Chapter 16
He didn’t know why he agreed to133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHdDQwJq9Ai
this, but this was a bad idea. Not that Eliza wouldn’t be a good addition to133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIdWWlJf9AP
the Blades, she would be, and he wanted to test her out, but not like this.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN1njA0TAMi
Some how Cuvera had heard of his conversation with his fiancé and took it upon133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJaY0Od9se5
himself to set everything up, the day of the wedding.
It was two days after Kiara and133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlosqkM5VBV
Vander’s talk very early in the morning. Despite the early day, people from the133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡslFcVGS4Lo
council were in attendance as was Malcolm, Bernard, Peyton and Charles. Eliza133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfNnnZc6TO2
was warming up while Vander sat there with his arms folded in front of him.
“I can’t believe you.” he growled133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZBBbO8tCDA
to Cuvera. “This was supposed to be a quiet event and you managed to treat this133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgfjuoFSIgz
like a dog and pony show.”
“Can you blame me?” he asked.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkdhuqlMAn8
“I’ve been anxious waiting for my wedding, and this was a perfect thing to take133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOeXEXqs4nq
my mind off it. Don’t be mad at me because she might be your ass.”
“If I don’t beat your ass first.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX5Qal73TLV
He lunged towards Cuvera who jumped back. “Now get over there so I can start133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡahpDcGSR9v
this shit show.”
“Touchy, touchy.” He grumbled, but133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjMhgvskQMo
he did as Vander had asked. He took his spot next to his father who placed his133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0nEmshJw6H
hand on his son’s shoulder.
Vander had made sure that the133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYYX9ILG7Vb
field was turned into a sort of training camp for Eliza. There were targets133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj4NIgNUlBR
spaced out at twenty-five, fifty, seventy-five, and a hundred yards out for her133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc4ffA3f3Qu
to show off her archery skills. She would have five chances per distance to get133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeBsbD8j8ol
as close as she could. Most Blades could shoot fifty yards, maybe one or two133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ896mixBpPr
could shoot seventy-five, but he hadn’t met anyone who could hit the hundred.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt6MRC6Qcmx
Maybe today was that day.
The next location should spar with133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwiSw72R1UM
members of the Blades using various weapons. The people she would fight ranged133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYWe83fKJPz
from trainees all the way up to full members. There were five altogether and133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbnqfuYY76f
they should give her a decent challenge.
The final test would be a fight133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy9KPihHIGP
against a sitting Captain. A no holds barred fight, short of maiming. There133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh4GnH3wUTN
would be no weapons allowed in this one. Just pure martial arts prowess. If she133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfcb0RFRoUC
did well she would be inducted as a Blade. If not, then she would just stay133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkHb4hwjT34
Kiara’s bodyguard, but constantly be watched over by a Blade. He secretly hopes133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy7RbsTCAi6
she will pick Leon and run him around the field. He needed to be taught a133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡotSJ7e4WSM
lesson. Hopefully today was that day.
Eliza was standing on the other133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7DqSc0pkPL
side of the arena chatting with Kiara as she stretched. She was wearing long133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQFTZRtY0Nx
black pants, combat boots and a sleeveless black shirt. Her long hair was tied133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsCh8Y8QDI2
back into a long ponytail. Vander couldn’t help but stare as she talked, but as133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡayO9LHvJxL
soon as she looked over he quicky averted his gaze.
“Let’s get this started Vander.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7UrzQxQ5Xh
Charles ordered. Sighing, Vander walked over to where Eliza was stretching133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtSxHqwe0TZ
doing his best to not look at her.
“Are you ready?” he asked.
“As I’ll ever be.” She responded.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgFkxMfoKBU
She got up then walked towards where the bows and arrows were stationed.
“Hey.” Vander looked over at Kiara133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkRacU6T0bm
as she waved him over. Confused he walked over to see what she wanted. “She133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAVOMYGbg4R
will only like you if you can beat her.”
“What?” he asked.
“Don’t think we didn’t notice you133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO62Cx1MCVB
staring.” Kiara laughed. “All of her suitors back home had to fight her, none133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVc6EzjUjaa
managed to win. Good luck though, I believe in you.” With that she scampered133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLgSOqmmA8E
off to sit by Cuvera while the test was administered. Vander walked to stand by133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbB1bDHyAyc
Eliza.
