text: [Themes: fantasy, serious, true story]
  
  The splattering of raindrops was echoing through the rustic chambers of the cathedral. Damp, cool air passed over your skin, and despite the mail you wear, managed to send a shiver coursing through your entire body. The sky had turned dark and vile, as if the lord himself was trying to signify a bad omen.
  
  "...and thus in the name of the Father his Son and the Holy Spirit, do you vow to uphold your piety and rule with the value of justice?"
  
  "I do."
  
  "Then I, Louis I, son of Charles I of Hungary, representative and prince-elector of the house of Anjou, do hereby declare you the king of the romans. May the whole of christendom prosper under your reign."
  
  Golden torchlight was glistening off the plates attached to his mail. You had awaited this day, this exact moment for a very long time...all that's left now is-
  
  A guard dressed from head-to-toe in heavy plate mail rushes into the chamber, distracting you from your train of thought. He bears the crest of the house of Wittelsbatch on his armour.
  
  "What is the meaning of this? You dare to interfere with the ceremony?" says a commanding voice.
  
  "I beg your pardon mein Herr," sayed the guard as he bows down. "However, it is of utmost importance that these premises be vacated. The army of the imperial cities has breached our defenses."
  
  [Author's Note: Charles IV, king of Bohemia and holy roman emperor was considered one of the most influential and successful rulers of his time. However, not all of his decisions were wise... Special thanks to mazardark for his advice on historical combat, and to cricket for beta reading. Also, this is an entry to Corgi's unofficial contest of the lords and my first story on the site.]
  
  > A month ago
  The streets of the bustling city of Prague had gone silent. Once upon a time, filled to the brim with merchants, tradesfolk and peasants, it now looks plain and deserted. The chill, cool air of the autumn weather passed through the city, as trees with yellowed leaves swayed gently in the breeze. Then, the grand city gates opened and in stepped a huge army. Footmen marched down the streets towards the Prague castle, being directed by a mounted man in dark steel plate, a knight.
  
  You clearly saw the approaching army through the fortifications. It's a good thing that the alarm was sounded before hand. All you hoped for was that the people remain safe in their houses.
  
  The army came to a halt just before entering ballista range. The steel plate knight rode forward along with three heavily armoured soldiers on horse back, one of them carrying a white flag. You signaled the archers to be at ease. It was a dishonour to strike down an escort wishing to parley. The 4-man escort stopped short of hearing range at the foot of the castle.
  
  "Greetings to the great emperor Charles, I am Ansel, the representative of the free cities and general of the coup. It is with deep remorse that things have come to this mein Herr, however I'm sure after violating the agreement we had settled upon this was a given."
  
  "Herr Ansel of Millvesko. The perpetrator behind this whole ordeal. I'm glad to have met you here in person before I ordered your village to be run to the ground for treason!"
  
  "Treason? What treason do you speak of mein Herr? We were never bound to your lordship, you agreed to grant us our freedom in exchange for alliance, military help and an annual tithe, and this is how you honour our agreement?! By selling us off to your subjects as mere slaves? Have you no honour Holy Roman Emperor, or has your worth fallen to those of con-men and scoundrel bandits?!"
  
  "How dare you defile the name of your emperor!" shouts Wenceslas from behind. "You are going to apologize and repent for your actions, otherwise face the siniste-"
  
  "Calm down son, we aren't a pack of barbarians. Things can still be settled in a diplomatic fashion, could we come to terms with negotiations herr Ansel? We could give you entry to the royal garden nearby to discuss."
  
  "Agreed, mein Herr. I consider it foolish to negotiate for that which is rightfully mine; but it's better to save the bloodshed for another day. However, each of us will only bring along 3 guards."
  
  > Agree
  "A fair proposal, Herr Ansel, we shall continue this conversation at the royal gardens. God be with you," you say and prepare to gather your escort.
  
  "May God be with you too mein Herr, you'll surely need luck and fortune," Ansel begins to speak something but then stops himself. After a few moments he speaks,"I know the true reason behind your actions mein Herr..." he says while staring directly at Wenceslas,"and I would advice you as your subject and well-wisher to agree to this negotiations; or face sinister ramifications in lack of thereof."
  
  Beads of sweat begin to roll down your forehead. You close your eyes for a moment and think to yourself, making an attempt to call your nerves. Opening your eyes, you feel an instant of clearness, taking a long hard look at Wenceslas.
  
  "I sincerely hope you see the light mein Herr, this negotiation will be beneficial to us both." Ansel, along with three of his escorts, gallops towards the entrance of the fort. You walk through the fortifications, down the wooden stairway and look up to the cathedral in the main courtyard. "In the name of the Father, his Son and the Holy Spirit amen."
  
