HammerFall

Chapter One: Living In The Shadow:


"Can we really trust him, Rosenbrim? After all his brother is...."

The look the wizard had given King Stephen silenced him. He objected no further. The King of HammerFall rarely questioned the judgement of his court wizard. Rosenbrim had never before led him wrong; but doubts swirled in the king's mind. It was true that Stormblade family were reknown throughout all Terra as the most powerful warriors and wizards; but fifteen years ago they had been betrayed by a Stormblade warrior. A man that King Stephen would have trusted with his soul. It now brought doubt ever gnawing at him when it came to those he trusted. Only Rosenbrim whom he had grown up with could he trust completely in his heart.

Rosenbrim's slender fingers gently caressed Stephen's short white hair. "Have faith in me, Stephen. He is the man needed. And if he fails HammerFall it will matter little since you put no faith in him in the first place."

Stephen turned away from him in the bed. His back was to the wizard as he felt those delicate hands kneading into his shoulders. Stephen spoke in a whisper, "The Horde of Iced Earth draws near us with each passing night. My peasants are in uproar with fear that we shall be swallowed up by the demons they use. Can I really trust this Jasper Stormblade?"

The wizard sagely inquired, "Do you have any other choice, my King?"

Stephen turned around and wrapped his arms around the nude wizard resting atop of the silken sheets. He held Rosenbrim close to him; their nude, hard bodies pressed against each other. "No, so I shall trust once more to your guidance, Magnus."

Their lips locked together. The warmth flooded over the king's body as they laid intertwined together. Rosenbrim's legs wrapped around his broad torso as their arms held one another.
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He stared at that slender waif like figure. Johan couldn't help himself. He knew that he was supposed to be practicing; but he couldn't with such a distraction before him. His soft emerald eyes watched the masterful strokes and cuts of the silver haired swordsman. Everything about Jasper Stormblade made Johan want to melt into the warrior; especially the way his silver bangs fell over his face. He felt that he might swoon. He felt a hard hit to the back of his head. He turned around quickly.

"What was that for?" He inquired and then wished he'd not asked as he gazed into those dark brown eyes.

Master Helford scolded, "You are supposed to be practicing. Your skills are still at the novice level, and you've been training for three years now, Johan."

Helford grabbed Johan by the back of his neck and pulled up the young swordsman, "Stop daydreaming and start practicing. You'll bring shame upon me if you don't start improving."
Johan really disliked the middle aged swordmaster and at the same time respected the man. After all Helford had fought in the battles against the armies of the Black East a little more then fifteen years ago. And then there was the jealousy. It seemed that Helford was always touching Jasper whenever he congratulated the silver haired swordsman. He knew it wasn't really anything to get jealous over. After all Helford always clapped people on the shoulder when they did well in practice; but still Johan couldn't help the waves of jealous that washed over him everytime he saw Helford or anyone else touching Jasper that wasn't him.

He drew out his sword and started to practice; but in truth he was moving closer to listen to Helford speak with Jasper.

Helford remarked and then trailed off, "Your natural apitude for swordfighting is impressive; but I'd expect nothing less from the Stormblade line. That is why it will not be easy for me to say this...."
He seemed lost in thought as to finish his sentence.

Jasper said with apathy upon his face that his voice lied that he didnt have, "What is it Master Helford? You can't suddenly go silently on me after saying that."

"Sorry, I was just thinking of your brother and how much you resemble him."

Jasper snapped, "I am nothing like him!' his shoulders then slumped forward, "I'm sorry, Master Helford. I'm just tired of being compared to him. I am not my brother."

Helford replied as he placed a hand on Jasper's shoulder, "Exactly." At that touch a jealous rage filled Johan; but he continued to pretend to practice as he eavesdropped, "King Elmgrim realizes that. It is why he has decided to promote you to full knighthood. His majesty has a mission that his royal highness believes only you can achieve."

"Because I'm the brother of Mikael Stormblade!?" Jasper said shoving the hand off his shoulder.

"No. Because you are a Stormblade and you are an excellent swordsman. This has little to do with your brother. And you know it. If you want to be thought of as separate from him then you must make a legend for yourself that is worthy of you."

Jasper sighed and the rushing of air out of those lungs filled Johan with longing. He wanted to feel that air upon his flesh. He wanted to feel those strong arms of the silver haired swordsman wrapped protective about his body.

Jasper half smiled, "I suppose you have a point. So what is this mission?"

"I cannot tell you here. Tomorrow morning, at first light you are to meet with Wizard Rosenbrim. He will inform of your mission." Helford told the other. The swordmaster quickly turned around and bellowed, "Johan! Stop eaves dropping and take your practicing more seriously!"