“First test is your archery133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0qjy6Hi9Ce
skills.” Vander explained. “Despite us using swords, we still need to use bows133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7JE5piEM7j
so we can protect the castle walls using the ramparts. Each of us needs to be a133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ77LTEZJQA
crack shot just in case, so we keep our abilities trained.” To demonstrate, he133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLVg9No33Bw
removed his jacket then tossed it towards Cuvera. It hit him in the face133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWv2S4w70lj
causing him to yelp before throwing it onto the ground and stomping on it.
Like Kiara he was wearing a133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡElkmVAxxkO
sleeveless black shirt which was pertinent for this test. He strapped the arm133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt0tSIPUr6M
guard to the underside of his arm then put the finger tab, so he didn’t injure133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBoI5NxYjnS
himself. “To pass you need to either pass my arrows or get close enough to133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTpia3M1bsf
them.” He picked up a bow, tested the tautness of the string before selecting133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAnyPNSCunt
then docking his arrow. The first arrow hit the twenty-five dead center. The133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJJaopga3k
second arrow hit the fifty slightly off center, but still within the inner133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcs2QU5y5hX
circle. The third arrow hit dirt halfway between the second and third target133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlwJinaFAjV
causing the nobles to chuckle amongst themselves. Vander adjusted his bow133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJYPEUtpTc
slightly, so it was pointing up then launched the forth arrow. It landed just133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLgUnlYKAvx
in front of the hundred.
He held the bow out to her then133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqcTw4gBEkm
stepped back after she had taken it. With strong arms she pulled the bow back133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxTquJJpKp4
then hit a bullseye on the first target. She quickly pulled back then let loose133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTbGIdkbCFB
a second arrow hitting the other bullseye on the fifty. She hit the third133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkHUQunG9gq
target off to the left and her fourth arrow went farther than his causing the133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZHravQZtxZ
nobles to mutter amongst themselves.
“Very nice.” Vander acknowledged133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPnzOClGKgh
her with a clap on the back. She tensed for a moment under his touch but133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ZwuzJQ3PZ
relaxed a moment later. He looked back to see his grandfather nodding his head133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtAxRbQaCr7
in acknowledgement, but the rest of the nobles didn’t look impressed. There was133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9iSnVCRDsc
a very high bar to become a Blade in there eyes considering it dealt with their133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTKiYhoIgNf
protection, but it always annoyed him. They couldn’t do better, most of them133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmvWjBxe2Ft
couldn’t hold a sword, so why did they get to decide who protect them?
“Let’s move on.” Eliza brushed133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6sRnEuOvuS
past him to head towards the training area. Vander walked behind her; they133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm9gA59Xlwb
didn’t have too far to go. Standing in the training pits were three sitting133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4zeS2rhPR4
Blades and two trainees, both from Vander’s group. He wanted to use this133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLnj3AcTHLg
opportunity to give Rooster and Eve some experience fighting someone stronger133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡluIYpEOsNM
than them, but different style than the Blades. The other three were Blades he133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9qdWRDpU1G
didn’t know, hand picked by his grandfather.
“We will go in order.” Vander133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVIdAkBAd5C
explained. “Rooster step forward.” The red head took a nervous step into the133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDqpa5sU9vx
pit. “What weapon would you like to use?” he asked Eliza.
“How good is your staff fighting?”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ83CBEBV4FG
she asked Rooster.
“Alright, I guess.” He shrugged.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlzZBEsqSiq
Vander rolled his eyes. They were trained in all manner of weapons, including133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡipvqBF7spV
staves. Rooster was one of the best in the Blades, he didn’t know why the133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuu0BTLzslP
trainee was being so modest about it.
“Then we will use that.” Vander133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdRDTjm1BUx
walked over to the weapons rack and removed two staves. He tossed one to133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWbG4I4W2E1
Rooster who caught it one handed. Kiara did the same then raised her eyebrow in133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡleFBrWuLX7
challenge.
