Preparations

[DoS Archive]

From: leducblanc@aol.com (LeDucBlanc)
Date: 18 Sep 1998 17:53:36 EDT


The Duke of Clermont was in training. He had decided to avoid the Arena, albeit belatedly, and concentrate on finding his focus and his desire. He intended to put the best show possible on against the Baron Bird. He was a aware the man's reputation, his skill, and his incredibly streak of wins. He would either break the streak, or become the 10th successful defense. He probably wasn't ready. But he was going to find
out.
He was at the school, working out. Probably a ridiculous, even wasted excercise, since his body was not one to put on muscle easily. Also useless, because he knew full well that his strength lay in his heart and will. That his physical strength was nothing compared to the strength of will and heart that gave his body its true power. In order to unlock that power, he had to find his center. Then he had to expand that center til if filled his body
and mind, and he was that center.
No announcements had been publicly made yet, but he and Ajay knew where and when the duel was going to be fought. Hopefully it wouldn't be too anticlimactic an event, under the circumstances.
He wasn't kidding himself. While a brilliant win might feel good, he knew he was just hoiping not to be too badly blown out. He was very alone right now. In a way, that was the way it needed to be. He would sleep here, at the school, until after the challenge. Then, win or lose, he would embark on the next stage of his growth. He had to make something of himself here in RhyDin. He couldn't live at the Red Dragon Inn forever. He needed to bring
the people of Clermont here. To establish his people and his line safely. Here he could protect them. Besides, he needed them. They were not just his subjects, they were his friends.
After the duel, he would begin to scout for an ideal location for the new Duchy, or perhaps kingdom, of Clermont. His people would be with him. He would not be so alone anymore.