  It's a good thing you ordered the renovation of the castle. It's been around for over 400 years now and hasn't been once captured. The symbol of greatness of the kingdom of Bohemia no doubt. Various statues of the saints are constructed around the basalt platform. Their colour as white as the snow during the peak of winter. Decorative pillars with little criss crosses lead all the way up to the towering rooftop. On top of which sits a miniature platform bearing the cross, made from pure silver mined in the bowels of the mountains near Skalitz. Highest structure of entirety of Prague. This reminded you of a verse by a bard you heard the other day...
  
  "The great city of Prague, mighty with it's legacy,
  
  Worthy of a monologue, cause of strife and jealousy!
  
  The strikes of hammer at forges, the pulls of carriages and horses,
  
  Guided by King Charles, they're destined for a legacy!"
  
  The thought brought forth a sense of pride in your mind and a feeling of jubilance to your heart. "The lord has selected me and deemed me worthy enough to be where I am today. I will not let him down. It's his and my will that this kingdom prosper under my reign. I only hope that my son follows this path..."
  
  You turned to Wenceslas who was following you along with two of your best soldiers.
  
  "Son, I have gone through tests of fire and steel, of both the mind and body all in order to make give you the power you rightfully deserve. I've given Sigismund power over Hungary and you are my rightful heir to the throne. My obligations as your father are over, it's now up to the both of you to work together an-"
  
  "Father, father, why do you fear? Me and little sigi would surely be competent. We'll bring Bohemia to a new legacy, following your footsteps."
  
  You turned around facing Wenceslas eye to eye,"Just remember one thing son, always remember this...
  
  > look before you leap
  You walk down the path and enter the royal gardens along with your escort. The trees are mostly bare, containing a few yellowed leaves that gently sway in the thin cool breeze. For a split second, you're lost in the lush, green atmosphere around you.
  
  Your men, all equipped with great swords, form a comb around you as you move forward and take a seat at the wooden table in the centre. Ansel and his men stand outside the locked gate and you signal the guards to open it for them. Ansel's men carry halbreds and stand behind him. Without a word he takes a seat at the table, his expression completely unreadable.
  
  "You look young for your age Herr Ansel."
  
  "My age, or my background isn't of any concern to the current matters at hand mein Herr," he says in a flat, emotionless voice. "I know what you want, and I'll give you my word for the vote if you agree to my terms."
  
  "And what are these terms you speak of?"
  
  "Total Sovereignty to the free cities, along with a population of tradesmen, farmers and blacksmiths for each city and a fee for violation of the contract agreed upon."
  
  "Have you forgotten all that I have done for you and your people? From the formation of the walls, to the establishment of the golden constitu-"
  
  "I am aware of the legacy you've set, great king Charles. I beg your pardon for revealing this fact to you, but legend or stickpicker, there are consequences for all when-"
  
  You stand up from your seat, placing your hands forcefully on the table.
  
  "I am the rightful owner of the cities! It is I who was the founder of them, and I don't care of the views of some imbecile prodigy noble who knows absolutely nothing about feudalism!"
  
  Everything is silent for a few moments which feel like forever. You know the reason for your actions, it's the only efficient way to secure the power your son rightfully deserves. This fool before you has no choice in the hand, the large army behind him is nothing but a grandiose charade.
  
  "Very well then mein Herr, I see that you need more time to comprehend this decision since you're clearly unable to realize the implications of your actions," says Ansel before getting up and heading towards the exit.
  
  "And what if it isn't my wish to agree?"
  
  "You'll regret it."
  
  > Present Day
  "What's wrong Father?" you ask as you get up from your kneeling position.
  
  "Coup of the imperial cities, I though I was done with Ansel for good."
  
  "That bloody stick picker! We should've ambushed him and filled his guts with arrows when he had the chance!"
  
  Suddenly, the main doors of the cathedral are hit by a huge force. The entire structure shakes with the impact, you can feel the vibrations at your feet. The main doors are forced open and in steps a group of soldiers in a shield formation.
  
  "At arms! Everyone at arms!" Shouts your father. Your men quickly rush forward, the shield bearers stand ahead while the men equipped with pole arms stay in the second line, they'll attempt to break the enemy formation and create an opening in their flank.
  
  "Wenceslas, take a group of five men and leave for Prague! There are horses at the back entrance!"
  
  "But fath-"
  
  You're cut off by screams of fighting and clashing of swords and shields. Five fully armoured men form a circular formation around you, their kite shields held high up. Quickly you make your way out to the back. You're currently wearing a ceremonial dress with nothing but a long sword sheathed at your waist. Hefting the hilt, you draw your sword, making the telltale clink sound of drawing from a sheath, and hold it with both hands. As you step outside, the scene is one full of carnage and destruction. There are dead everywhere, with mangled bodies and blood and gore being spilled on the damp wet ground. Rain water washes the path mixing with the blood in the form of miniature crimson red streams.
  