The two of them circle each other,133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFoW7VnyMka
smacking their staves trying to make an opening. Rooster, the impatient person133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUtafRJSrZP
he was, broke first. He swung his staff down towards Eliza’s leg. She blocked133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHu7utBXwww
it with the butt of hers causing Rooster to stumble off balance. He hadn’t133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6AnJrqfVEU
prepared himself for the reverberations that traveled from the collision. Eliza133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiIhnDn2gQu
kept up the pressure. She kicked the staff towards Rooster’s face and as he133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxBjHyo0kVH
staggered backward, she spun it around catching his foot. Pulling hard, he fell133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQKOdKS9dX
to the ground. Seconds later she held the tip under his chin.
“I yield.” He sighed. Eliza threw133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwZx01qjcvO
her staff to the side then helped the boy up. He brushed the dirt off his pants133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiH2fUfIRRa
before slinking back towards the stands.
“Eve, step forward.” Vander133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡScyR50muU0
shouted. Eve came out twirling a couple of knives in her hands.
“Mind we use these?” she asked133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtOh2S7GrJx
Eliza. Eliza shrugged before holding her hands out towards Vander. Sighing, he133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQOVDa5iWIC
walked over to place his knives in her open hand. She studied them for a second133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRiiGeqHrXS
before gripping them: one in an overhand position, one in an underhand133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBjVL7mAk6W
position, so the blade was resting against the underside of her arm.
The two of them looked at each133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl87uq99mm5
other before lunging towards one another. Metal clashed as the two of them133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt9OmxJZyl4
slashed and stabbed at each other each of them moved masterfully out of the133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQfIRkrqdlv
way, so they didn’t get cut. Vander was mesmerized by the display, but not133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7uurwVcaut
because of what Eliza was doing. He knew that she was skillful due to being the133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ESPOycyUd
princess’ bodyguard, but Eve didn’t have any formal training aside from her133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy9bUrylxVv
stint with him. She didn’t show any of this ability during training, and he133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkxrViLcRrj
couldn’t help but wonder if she had just been going easy on them this entire133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtt17L2yL1T
time. The round ended when Eliza was able to get past Eve’s guard and slash her133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnE0ebNu7Qk
arm. The cut was deep enough to cut through the uniform and draw some blood,133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd4fmmfVzof
but not a lot.
“Match is over.” Vander shouted.
“Not yet.” Eve gasped. She lunged133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBEi0EDZwdM
towards Eliza who had started walking towards Vander, so she didn’t notice Eve133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBIx9yr3dxe
moving towards her. Shea’s body collided with the young girl knocking her to133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG90UsrkATM
the ground. Before she could stand back up, Shea placed two feet on the girl’s133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJjWvBFxMwY
chest before snarling in her face.
“Stay down, pup.” She133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeNSh2qhGYe
growled.
“We will have a talk about this133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt07WpYoaVJ
later, Eve.” Vander snapped. “Rooster, bring her back to the barracks.” The red133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWSf3UZ6Sj6
head rushed up to do as he ordered. Shea got off Eve then waited for Rooster to133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡykvQ6rbODy
remove her from the arena before she took her place next to Charles.
The next three bouts went by133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp5GfzOzgpa
quickly. The Blades Charles had picked were top of their class, but not a match133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkwroHC5wjH
for Eliza. The first one chose dual axes as his weapon. The two clashed, but133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYuLcmsNWyH
her agility allowed her to effectively use weapons to smash his knees forcing133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmN4Q2DberF
him to the ground.
The second person wanted to use133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIoMGY9Fyrc
swords as a weapon. She was very skilled, one of the few who Charles had his133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmWiyOercFX
eye on to promote to being a Captain, Vander hadn’t recognized her at first133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKNf7zHw3ur
because she usually wore a hood, but he recognized the style she used. Eliza133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtP2u12oQ3M
had knocked the sword away from her then drove her knee into her face knocking133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5yFnPwoNqk
her unconscious.
