Yamada walked beside Gwyneth, his Kāṣāya dripping with sweat, and clung to his body. They had walked half way to the second ring.

“Is it safe to just leave the armour up there?” He asked looking back to the third ring.

“You’re welcome to go back and bring it down.” Gwyneth said.

“It’s fine where it is.” Yamada said catching up to her. She escorted Yamada to her quarters, with the handmaidens whispering and leering at Yamada as he walked in.

“Clean him and fetch him some new clothes.” She ordered.

The handmaidens were all young women, and eagerly got to work, gathering soaps and powders. Yamada stood in the corner of the bathroom, as the handmaidens filled the large bronze bath tub, with buckets of cold water.

One of the handmaidens, held her hand in front of the bath tub, creating the gate for fire magic. The small silhouette of a fiery crimson rose, hovered over the bath tub, heating the water. The room filled with steam and the handmaidens smiled gesturing for Yamada to get in.

He scratched the back of his head nervously looking away. “Aren’t you all meant to leave?” He said growing red.

Two handmaidens eagerly pulled him in, and begun to unravel his sweaty Kāṣāya. Yamada was bewildered, trying to keep his Kāṣāya on, and push the delicate women away, without killing them by accident.

“I can bathe myself...you don’t have to...” Gwyneth knocked on the door.

“Yamada, you either strip now, let them bathe you and see you naked. Or I’m coming in there and then I’ll strip you by force.” She yelled through the thick wooden door.

“You should say no to us, I would love to see her do that.” One of the handmaidens said with a sly smile. Yamada looked at the crystal clear water, and the several handmaidens eagerly waiting for him.

“Alright, I don’t hear scrubbing, so I’m coming in.” Gywneth said.

“NO WAIT!” Yamada shrieked, his face bright red like a ruby. He shook his head frustrated, and quickly unravelled  his Kāṣāya, and quickly jumped into the tub, covering himself.

The handmaidens eagerly went to work, scrubbing every part of Yamada. Gwyneth chuckled from outside. Hearing him yelp occasionally, and the handmaidens giggling as she walked away from the door.

20 minutes passed and the handmaidens came out of the steaming bathroom, gossiping to each other. Gwyneth stood outside wearing a long cotton shirt, and black leather pants.

Yamada came out of the bathroom with a grumpy stare, wearing the same clothes as her. She smirked at him tittering. “You look grumpy for a man, who was just bathed by several beautiful women.” She said

“I can bathe myself. They didn’t have to do that.” He said storming outside of Gwyneth’s quarters.

“Most men would kill, to have what you just experienced.” Gwyneth said walking out after him.

“Apparently most men, don’t know how to clean themselves. Also, was it necessary for them to touch everything?” He said flushed.

They walked out of the Keep, making their way to the loud mess hall, illuminated by a trail of lanterns and the bright moon light above.

“Is it a size issue?” Gwyneth asked with a sly smile. “

No! I’m big.....” He yelped and then paused, looking at her coy smile. making her giggle. “It’s just...it’s just immoral to do those things. It should be with someone you love.” He said shying away.

“Even with your looks and...tools, you are quite innocent. Was that the first time a woman has seen you naked?” She asked walking behind him.

“Shut up.” He pouted.

“How old are you?” She asked. “I’m twenty.” He said. “And you’ve never been with a woman have you?” She asked with a coy smile. His eyes went wide and his face went red. “I don’t want to talk about this anymore.”

The two of them entered into the mess hall, filled with rows of long wooden tables, and bustling barmaids. The tables were filled with squires and mages in training, devouring plates of meat and bread, with goblets of juice and water.

Yamada was taken aback by the sight, and rowdiness. At the very back of the mess hall, sat twelve large ornate seats, one for each Grand Knight and Mage.

“Find a seat. There will be an announcement soon.” She said walking to the back.

The other Grand Knights and mages wore regal silk clothing, as they looked over the boisterous mages and squires. She took a seat at the very end of the table, with Vexgar and Yssac scowling at her.

