Old Wolf

I was close.
For one reason or another, this is where they went. There is no doubt about it. A change of sсenery for them, for sure. Everything beforehand was about humans.
Towns, cities, kingdoms, armies... This is where they've always run off to. But now...
I've spotted them in the distance. They've stopped. Are they talking? Looking for something? Waiting?
Why here? Not once have they done anything of sorts. No crowds of rich human hypocrites to feel as if they've never left the Forge, no pompous balls, no intrigues among courtiers... Nothing like that.
Just wheat, as far as the eye can see.
I've began to approach them. Step by step.
As I've approached, I saw why they're come here. Smaller figure, dressed in modest human clothes and flesh synthesized by pygmentator, has been looking at me from the distance ever since they've stopped, I imagine. Weight of the goods he's carrying may seem to be the reason for his slightly hunched over pose. But I know it's not the weight. He is tensed up.
A man he's accompanying, in human clothes that looked far more regal, was looking up in the sky for just as long, his stature turned sideways to me.
They were waiting. For me.
-...in about a week. A shame truly, but I'm sure His Highness will find it in his heart to forgive us for this little incident. Just remind me to about the funeral before we set off for Baltic.
-He's here, Gold.
-Ah, right on time! Greetings, old wolf! I hope our little detour through Old World hasn't troubled you.
-You knew I was following you.
-Ha-ha, why yes! Please do not hold a grudge for such rudeness. I swear I'd invite you for a game of cards 300 years ago, but sadly my dear friend has strongly advised me against such an act.
He knew from the start.
He's mocking me. Typical Noble. I shoot a stare at his "esquire". His stare yet unbroken, still locked on me.
-But, and excuse me for my impatience, where are the rest?
-Rest?
-Why yes. I'd imagine that my persona warrants an attention of five mercuries at least.
-I was sent alone.
-Is that so?... I see. And, while there is no doubt in my mind regarding your excellent fighting prowess, what reason did they had to send you here all on your own?
I know why I was sent here. But that's not the point. The reason why I were sent here alone was..
-Here.
I began unwrapping it.
This thing was a (literal) pain to carry ever since I've got it, even through the containing measures. For the first time, his frugal companion chainged in gesture and stance, taking half of a step as if to shield his careless master.
-I see. Alkali waste no time in perfecting their craft yet still.
Inside was short blade, about as long as a shortsword, which emitted dim green rays of light. What was a slight tingling became a strong burning sensation. The stems of wheat around it started to blacken and whither away.
-But...
I've started wrapping the blade up to the handle.
-...It is not my intention to use it.
The smile of Noble, somewhat quenched by the revelation, has creeped back on in full force.
-Heh. See, Iron? Earth never disappoints.

-Well, given how you refuse yourself it's purpose, may it be that you intent on using your gladius?
He points at my belt.
-Yes.
-Most wonderful! Much time has passed since I've partaken in a fine sword duel. It's a dying art, you know. If I knew this is what teaching humans a gunpowder formula would entail, I'd put a hold on that for at least 500 more years!
A stiffled laugh escaped his throat and, upon finding no exit through mouth, became a small exhale through nose. He's extended one of his hands at me.
-May I?
I, in turn, have extended my arm and handed him over the wrapped blade. He looked at it, as if this situation was somehow familiar to him.
Upon examining it, he passed the weapon to his companion.
-Take a look, would you?
Almost begrudgingly, he accepted. But rather than doing something with the blade itself, he seemed to be more concentrated on the handle, twirling it around in his fingers.
-...Oh, and while you're at it, can you pass the Great Work to me? I'd be much obliged.
"Iron", as if slightly taken aback, complied. He took the large chest he had on his back, put in on the ground and started his search. After a short pause, sheathed shashka revealed itself in his hands.
In a singular motion, the weapon flew out of the hand of it's seeker and landed in a grip of it's wielder.
-"Great Work"? The same as...
-Yes. The very same one. After all this time, I still tend to underestimate the infamy it earned for itself during the Strife of Boarders.
"Infamy". That's one way to put it. A weapon created to transcend the very code of war set against the Gems. A weapon made legend.
-...I am honored.
A new laugh, more unrestrained one, was heard.
-I am truly glad you feel this way, old wolf. You woudn't have settled for a fistfight, I wager, even if I am to be the only one unarmed.
The sheath of his blade came undone. I responded in kind.
-Now, seeing as we are done with plesantries... Let us begin.