The last Blade before she got to133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOmGP5yL7EP
pick a captain to fight was a younger Blade. Vander didn’t know too much about133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSQt5J2lCMH
him aside that he was in Leon’s camp. Again, he chose swords to fight with. The133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlMLlvpCn34
two of them circled each other warily, fatigue was beginning to set it for133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXjNV6TQbcp
Eliza. She had been in back-to-back fights, each one more exhausting than the133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV6P8nMiL9X
last. He was well rested and had a good idea of her fighting style since he had133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzssaX01WXa
just had to watch. He easily overpowered her forcing her on her back foot. She133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn0Gc6T7YzP
swung widely allowing him to easily get in and counter. He punched her in the133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRfvSRfVa24
stomach and sides until she was gasping for air, but she didn’t give up.
In a battle like this, mentality133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVwNFYtqLh2
was everything. If you didn’t think you could win, you wouldn’t. Despite her133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1FJ1x8qBZ3
exhaustion, Vander knew that she would be able to win if she kept her eye on133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3PfTRxa4Ln
the prize and bid her time. In came a few minutes later. Perhaps it was over133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡisCuOqvKiK
confidence or skillful planning on her part, but he went in for a wide slash.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPyK1ABeyR7
Using the opening, she stepped inside his box, grabbed the arm holding the133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU09rGtFahm
sword then squeezed. He tried to punch her in the face, but she wrapped her arm133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb9966yqiao
around his elbow then pulled. Vander winced once he heard the crack as the133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5AAVxZcgxs
elbow dislocated. The man screamed and dropped his sword. Eliza put him under133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC2vxGrsFZ4
with a blow to the jaw. There were a few reluctant claps from the noble133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7JwjljzcwU
gallery.
“Now you have earned the right to133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuwMgK15o9d
challenge a Captain.” Charles stepped into the training area. Vander, Leon and133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS9B2KnQth4
Alex stood next to each other at attention holding their breath to see who133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKNl6nmMkx7
would get picked. “Choose.”
Eliza thought for a moment before133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEb4Amogmxi
pointing at Vander. “I can’t say I deserve a spot if I don’t fight the133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2mbiUH88bd
strongest out of the three.” She grinned. “Plus, his cockiness is irritating.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2r9yX0T0Or
I’d love to put him in his place.” Leon snorted at that, but Alex didn’t say133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2BNodFraWk
anything.
“Then take a break.” Charles said.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPfPFHWUVF9
“We will resume in an hour.”
While Eliza and Kiara talked to133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxoguBY0yOd
one another in hushed tones, Vander met with Alex to discuss the final match133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJJR9mgB59w
and his chances of winning.
“She’s strong.” Alex muttered.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqVWqNKlLTM
“Much stronger than any of the rumors suggested.”
“You think there is a reason133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQCtLbmRIxv
Bricen sent someone so strong to us?” Vander wondered.
“Because there are others who are133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxUArAeuGor
stronger.” Alex laughed. “Don’t focus on that, focus on the fight ahead. What’s133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI2J4eJpDSX
your plan?”
“It’s really up to her and how she133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwbnBhT70wO
wants to fight.” He responded. “But you know I’ve never been one to backdown133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡofPciCitas
from a challenge.”
“Just remember how it will look133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRZGt4fFfBm
how you lose.” That was the warning Vander was waiting for his friend to bring133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6fQ0kWhW4q
up. He turned to see all the nobles whispering to themselves, but more than a133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe5AdWKsJxq
few were staring at him.
“I never had their confidence in133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoNilSKPrci
the first place, Alex.” Vander placed a hand on his friend’s shoulder. “And133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKABzafpm5C
it’s not up to them whether I should be the Commander. That’s up to the prince133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpXIbXubRnZ
and my grandfather. I’ll be fine.”
“We’ve had this conversation133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUMliXT4q8b
before Vander. They will buckle to the pressures of the council if they must.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdnDDNK8W99
He explained. “It’s happened before and there is no doubt in my mind that it133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsoGXq2TYMt
will happen again. Be careful.”
“Next thing we need to discuss is133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaUHKEmKPdu
Eve.” Vander turned towards the barracks. “What the god’s name was that?” Alex133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3YPdDqTreK
was quiet for a couple seconds.
“I saw something in her body133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxw7Qb69BKd
language then.” Alex was quiet. “It looked as though she was going to try and133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvYGPeMtdVA
kill Kiara once the fight was done.”
