Part 2
Screaming. Fire. Blood. These were the memories that haunted Tiberius, ever since that dreadful day.
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His dreams of Lady Yarielle were interrupted by the sunlight streaming in to the room by the newly opened curtain. He squinted, his eyes adjusting and when they did, he saw his father. Whatever boyish persona Tiberius had, melted away. He was in the presence of a Knight now, and his father was given the respect that he deserved. Not a word was spoken for a moment, before his father frowned.
Sighing he told Tiberius, "Your sister's gone. It's time for you to begin training."
And with those words, just like that, his childhood was over.
---
His father never praised him or his actions because he knew the old man was constantly comparing him with Luna. The protege of protege's, Tiberius had watched her on several occasions do things with a sword he had never seen before. He never understood what had happened between the two of them, his father and Luna but when she left it hit them all hard. His mother the most, and she told him no more stories.
Tiberius had loved Luna like any younger brother would but when she left, it forced him to take on a burden he wasn't prepared for. A jealousy grew in his heart, one that pictured Luna with only disdain as he slowly realized he would always be in her shadow. His mother would beg his father not to train him, to wait a couple more years but this was all behind closed doors and Tiberius knew his father's word was law.
---
His life started to get better after a couple years, or so he thought. His family had finally accepted that Luna wasn't coming back and continued on. Each new day was a challenge to Tiberius. One after another, he was tested by his father, who by now had become more accepting of his son, but not by a lot. To Tiberius, a small nod of approval boosted his moral tenfold while a frown only made him train harder. He became consumed with gaining the respect of his father and in those days, he was not the Knight he is now.
He helped people not because it was the right thing to do but because he had everything to prove. Time and time again he would fight to just fight. He would kill bandits attacking towns not to help the people that lived there, but to challenge himself and prove to his father that he was worthy to become a Longshadow Knight. His disregard for life began turning him into an arrogant creature, boastful about his skills and ready to take on any challenge. Then one evening, everything changed for the better.
Ti had been walking along side a riverbank, headed home after a long week of travelling. He had lost his horse in a battle, but it was only a horse, easily replaceable for one such of his stature. But he thought about this for awhile, realizing his father would not approve of him coming home horseless. He had to think quickly, and by chance, a lone rider came galloping around a bend up ahead. He waved both his hands in their direction, trying to get them to stop. Luckily they did, but stopped short of getting close enough. They were wearing a hood and a loose fitting robe, so he couldn't make much out in appearance.
The conversation that followed, went as about as expected.
"Hullo there, traveler! Tis a lovely day for a stroll is it not?" he exclaimed trying to act to the best of his abilities.
A women's voice answered soft and sweet, almost melodic in a fashion he quite favored. "It is indeed, dear knight but why have you stopped me?"
"Yes I stopped you. I mean... because, is it not customary to greet those upon the road?" he was faltering, why did it have to be a women? He never knew what to say around women folk and now especially. His plan was to take the horse by bribe or force but this complicated things.
"I suppose it can be customary to greet those when passing by, but you have stopped me outright good sir. What seems to be the problem?"
"Well... I... You see, I don't have a horse. I walk upon the ground with my two feet, yet I road from home with four." he stammered.
"Hmm, I can see you do not have a horse." she said almost laughing, "Surely you did not mean to take mine? Is it not customary to return home without a horse in these parts? If so then I must say, these lands are awfully harsh on those that live here. Why not but an hour ago a noble knight of these lands told me that he had a son due to return soon, but if he didn't then he had hoped it was a good death. Anything less would have been insulting to the Longshadow name."
"Oh, so you met my father then?" Tiberius said laughing, "And no mi'lady I wasn't going to take your horse."
The women then pulled back her hood, her violet eyes staring at him. With a smile that could freeze time itself she said, "So you must be Tiberius then? I figured as much, you match the description I was given more or less."
"Oh and what might that be?" he stated, quiet amused. He couldn't move his gaze from her, her beauty was mesmerizing.
"Tall, broad shoulders, wears black iron for armor and never takes his helmet off, even in the presence of a lady. There was also something about his reputation with the women and it wasn't so good." she replied with a smile, her teeth were incredibly white.
Feeling flustered, Tiberius took off his helmet to reveal, well he still looks the same as he does today except his hair was shorter. "I uhh, that about sums me up. Except for the ladies part, I'm fine around women folk. Anyways, you know me but I don't know you. What's your name mi'lady?"
She almost giggled but stated, "Why, it seems you do know how to act in the presence of a lady. Since you've shown me such nobility, I shall give you my name. I am Collette Evenproud, eldest daughter of Baron Evenproud and heiress to our estate. You may call me Collette, I don't really prefer anything else."
"Well Collette, it is a pleasure to meet you. Truly, I had no idea that one such as your title would be travelling alone far from home. Might I ask, what business did you have with the Longshadow estate? Why exactly were you given my description in the first place?"
She frowned, and Tiberius found himself slightly distraught. He hated seeing such a gorgeous girl frown when their smile could brighten anyone's day.
"They asked me to ride out to see if you were anywhere close." She paused before continuing, "There's been an incident I'm afraid. One that requires your immediate attention."
Tiberius looked at her very seriously, asking "What is it? What's wrong?"
"Well, there's no easy way to say this but your father's grown ill. Your mother says he doesn't have long now. I'm sorry."
"F-Father?" his voice broke. Surely the man, that tough old bastard, wasn't going to die by some illness? The look on Collette's face was all he needed to realize she was speaking the truth. He needed to be home now more then ever.
"I... I need to go."
And he ran.