After assuming a defensive stance, I've started slowly advancing.
He stood almost motionless.
...
"Be it an act of charity or an attempt at exploiting my anger, he will regret either one."-I decided.
I taook a broad diagonal swing, so I could feel through his defence.
Then, Great Work, as if propelled by an outside force, jerked up to meet my attack.
Within a single blur of motion, the tables were turned and it was my defence that ended up tested.
In order to not loose footing, I leaned forward and allowed myself to follow up my advances with two more strikes.
The only thing they've seemed to affect is the height of his mouth's corners.
After that, it was my turn to defend.
Swipe, stab, swipe.
Block, block, parry.
Backwards, to the side, forward.
Step, step, step.
Waltz.
What a joke.

With every repetition, my anger grew. Was I not enough of a threat?
Does he not think me worthy?
I pick up the pace. Not enough to break from his lead, so our "dance" just became more hectic.
With anger, the chest pain increased in spades.
What do I need to prevail?
Better defences?
Even more speed?
More elaborate technique?
No.
In all of those I am clearly outclassed.
All of my effort, Great Work seemed to completely negate.
"What I really need is a singular strike."- I concluded
After the second attack, my left hand collided with his wrist.
He was wide open.
I took one final swing with all my might.
All or nothing.

And just like that, it was over.
His expression of slight, barely noticeable shock.
And my, one of blissful acceptance...
...with which I fell to the ground.
There are always more things with which Universe can surprise you.
I knew that all too well. But at the very least, I deemed the once regarding combat to be covered.
But, this fast recovery, such a deep cut, from this distance, across the entire chest and performed by a single flick of the wrist...
That was surprising.
The core was undamaged, that much I could feel, yet I was in no condition to fight.
I was prepared for his sword to meet me one last time.
Instead, I heard it sliding into the sheath.
-Thank you for that delightful display. I must say, if this is what your swordmanship's like in your current condition, I am enthralled by the opportunity of us crossing blades in a legitimate duel.
He knew.
-...What gave it away?
-I saw lots of fine man claimed by the pernicious hand of corrosion in my time. Be it on Forge nor the battlefield. It is a symptom of sickness that drove me to this corner of the Galaxy in the first place. The sickness you feel as clearly as the pain in your chest right now, aren't you?
-...
-This is a thing I noticed about you as well. You're aware of the reason as to why you, and many others, are sick, and yet you deny yourself the truth at illnesses heart. We're all meant live by truth, old wolf, we obtain great strengh from it. Without it, all allegiances, all oaths, are pointless. That's what had you worried all this time. You thought yourself weak, fading. Not able to bear the weight. But, in reality, you were stripped your truth.
-...
...
-Anyway, if I may, allow me to speak with my companion. I will return at a moment's notice, so please, just try to regain your energy, so I could help you to get back on your feet.
-...Okay.
-Most excellent!

***
-So, did you find it?
-Yes, right under the alpha-decay ring. Collision-triggered.
-And... What about the destructive power?
-Hard to say exactly... But us being on islands instead, if it went off here, would certainly not cut it. What did the guy even do? Should we ask him?
-...He'll tell us himself eventually. Bronzes always have one more story to tell.
***

Pain slowly subsided. As my breath grew more steady, it went away, little by little.
Breath after breath. Feet strated obey and carried me back upwards.
Shifting from side to side, I drew near duel's victor and his friend.
They watched me, expectation in their eyes.
-...Where are you going next?
Noble, in quiet appeasement, closed his eyes and started to shake his head.
"Iron", as barely altered in expression as ever and with the chest mounted on his back again, began traversing the golden sea, as if fully expecting for his master to catch up at his own pace.
Gold, with the same smile I misunderstood for mocking one earlier, reached out to my shoulder and said these very words:
-Welcome to the pack, old wolf.

...And the rest is history.