“Were we wrong about her?” Alex133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMhM7LLJFw1
didn’t have an answer for him. “It’s something we are going to have to133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKmSVE5mjo2
investigate Alex. Keep your eye on her, let me know the minute she does133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKJT7MGMvWT
something strange, alright?”
“I will.” Now that that was taken133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUYFt4oTdFJ
care of, he could focus his attention on the fight with Eliza. Charles called133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzf39IZ43wy
the two of them to the center of the arena where he was standing. Eliza looked133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfNhQIetQVH
well rested, but he could tell that she was still fatigued. He wondered if he133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHrCNxZ8t4S
could convince his grandfather to postpone the fight until after the wedding133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ7ya4tvX71
ceremony tonight, but he doubted it. Every Blade incumbent had to go through133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6xHYI839cQ
this gauntlet, and she would have to do the same.
“I hope you are well rested.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhByYeMA3d6
Charles’ voice boomed. “This is the final bout where Eliza has challenged133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDdC0ogQdCD
Vander. Have you decided how the two of you should fight?” he turned to look at133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMGoZMc29Vv
his grandson.
“I have no preference.” He133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHD3KzGHX8Y
explained. “I was going to leave it up to her to decide how we fight.”
“Very well.” Charles turned133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvtjqbJaheZ
towards Eliza. “What is your decision?”
“Hand to hand combat.” A gasp came133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFZgTSHRuSw
out from the crowd. Inwardly Vander grinned to himself. Any soldier worth their133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZCZMuBt1q2
salt would have to eventually fight with their hands amid battle. Whether it be133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFinoxNGbkv
weapons are useless in close quarters or your weapons are stripped from your133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡviIVZxc6Bq
hands. It was a bloody, personal way to kill someone, yet it had to be learned.
“Very well.” Charles waved the two133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa7j24ZpZBQ
of them forward, so they were facing each other. “You may begin.”
“Care to make this interesting?”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpN7ykRtSfE
Vander asked as the two of them circled each other.
“What do you have in mind?” Eliza133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6HTeUndMp0
grinned.
“Winner gets to ask one thing of133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡojTVw1XlS0
the loser.” He said. “Nothing bad, just a request.”
“Anything?”
“Anything.” He agreed.
“You’re on.” She said.
Vander threw a punch at Eliza, but133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXhKViqXpq1
she launched herself at his stomach. He wasn’t prepared for the sudden attack,133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDRww19kIo0
but thanks to his gifts, his reflexes were quick enough. He got low to the133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMktlLK87kV
ground bracing himself for her momentum, but she anticipated it. She brought133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPN9sLr29GN
her head up, cracking him in the jaw, then while he was unbalanced, punched him133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMq5RwsS9K9
causing him to stumble backwards.
“Nice.” He rubbed his jaw before133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXJb9qXwLpo
spitting out a tooth that had been knocked loose. His head was spinning, but he133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoSDHrOs5WA
didn’t have time to catch his breath. She charged him the jumped, aiming her133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHHLMUEhM3U
knee at his face. He got to her first. He lunged at her, grabbing her from133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQXfKQcPn2n
midair then slammed her onto the ground. She pushed him away with her leg, but133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhVsWWhw9Jf
he grabbed it in the nook of his arm and held it. He tried to punch her, but133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiFOYGvXZcT
her foot ended up in his elbow keeping him from moving it. They each threw a133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjInfgJWLQM
punch, but as she was on her back it wasn’t as forceful as his. He felt his133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKXNVzUFvgO
punch crush her nose while hers hit him in the chest. While that was happening,133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVw216zXDZl
she moved her foot from his elbow crashing it into the side of his head. The133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQvPTxg2biG
blow was so sudden that he released her other leg as he hit the ground.
“Nice yourself.” She said,133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXSbOzm6jlg
stumbling to her feet. She blew a wad of blood out from the side of her nose133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKhypZ9P1V2
onto the ground.
“Damn your tough.” He groaned. He133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmB9JcfbSTK
stumbled to his feet, but he didn’t feel bad. If anything, he felt invigorated.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBLsrIl59HE
It’s been a long time since he had been in such a fight, and he was beginning133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8A0QpB6zBf
to enjoy himself. “You want to keep going?”
