Mike looked worried at what his friend had just said. "The curse?!" Mike asked in a hushed whisper like tone.
The curse that haunts the Cursnight family is something that people in Landorius. Most, if not everyone, knows about it.
For generations, the Cursnight family has lived a life of grandeur, each member bringing more honor for the family. This is one of those families that has produced countless knights and heroes since the birth of the kingdom of Landorius.
But the curse is something that haunts every member of this family, leaving none behind. Nobody knows how it started. Any information on who was the first to suffer from it has been long lost to history. The person will slowly start becoming weaker, even if they are the healthiest person in the entire continent of Myslaria, along with having blurry eyesight. At first, it will be moments of weakness and sudden blurriness in their eyes but eventually they will become weaker. Some have even become completely blind even if they have perfect eyesight. Eventually the curse will consume them and lead to their death.
The average lifespan for people of Myslaria is 35 to 45 years, while for nobles and other richer families is easily 65 years or more. For the Cursnight family, the average was much lower. The longest someone has lived was Xander's grandfather who lived till the age of 40.
"Don't joke with me Xan! You always said that the curse would never take you!" Mike continued as he grabbed Xander's shoulders.
Xander always said the curse would never get him. With him becoming 21 years old and with no signs of the curse, he started to believe in himself even more. But with the sudden weakness he has been feeling and how his eyes had become blurry just before collapsing is making him feel otherwise.
He places his left hand on the calloused hand that is placed on his shoulder. " Sigh... It's just a guess for now. I'm not completely sure myself but the symptoms remind me of the curse."
"Don't worry. Even if I'm cursed it will take a lot to kill me." Xander added with a soft smile on his face.
Mike removed his hands from Xander's shoulders and stood up straight. He looked at him with a solemn expression on his face as if he was thinking about something very deeply. Amongst all of this, the doctor came back with some green colored substance, likely Xander's medicine. He could feel something was off.
"Take some rest and get well soon. We will talk about this later." Mike said as he left the tent.
After Xander was forcefully made to take his medicine, the doctor left him as well. he lay down on his bed, his head filled with thoughts. He was afraid. Afraid that it was the curse. He had seen how the curse changed his father. His father went from a strong man who he believed could take on the entire world to a man who was as weak as an old man while only being 30 years old. At just nine years old he had to see his father's corpse.
Then he remembered about his younger brother. His brother didn't even get to live a proper life. At just 10 years of age his brother had already started showing symptoms of the curse and he died while only being 12 years.
Xander wished to cry from just those memories and the thought that he may soon become just like them. Why?! Why do we need to go through this?! Xander complained internally.
I thought I was going to be a great man who lived for a long time. I want to do so much! His fists gripping the sheets as he thinks. He puts one of his forearms over his head as he holds his tears back.
I just wanted to be great! Why God Why?!....Please save me God!
Xander eventually calmed down and started to think.
Crying like this won't help anyone. I need to think what I'm going to do moving forward. I need to go to the church after we reach Solvurn. Who knows maybe this isn't the curse and I'm overthinking it. What I do afterwards will depend on if it is the curse or not.
Eventually he went to sleep. He was later woken up by Mike who invited him for dinner with the rest of his men. As they all ate together, many came to greet Xander. Xander greeted them back and had small talk with them. At least he pretended to.
In reality, Xander was consumed by his thoughts and anxiety to really give much attention to what anyone else was saying.
At some point he ended up talking about his plan to Mike.
"I was having the same the same idea. Good to know that we are at least having the same idea. We should probably confirm it before telling about it to anyone else." Mike said with a blank expression on his face, looking at the soldiers.
Xander simply nodded and continued to eat and drink his ale.
....
Early next day, the men started to head back towards Solvurn, the capital of Landorius. The road back was filled with silence. The soldiers were happy to finally be able to head home but they couldn't forget about all the friends and fellow men they had lost during the war.
Xander and Michael lead the men from the front. it would take two days for them to finally reach Solvurn. On their way back they saw the places that they had stayed at during their time at the war, now lying in ruins. But hope still lives as the surviving people have already started to rebuild their former homes.
After the two days of constant traveling, they finally reached Solvurn. As soon as they entered the fortified city, they were welcomed in with immense celebrations. People were gathering on both sides of the street as they made way for the brave soldiers that made their way through. Various decorations can be seen on houses and streets.
Boom!Boom!Boom!
The sound of trumpets and drums can be heard filling the air as people continue cheering and celebrating the men's return. Children are running around trying to see the faces of the hero that won the war.
"Mommy who is that man at the front?" a young boy asks his mother. "That is Xander Cursnight, the brave knight that went to war and has returned from a long battle with news of victory."
Xander hears the conversation between the mother and son as he waves back at the crowd. Sorry ma'am but I'm not the brave hero you guys are painting me. I have spent nights crying myself to sleep. Xander thinks inwardly and laughs awkwardly.
Just then he sees a hooded figure looking at him from behind the crowd. Something doesn't feel right but before he can take a better look at them, they are gone!
Hmm, that's weird. But i don't have the time to think about trivial matters like a hooded man. I need to complete the pleasantries as fast as possible so that I can go to the church at the earliest. I haven't felt any weakness nor have I had blurry eyes in the last 2 days so that gives me hope but I shouldn't be too optimistic after all the curse starts off as slow periodic moments before having long lasting effects.
After Xander reaches the main palace he commands his men to go meet their families and friends. They have earned their rest.
Xander enters the palace. A soldier wearing white armor with gold lines, similar to that of Xander's, comes towards him. "This soldier greets Sir Xander. The king wishes to have an audience with you. Please follow me." The guard says while slightly bowing down before turning and pointing his open hand towards the royal court. Xander nods as the guards start to guide him towards the royal court.
Xander reaches a massive door that is being guarded by two men. Two of them open the giant door as he enters the massive court. Xander has been here multiple times before with his parents but even now he feels an immense sense of awe at the sheer scale of the place.
The high ceiling is being supported by long and wide pillars. On either side are seats adorned with decorations. The nobles are siting on them wearing expensive dresses that try to show off their luxurious lifestyles along with the power that they hold. Xander can feel the gazes of the nobles on his form. Some are inwardly praising him, some are at awe at they look at him, some want him to gain even more power and influence while some are simply envious of him and his accomplishments.
As he reaches the end of the massive hall, he can see there are two thrones. On the smaller throne towards the right is a beautiful woman with long brown hair and sharp eyes wearing a beautiful and expensive golden dress. Right beside her is a middle aged men with brown hair, blue eyes and two neat little mustaches.
Xander drops onto one of his knees and bowed his head. "The humble knight Xander Cursnight greets the king and the queen!"