The next morning, the mild, charming, and beautiful forest near Minas Kuno Town, known as the Kuno Range, was quiet. The sound of a horse riding close came from the Kuno River, which connected the town to the Senronia Gulf.
Arkara stepped down from his horse and walked to a large tree, settling down while putting aside his bow and sword. After refreshing himself by the Kuno River and just finishing pulling on his boots, he was suddenly met by a stranger who held a sword to his neck from behind.
Stranger: "It would be nice if you could hand me the bow and the sword, young man."
Arkara: "No one enters this place without knowing the riddle of this forest, not even bandits. Are you lost, perhaps?"
Stranger: "That's not a concern. Last chance, young man, or I will..."
Suddenly, Arkara quickly drew his sword. The clash with the stranger's sword echoed through the forest. Arkara saw a stranger in a hooded robe and a half-mask. Arkara smiled, and his sword began to glow blue as he channeled magic into it. The stranger's sword glowed red in response. Before attempting a strike, Arkara spoke:
Arkara: "Well, it seems you aren't from around here, are you? Then..."
Stranger: "Just give me your sword." (The stranger's gaze was sharp and direct.)
Arkara: "Sure then, here, take it."
Arkara launched a striking attack with his enchanted sword. The stranger dodged multiple moves, delivering precise counter-strikes that Arkara easily read and repelled. The intense exchange of epic sword clashes seemed evenly matched.
Arkara: "Not bad for someone who knows magic, however..." (Arkara smirked, suddenly employing his Lightning Step magic.)
With one sudden step, he was behind the stranger. With one swing, the stranger's sword flew away as Arkara disabled their arm, stopping his own sword just near the stranger's throat. He kept a firm hold on the stranger's arm.
Stranger (startled): "Okay, you got me, young man."
Arkara slowly released the stranger, who then removed the mask and hood.
Lady Syeira (smiling): "I'm Syeira. And who is this great sword master in front of me?"
Arkara (bowing slightly): "My Lady Syeira? It is an honor to meet you after a long time. I am Arkara." (He lowered his head in an act of apology.)
Lady Syeira: "Yes, it's been ten years, I suppose. You have changed a lot—much stronger, and not to mention very handsome too." (She gazed at him, blushing.)
Arkara (putting his sword away): With respect, he returned her sword to her with a nod. "May I know why you are here, my Lady? And how did you know I would be here?"
Lady Syeira (giggling): "Well, I knew you'd be here for sure if you weren't at home, just like when you were seven, Arkara. It's not hard to resolve a puzzle, as we spent so much time here back then." (She looked into his eyes.)
Arkara (lowering his gaze): He walked a respectful distance away. "Is Lord Kaora also here?" (Curiosity was clear on his face.)
Lady Syeira (giggling shyly, holding her mouth): "Well, you know my father; he always prioritizes your father, an honored brotherhood, even over visiting the Gulf or you."
Arkara (excited): "Really? The last time I heard about Lord Kaora was from you, my Lady. He hasn't been here for a long time."
Lady Syeira (giggling): "What would you expect? He last visited here when you were just a month old, and I was only ten." She smiled with joy. "Well, since we are here, let's hunt deer or fish. I highly doubt you can beat my score, just like in the old days?"
Arkara: "It's been my honor, my Lady, but this time I think it is going to be the opposite."
The two of them prepared for the hunt and walked in separate directions.
The Hunter's Challenge
An hour later, they gathered at the same spot, both looking exhausted, catching their breath, though attempting to appear steady. Arkara had secured one Gorima (Hill) Goat, two Foria (Wild) Bulls, and one Lightia Rain Deer. Syeira had secured two Gorima Goats and two Lightia Rain Deer.
As they both struggled to catch their breath from the exertion of the hunt:
Arkara (covering a labored breath): "My Lady, there is a Kuno Hunting Lodge on the high ground near the river over there. I think it is better for us to reach it and determine who has the highest score."
Lady Syeira (catching her breath): "Yes, you are right, let's go."
A short ride later, the two arrived at the lodge gardens, where two guards secured the perimeter.
Arkara (sighing): "We are here, my Lady."
Lady Syeira (slightly amazed): "So peaceful and serene." (She looked around.)
Arkara: "This place was commissioned by my father and me a year ago. I'm glad you're one of our first guests here, my Lady."
As Arkara stepped down from his horse, he quickly caught Lady Syeira as she tried to dismount. The guards took their horses to the cabin.
They stepped into the two acres of hunting lodge gardens and approached the lodge itself when someone opened the door.
Lady Syeira: "My, my! Auntie Eiwa!" (She hugged her tightly like a daughter to a mother.)
Lady Eiwa: "My dear Syeira, I missed you so much, my dear. What brings my beloved niece to the Gulf hill? I hope your father is also well?"
Lady Syeira: "Papa is at the town mansion as we speak. We just arrived here yesterday." (She smiled at her aunt and Arkara.)
Arkara: "Well, since we are going back to Minas Kuno Town at dawn tomorrow, let's see who won. But before that, let's have some dinner, right, Mother?" (He smiled with a look of feigned hunger.)
Lady Eiwa: "Just at the right moment, as dinner is served. Come in, my dears." (She gently took Syeira's hand toward the Lodge, and they all stepped inside.)
To be continued...