“Of course.” She got into a ready133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF0joeTbuYp
stance. One fist was forward while the other was back by her side. Vander stood133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvHzS6RQlrp
in front of her before adopting a similar stance, but his hands were open133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡikkWFh6MKA
instead of closed. He hit her with an open palm, but she blocked it with her133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl9jxLhMQGi
forearm and at the same time, stuck him with her fist.
He ducked below133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPlCitAIJxT
the strike then grabbed it. He threw her over his shoulder and back onto the133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBIBUqQqanc
ground. He stomped on her ribs, but she spun around hitting the back of his leg133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSIAktwkeqA
with hers knocking him off balance. Using the momentum, she got into a crouch133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqWA23I8ENY
then tackled him so now he was on his back. He wrapped his legs around her133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8MO02UerNu
midsection to try and keep her off him. He grabbed one of her arms in his then133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBbkArIXMxB
locked it in place. She tried to punch him again, but the same thing happened.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡycKsUHCNIs
He yanked her in close to him, so they weren’t more than a breath apart.
“What are you133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAzk8BQvjRH
doing after this?” he asked. She smiled wickedly at him.
“Something fun,133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlI0HcewEXo
but you’re not invited.” She said.
“That hurts my133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZKI4fHzm45
feelings.” He laughed. He pushed her arms back then unwrapped his legs before133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ6oODK4fUM
kicking her away. He got to his feet, slowly. “Gramps you mind if we end this?133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUbcoYodRpz
I think we’ve seen enough of her abilities, unless you want us to knock each133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ENtlYEoIu
other out.”
“No, I think133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLyWtSKALJy
we’ve seen enough.” Charles walked out into the field.
“Thank you, I’m133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHZxfIGMOhz
not sure how much more I could have taken.” He groaned. His grandfather held133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhcJwvohHsS
out his hand the hauled Vander to his feet.
“We will let you133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMvu3VgyqUk
know our decision, but I don’t see anyone being against her joining.” Charles133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkB8OGJwGPz
smiled. “Nor would I be against her joining our family.”
“Come on,133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1tDuQtOFya
gramps.” Vander rolled his eyes. “It’s not like that.”
“Sure, it isn’t.”133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ffMa0zyHz
he laughed. “Now get the two of you to the doctor. We have a wedding to plan133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Nvub0FKfN
for.”
Nodding his head,133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr5z8KxQeiP
Vander walked over to where Eliza lay on the ground and offered her his hand.133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeawRw0xtAM
She looked up at him for a moment before clasping it. He allowed her to lean on133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsd6noFqDOG
him as the two of them limped towards the castle where Topal would be waiting for133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIaMFQTiwD8
them in the infirmary.
“That was quite133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYSBjkRuQL5
the fight.” She said. She hissed in pain as he adjusted her to climb the steps.
“You put on quite133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfCscHS34S3
the show, we could learn a lot from you.”
“What do we do133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjhlT1ZeBgx
about our bet?” Eliza asked. “There was no clear winner.”
“How about we133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8oSLCR2b6q
both get a request?” She thought for a moment before nodding.
“This is going to133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8QcyTH9J3Z
be fun.” She grinned.
