Chapter 59: The Mountain and the Furnace
Aegon Logcheville stood on the unforgiving concrete of the Vanguard training hall. Across from him stood Bram Stoneheart.
Bram was seven feet tall and built like a literal mountain.
Usually, the giant carried a massive tower shield. Today, he fought completely barehanded.
Bram offered a gentle, polite smile. His personality was genuinely good, contrasting sharply with his terrifying physical mass.
"I hope we have a good match, Aegon," Bram said respectfully. "Try not to break your hands on me."
It was a subtle provocation masked behind a friendly greeting.
Aegon smirked and rolled his shoulders.
"Do not worry about my hands, giant," Aegon replied. "Worry about your knees. Watch your steps."
"Begin!" Instructor Stonehelm roared across the hall.
Bram's gentle demeanor vanished instantly. He lowered his stance and raised his thick arms, transforming into a terrifying, immovable wall.
