set out to intercept him, cornering him in Kail.

Fisc was taken prisoner immediately and brought to Taselak. His absence from the realm necessitated an election for a replacement Fiduciary. Phettish, who Fisc had handily defeated by over 40% of the vote just days before won the election, and controversially announced that he would not abdicate the position of Fiduciary after Fisc returned from prison.

Phettish Consolidates Power

The announcement infuriated Fisc, as well as a great deal of other nobles in Toren. Fisc had bribed the guards in his prison cell, and had received word of Phettish's decision and immediately spoke out about his belief that Phettish was acting dishonorably. He accused him of opportunism and blind ambition, using a brief incarceration to usurp authority that he had been denied by a wide margin only days prior. Phettish responded by accusing Fisc of cavalier and reckless diplomacy on Toren's behalf, as well as questionable financial management.

After an aggressive public debate, Fisc pledged that he would not put the realm through a power war with Phettish, and would instead concede to his power grab, and spare the realm of a public argument over the position. He then further announced he would not seek re-election as Fiduciary, being completely disillusioned with the democratic process in the realm of Toren, no longer wanting to be any part of it.

The Final Insult

All seemed to have calmed - but it was an illusion. In his first week in office, Phettish had stumbled, collecting a paltry tax and doing little more than making an announcement that Toren needed more regions to collect more gold. Fisc was continually disgusted with Phettish's behavior and now his performance, and decided to privately write him to prod him into acting more appropriately.

Unfortunately, Phettish was in no mood to be questioned, and wrote an insulting letter back to Fisc. Making one last attempt to plead with Phettish for reason, Fisc wrote yet another letter to him, calling him to task and demanding he modify his behavior. In a final insult to Fisc, Phettish did not even open his letter, rather crumbling it and ordering it sent back.

Duel for Honor

Fisc duels with Phettish to regain his honor.

When the unopened letter arrived Fisc had been insulted for the last time. Phettish did not even have the honor to converse in a peaceful manner any more.

It was clear that he was determined to warp the truth to fit whatever ambitious agenda he had. It was becoming more and more obvious to Fisc that Phettish was wholly concerned with his own rise to power, and not about the good of the realm, or the honor of the nobles in the realm.

It was at that time that Fisc decided he would not stand for it anymore. He would not let some Charlton come to the country he loved, and rise to power based on false pretenses. He would no longer promise silence in the name of realm stability - not when Phettish was intent on lying his way to power. He had been slighted enough. He had been lied about enough. He had witnessed enough slippery political maneuvering.

Fisc no longer cared about his own power, or even his own life. Despite his frail body, still throbbing from the multiple injuries he suffered in a Taselak prison, he was going to satisfy his own personal honor, and challenge Phettish to a duel.

As the duel approached, Fisc found that he was still extremely tired, and his wounds were no better. He took his time strapping on his leather gauntlets. He also decided to put on his onyx ring, a symbol of his family that was traced back at least 6 generations. He hoped that it would guide him to victory, but he also wanted it on his body in case he succumbed to the duel.

Phettish was an excellent swordsman, this much he knew. His youth and inexperience meant he was aggressive, powerful and he didn't know any better. This was going to be a major challenge, but Fisc had to do it - he had simply had enough of his own personal honor being trampled on.

The battle began, and initially it was going well. He had Phettish on the defensive, and each strike he made pushed his opponent back further. Despite the weakened state he was in, the adrenaline had temporarily nullified the disadvantage, and he was winning the battle.

But, arrogance began to creep into his mind - belief that his victory was assured; he became sloppy, and too aggressive. He wanted a quick deathblow to Phettish, and began neglecting proper sword technique. It was then that his opponent saw his opportunity, and began using highly technical swordplay that rivaled his own, to push Fisc back. Startled at the turn of events, Fisc made an attempt to save himself - but it was too late, Phettish's blade had run him through. Fisc's youthful arrogance had cost him the battle for his honor.

He had the tactical advantage. He had the size advantage. He had the skill advantage. He had Phettish where he wanted him, and he had squandered his chance at regaining his honor, because once again, his emotions and rashness took over.

His last memory was collapsing to the ground, and hearing Phettish order his revival at his tent. Fisc did not understand - he had challenged Phettish, he had not attempted to show him any mercy, he had decried his actions as disloyal, dishonorable and underhanded.

He couldn't help but soften his heart, and let go of the hate. He did not fully trust Phettish, nor did he like him - but for the first time in a long time, he respected him. In a way, he owed Phettish his life - and could not let that debt remain unpaid.