“What took you so long?” Fervias asked with a coy smile.

“Where you letting the boy bury his Wyrm in your cave? He asked raising his eyebrows suggestively.

 “He was burying it in all my caves.” She said with a smile. It took him by surprise and made him reel back in his seat. “Wait what did you say?”

Yamada found an empty table with only one other person sitting on it, eating a meal by himself. He recognised Jacara, as the man Gwyneth brought, to the  Blessed’s unconscious and broken.

Yamada approached the empty table, when Jacara looked up at him with pursed lips and furrowed brow. “Go sit somewhere else Islander.” He growled.

Yamada grabbed a different seat at the same table. “This is somewhere else right?.” Jacara scoffed, shaking his head and continuing to eat his meal.

A barmaid placed a whole roasted chicken on a bed of rice.  “I will bring your utensil...” Yamada cut her off tearing into the chicken like an animal.

Jacara reeled back at the boorish sight, as the barmaid giggled at Yamada’s childishness. Encara stood up clapping his hands together. The room suddenly went quiet, and everyone quickly took their seats. Yamada continued to greedily devour his food.

“Squires and Mages, listen carefully. The number of Draken sightings have increased to an alarming rate. In order to help the less fortunate denizens of Jux. After two months, the Grand Mages and Knights will be selecting their best understudies, to embark on a peace keeping mission. The squire and mage will be paired off and be given 100 gold pieces, to travel and help throughout Jux.”  Encara said.

The squires and mages all nudged each other eyeing their respective teacher. “So twelve candidates will be sent out first?” A squire asked.

“Yes, but as it stands right now. There are actually only ten positions left. Two candidates have already been chosen.” Encara said.

The mess hall erupted into murmurs and whispers, they all gazed around the room, trying to see who had been chosen. Encara pointed to the dim corner. The entire mess hall shifted their gaze to Yamada and Jacara.

Yamada looked back at everyone with grains of rice stuck to his face, and grease smeared over his lips. “Why’s everyone looking at us?” He asked Jacara with a mouth full of food. Jacara scratched his head, scrunching his face.

“I have chosen my son as my choice, and Gwyneth’s new squire has also been chosen.” Encara said.

“WHAT!?” They all exclaimed, angrily slapping the tables, and slamming down their mugs. Encara reeled back at the reaction.

“Geez, I figured it was obvious I would choose my kid.” He whispered to Urkse.

“That’s not who they’re angry at.” Urkse said, pointing to Gwyneth.

She was clutching the table knife, scowling at them.

“What did I get chosen for?” He asked Jacara, happily eating another handful of rice.

“Now, with that announcement, enjoy the feast and train your hardest.” Encara said. The mess hall was still silent, with everyone glaring at Yamada greedily devour his food. “Um excuse me miss, is there more of this?” He asked one of the bar maids.

Encara felt a cold evil presence, it sent a shiver down his spine. He turned to the side seeing Gwyneth marching towards him with a livid scowl.

Encara stood up, readying his hands to teleport away. Gwyneth grabbed the scuff of his cloak, and the two of them teleported away in a blinding flash of light. They appeared at the top of the Keep, under the pale moon light. She pulled him to the ground, placing the tip of the knife at his groin.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing!? He hasn’t even been here a god damn day!” She yelled into his face. “And he’s done things, that even a Grand Knight would struggle to accomplish. Do you think Lyn could do what he just did today?”

“He’s physicality and fortitude isn’t enough! He’s probably never even fought another mage, or been taught a weapon properly, or-“ Encara gazed into Gwyneth’s lilac eyes, with a solemn and grim expression.

“I know who you see, when you look at him, but Hendri-“ Gwyneth cracked his nose with her skull.

Encara’s wound instantly healed, and he continued. “Hendrik is dead, and Yamada isn’t him.” Gwyneth hurled him to the other side of the roof top. “It’s not enough time to get him ready for the outside.” She said breathing heavily with clenched fists.