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRlNIF2QCwX
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnLlSYRq93u
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhvipRsrtoP
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVRksfxn0Kg
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW478olbRvK
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡid0xZyZlzf
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdLveLyAOSC
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXeBDE8BRJE
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgzmNMXo6Wd
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsHAb9bD4Ps
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGYQYZn40Ev
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeLyPJnHl7E
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwvkB6S1GzT
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCbUbwVHGLr
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVTd8SIuFSx
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKC5VcOhpAe
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡobDYF6RO9Y
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR6wHpBK6iF
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZiCCHM1n1r
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqDsnczy22o
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuDRruEHyDg
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8as0pnw9XU
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe2687nQ3ky
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv9bzr73HeU
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPXOIf1GSxf
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj8fpStWOTq
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrpWco6Epmx
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiIr09a6y9Z
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfHfC5W2kYw
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXjXDLmVZOt
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡizB2GV1z59
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKH75JyDPPO
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0o6Xx2uhcQ
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhe89NCoUUS
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVoQqjC9QGj
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEmQA9CSxIX
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF6ad19tone
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbgb0TWoijD
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ26BvHuMCo8
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlwfzHeuXLM
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAWkGazZA1e
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0H5Ueaa70Q
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOgpn35xld0
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh5rsokI8Kl
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCOUYdvvrzf
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZUSGgIAFrk
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ewhrd5MmO
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOxh4PqwC3o
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnP265zUPAx
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkxO0Xy0COG
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡysDWaeG18t
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoMZ4eI9sUF
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6I6Za9Q2vG
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxZtFhBv9CM
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO2A871MrUw
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmKqsNdcxoD
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBaO6Yt3A9Q
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Hjj3h7pbk
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ecU5w2mnF
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJWBJUqCUvd
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYfMxGmZVyF
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡflHVIb6bWs
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFtwe9ChW1u
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZL0yApix2
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdlFE7SAjZh
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpvbj7aF8Wk
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpTVOuSbSnk
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡttgvHSRCgY
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZoNQVCAfR
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcS5FjW2NeQ
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXf0N1Ye8u8
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ZBNnvebWX
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK40bHj8OlE
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVdrQGd9Od6
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZok4no1IL
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnpRMGSoAZL
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx3FwbpccAl
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaI0gNjz0nI
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEwjIQhpOJW
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG5uLkKIaQ7
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ5iEdg9Upe
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOqg0gaPzzc
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ7HKpMCrpf
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDt6soFcMmz
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsaUypXCKly
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpDkpAmDKIK
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3tR8nzEVNl
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhYjECtxPGp
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ytZA9jYKK
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiPMwzgw3uM
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp27cmPX7tN
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVkUVYg9kXZ
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbSDiur6W6C
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWHCbq7ASMK
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLDCKDEJAxq
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCI5r1ci4IO
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFB8YIM8K0z
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIFanX34ZrD
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1x3LdC2oPJ
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx6FdxR5fix
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbsQ4Dh1Gvr
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡga5hy7FUR6
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjo8m4jyItl
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhlFlKb0N2l
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQECZmIxCep
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw1z4SRTHTo
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwtOgrpRxL3
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBErye2XOsh
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOl1slopDX8
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdRsuCiUDkf
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN4snAlI0ko
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdMIv1m3KlN
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwhcnVd4SMz
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSme0rESYYc
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiUr5dtrHLO
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8YjYMXeNhn
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwbj13upnZo
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrcWPKk5g7b
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgUKzcH0D4b
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh273niF5DE
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfgv81TVJfS
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbcwpRP2GBV
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡszXqbt3wYL
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoHSy3ObqwO
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsnUMUOXoWz
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡydZvqhRwDy
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVuvYKURoq4
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNA9KdPFIQf
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc7WW8oHwrE
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVfuHzkujaN
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXEGvWiO1d9
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLhn7mdLOYK
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqruELdC98B
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡssiSnZqU3c
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡULZYO0781g
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS3zWUUKP7p
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2G41Hudk73
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdNqgWtXPvS
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEGQI0aQ9Ui
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSCMwlvh61g
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1YYtieu4sX
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1jFoL8fAaQ
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwpNrbwfqEF
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZJCXnOseWM
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3eFVWwbDLu
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9LcPKQ3iue
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2sbAqO2RuB
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL7ZeLEFkW9
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU81qbwh0U5
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtO9MW8Gw0a
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbDescqKzLT
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiL1oXoRwTP
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwtGf7S5hMe
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡio4axTnjWb
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5T5PDAa3ze
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxLpMCOiYij
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3pD1l21vo6
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMIDuqip4ax
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEn8vCGrIi4
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrvrNlZvga7
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1n17DIwBos
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ70CSxvfCWF
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Kyf8I4HWR
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhwQi2DD9BU
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrosBOOSH8W
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsA3AQPWSfj
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJwMfgvKxkV
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc6gjhLVlXm
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGSFa0WfCM9
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh8Zb0uitvk
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbDrMSGl3J4
133Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEn6YW6o6Tp
ns3.15.198.191da2