  Hoof beats are heard behind you, turning around you see a group of 3 enemy horsemen equipped with pole arms. As they rush towards you, your company is caught unawares. The point of the pole arm pierces through plate mail like knife through butter. 3 of your guards are incapacitated and unable to stand. The two remaining guards manage to land a blow on the horses and their riders fall down the ground. One of the riders fall and turn unconscious, the other two quickly get up and assume their stance with the pole arm. Your guards equipped with their great swords, spin them around in circular motion covering a huge distance and try to keep the riders away from you. One of the riders miraculously manage to side step the guards and heads towards you, but not before his pole arm is parried out of his hand. He quickly draws his long sword and faces you.
  
  You try and remember all that you've learnt about sword fighting from Grandmaster Liechtenauer, the blade master and your combat tutor.
  
  > Remember
  You're standing out in a huge open field, the summer afternoon sun bright in the sky.
  
  "No, incorrect. That is not how you hold a sword. Place only your dominant hand on the grip, the other hand should grasp the pommel of the hilt. If you hold the grip with both hands the pommel will obstruct your wrists making manuvers difficult."
  
  "Okay better. Keep your feet planted on the ground and try to hold a balance. Now listen carefully because I hate repeating myself. "There are four basic stances of the long sword. Each of these stances are the positions you should be in during wielding long sword. These stances provide their own advantages and disadvantages while engaged in combat."
  
  The first stance is the ox."
  
  The grandmaster draws the weapon up and to the outside of his left flank. The sword lies in a horizontal position with the point towards the outside.
  
  "The point is typically aimed at the opponent's face or throat. This position is especially useful for keeping the opponent away and controlling the distance between you and your opponent. There are also quite a lot of cutting manuveurs you could perform directly from this position."
  
  > The second stance
  The second stance is the Plow."
  
  The grand master holds the sword at his waist level at an angle, the tip pointing out. "The point should aim at the opponent's chest or throat and the hilt should be held more off to the side in front of the hip joint. Depending on which leg leads in the the hip the pommel is in front changes. This is primarily a defensive stance, but is very useful for thrusting by simply taking a step forward and backward"
  
  > The third stance
  "The third stance is the fool"
  
  The grandmaster lowers the point of the sword towards the ground . "The long sword is held point down, the blade lying with the legs. You can keep either foot out. This is an active stance and is extremely useful in parrying and countering. Also if you hold the sword outward towards the flank of your dominant hand you could deliver a tremendously powerful blow."
  
  > The fourth stance
  The fourth stance is the roof"
  
  The grandmaster raises the longsword up with the shoulders, the tip facing upwards. "This is a threatening offensive stance, that can be used to either deliver a powerful blow or feint and manoeuvre."
  
  "Certain stances are useful against other stances, your aim in a sword fight is out manoeuvring the opponent and potentially trying to control his sword. For this, you'll have to predict your opponents next blow by observing his stance. You should try and be as random and unpredictable in your opponents eyes as possible in order to land a strike."
  
  "Remember that the long sword is a part of your body, it's light and very easily controlled due to it's weight distribution. To demonstrate this," the master keeps the wooden sword on the ground and draws the sword at his waist, with the tip of his finger he's able to balance the entire sword. "The distribution of weight is equal. A sword, a mace and a war hammer have the exact same weight but the difference between them is the concentration of mass. Maces and war hammers concentrate mass at a single point, sacrificing control for power; but with a sword you're able to control much better and strike and maneuver with ease."
  
  "This is easier understood in a spar, now assume your stance and strike at me."
  
  > Spar with grandmaster
  The grandmaster is in the roof stance. Which stance should you take.
  
  > Roof stance
  You assume the roof stance, the same as your grandmaster. The grand master comes in for a cut but feints at the last moment, turning into the Plow stance and thrusting at your throat.
  
  The roof stance left your throat wide open, and you're unable to block or deflect the blow in time. The wooden tip hits your throat causing you to violently cough.
  
  "Hmm, you've got a long way to go. But do not fret, sword fighting is an art that demands time and energy, in time you'll become better."
  
  > Present Day
  Your opponent is dressed in a padded gambeson and is thus lightly armoured. Assuming from his stance and balance he appears to be moderately skilled. He assumes the fool stance. What do you do?
  
  > Plow stance
  You assume a Plow stance, keeping your blade in front of your opponent and being on the defensive. However, this was a mistake as your opponent gets enough time to power up his fool stance and strike you with a very hard blow. The tip of your blade is not enough for a static block to such a blow and the blow breaks through your guard, slicing your throat in the process.
  
  A very sharp burning sensation overwhelms your senses, and the next thing you know your on the ground. Your struggling to breathe through but the blade of the opponent has cut open your wind pipe. You perish, slowly, due to asphyxiation.