Encara dusted himself off and stood up, looking at the glowing moon. “Those who do not learn from the past...” Encara said waiting for Gwyneth to respond.

“Are condemned to repeat it.” She finished his sentence, with a bitter taste in her mouth. “Bring him to Abaddon with Me.” Gwyneth ordered. Encara smirked, and clapped his hands. The two of them disappeared in a blinding light. 

Yamada sat at the table, rubbing his bulging stomach, with three chicken carcasses laid in front of him. A blinding light filled the room, all of them stepped back shielding their eyes, Gwyneth and Encara appeared beside him.

"You're coming with us." Encara said. “Huh?” With the sound of a clap and another blinding light the three of them disappeared.They appeared at Abaddon’s workshop. He was hammering away at molten ingot of steel, ignoring them.

“Close your eyes, and do not open them, for any reason.” Gwyneth ordered.

Yamada looked around confused, seeing Gwyneth and Encara beside him.

“Listen to her, and don’t freak out when you look at him.” Encara whispered. Yamada shrivelled in confused, but followed her orders.

“You can turn around now Abaddon he’s not going to open his eyes.” Gwyneth said.

Abaddon stopped hammering and turned around. He had a ghastly gaunt face, with sunken pitch black eyes, and grey skin under his long soot covered white beard. He put his tools down, his hands were covered in soot and dirt, with thick calluses.

“Put your arms into the air, and widen your stance.” Gwyneth ordered.

Yamada hesitantly followed, hearing Abaddon’s feet scrap against the ground. His heart began to beat faster and faster hearing him come closer. He desperately wanted to know why he needed to close his eyes.

He held his breath, feeling Abaddon’s hands patting down his body, and clenched his teeth. Abaddon took a step back, grabbing Yamada’s fist, pulling it close to his chest. He kept his eyes closed, feeling Abaddon caress each scar.

“You are from Yamata, yet you strike with your fists. Why do you not use the native weapons?” He asked, continuing to inspect the scars.

“I want to punch things.” Yamada said.

Abaddon crushed his fist in his monstrously strong grip. Yamada flinched, but kept his eyes closed, trying to pull away his hand. 

“Why do you use only your fists to attack?” he growled, baring his yellow teeth.

Yamada frowned. “I want to feel my enemies break and die on my fists.”

Abaddon let go of his fist. He struck Yamada in the gut with a quick punch. Yamada retched falling to his knees, coughing and clutching his stomach, with his eyes still closed.

“Why haven’t you opened your eyes?” Abaddon asked.

“Because...because Gwyneth ordered me not to.” He said standing back up.

“You found another squire worthy of your level Gwyneth, and worthy of my craftsmanship.” Abaddon said, making Encara and Gwyneth smile.

He grabbed Yamada by the wrist and guided him into his workshop. Yamada bumped and into several objects wincing in pain with each one.

“So...does he know that he’s wearing your clothes?” Encara asked scanning Gwyneth. “Not yet.” She said with a smirk.

Yamada was brought before a table. There were three stacks of metal ingots; a small stack of glossy emerald ingots of Adamantine; large jet black ingots of Deiridium, and burnt orange ingots of Orichalcum.

“I want you to reach out and pick one.” Abaddon said. “Pick what?” Yamada said confused, still looking around the shop with his eyes closed.

“He really does listen to your every word. What did you do, to make him so loyal?” Encara asked. “I promised he would be strong enough to break Adamantine.” Gwyneth said. “You can open your eyes boy.” Gwyneth said standing behind him.

Yamada opened his eyes looking around at the workshop. He inspected the ingots and looked back to Abaddon. Gwyneth and Encara braced for his reaction.

“What’s the difference between these metals?” He asked nonchalantly.

“Adamantine has the sharpest edge, Deiridum is the heaviest, and Orichalcum can be moulded with arcane energy.” Abaddon said.

“If only the Artaraxus kingdom didn’t have complete control of it. Every knight could have it.” Encara said. “So I pick one of these, and you make me an armour out of it?” Yamada said inspecting the materials. 

“No, only a weapon. There is not enough material to forge you a set of armour. And before you ask, no I cannot mix the ingots.” Abaddon said annoyed.

Yamada stood back stroking his chin, thinking intently, at which to pick. His eyes suddenly lit up as he came to a realisation. “Can I get an armour made of Draken scales?” Yamada asked.

The three of them were astonished. “Like the Forsaken Knights that fought Vasha?” He asked, awkwardly waiting for his response.

“The Forsaken Knights wore armour forged from Draken hearts. It gave them incredible power, but it also gave them their names. They forsook their humanity for power, and tragically became the very thing, they swore to destroy.” Abaddon said.

Yamada was silent, before uttering a line that made Encara’s eyes grow wide. “I need become powerful, to have the right to kill someone. Tell me what you need me to do.”

Abaddon smirked. “Slay a Draken of any kind, and bring me it’s body. I will forge you a set of armour and weapon from its body. Let's see if you're brave enough to walk this path” He said.

Yamada bowed thanking him. Encara glanced over to Gwyneth. “You could have told me, he was trying to kill Begron.” He said casually.

“Thought you knew.” She said offhandedly. Encara scoffed.

“He will need more than your training then, I will need to help train him.”

“What do you propose?” Gwyneth asked. “I’m surprised you’re agreeing with me.” Encara said surprised.

Gwyneth let out a small sigh. “I’ve known you long enough, to know you always get your way, no matter who you hurt along the way. Now what do you propose?” Her words struck a nerve in Encara, and he held his tongue.

“Dawn to Dusk, you train him in the physical arts. Afterwards I teach him the basics of magic.” He said.

“You teach him, after he bathes and eats. Not before.” Gwyneth said sternly. “Deal.” Encara said offering out his hand.

Gwyneth shook his hand and he disappeared in a blinding light. Yamada stood in front of her with a big happy smile.

“So what training do I do now?” He asked.

“For now you sleep. Tomorrow’s training will be much harder.” He nodded and began to walk away.

She grabbed his shoulder stopping him. “Where do you think you’re going?” She asked.

“To the Blessed’s housing?” He said cocking an eye brow at her and tilting his head. “They gave you a room, because you were healing. From now on till you leave, you will be staying in my quarters.” She said with a smile. Yamada went red faced with bulging eyes.

“Is there something so wrong with that?” She asked with a pout.

“Yes! I mean no! I mean...I’ll just sleep outside.” He stammered growing red. She leant in, he could feel her hot breath on his cheek.

“Are you afraid of sleeping with a woman?” She whispered with a sultry voice.

His ears went red hot, and he leapt back, breathing heavily. “I’ll just sleep in the stables.” He said walking away quickly.

“You’ll be sleeping my quarters, or are you defying my orders?” She said.

He froze, clenching his fists and teeth. Yamada rolled his shoulders in frustration, reluctantly following Gwyneth back to her quarters.

In the middle of the room, at the base of her small bed was another make shift mattress on the ground. Yamada let out a sigh of relief seeing the extra mattress. He quickly dove onto the bed, tucking himself in.

Gwyneth stood by the wardrobe, untying her pants. Yamada quickly ducked his face under the blanket, turning around, she giggled at him.

“The first man to sleep in my room in over a decade, and he’s the most innocent person ever.” Yamada curled into a ball, pretending to be asleep.

She smirked stepping over him and slid into her bed. “You should know that if you asked, any of the hand maidens, they would gladly satisfy you.” She said sitting up right.

“I’m fine!” He exclaimed turning away from her.

“I see, you’re more of a hand man.” She said slyly. “I’m not using my hand!” He yelled angrily, turning back to her. His eyes went wide seeing her bare breast and quickly covered his eyes. “You are now.”  She smirked.