Chapter 16
He didn’t know why he agreed to103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw15GphKBRR
this, but this was a bad idea. Not that Eliza wouldn’t be a good addition to103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6MOEJOOcZK
the Blades, she would be, and he wanted to test her out, but not like this.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCdoshxdxhq
Some how Cuvera had heard of his conversation with his fiancé and took it upon103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk4UZjOm8In
himself to set everything up, the day of the wedding.
It was two days after Kiara and103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFGRbgfLWhk
Vander’s talk very early in the morning. Despite the early day, people from the103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXfRJW1XQux
council were in attendance as was Malcolm, Bernard, Peyton and Charles. Eliza103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6QoQ8T93uj
was warming up while Vander sat there with his arms folded in front of him.
“I can’t believe you.” he growled103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5f8yUqecWf
to Cuvera. “This was supposed to be a quiet event and you managed to treat this103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIoBFmv2eNt
like a dog and pony show.”
“Can you blame me?” he asked.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9vbRyIFBYH
“I’ve been anxious waiting for my wedding, and this was a perfect thing to take103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb2cTQYU7NX
my mind off it. Don’t be mad at me because she might be your ass.”
“If I don’t beat your ass first.”103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDYBgnzJgCu
He lunged towards Cuvera who jumped back. “Now get over there so I can start103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡguz5I2spQQ
this shit show.”
“Touchy, touchy.” He grumbled, but103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXGjPImxajC
he did as Vander had asked. He took his spot next to his father who placed his103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHfZ8BjeJzY
hand on his son’s shoulder.
Vander had made sure that the103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMaAWV8FejW
field was turned into a sort of training camp for Eliza. There were targets103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3kmTQmfOyy
spaced out at twenty-five, fifty, seventy-five, and a hundred yards out for her103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBOOw9rkRUD
to show off her archery skills. She would have five chances per distance to get103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ5gI82DRMY
as close as she could. Most Blades could shoot fifty yards, maybe one or two103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfmww7amryg
could shoot seventy-five, but he hadn’t met anyone who could hit the hundred.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhGkyIUPjfc
Maybe today was that day.
The next location should spar with103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdI0Vhll3AM
members of the Blades using various weapons. The people she would fight ranged103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtVNe1sMja1
from trainees all the way up to full members. There were five altogether and103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC522qXTeij
they should give her a decent challenge.
The final test would be a fight103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxBQiKKpf3D
against a sitting Captain. A no holds barred fight, short of maiming. There103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUBNX9DKiue
would be no weapons allowed in this one. Just pure martial arts prowess. If she103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzHweAe2pRh
did well she would be inducted as a Blade. If not, then she would just stay103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDPnIOaaZa7
Kiara’s bodyguard, but constantly be watched over by a Blade. He secretly hopes103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAPXIwZ8A3z
she will pick Leon and run him around the field. He needed to be taught a103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyQsaDVqfFk
lesson. Hopefully today was that day.
Eliza was standing on the other103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcC7y4GwLMb
side of the arena chatting with Kiara as she stretched. She was wearing long103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvOcXkUwZlH
black pants, combat boots and a sleeveless black shirt. Her long hair was tied103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKMhfV2EleU
back into a long ponytail. Vander couldn’t help but stare as she talked, but as103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGnuJEaAGtt
soon as she looked over he quicky averted his gaze.
“Let’s get this started Vander.”103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRCNKTmyICj
Charles ordered. Sighing, Vander walked over to where Eliza was stretching103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZREigjuKx1
doing his best to not look at her.
“Are you ready?” he asked.
“As I’ll ever be.” She responded.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwtPXJUHsxO
She got up then walked towards where the bows and arrows were stationed.
“Hey.” Vander looked over at Kiara103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsDFpWBvGWA
as she waved him over. Confused he walked over to see what she wanted. “She103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO7KZJ9WCYJ
will only like you if you can beat her.”
“What?” he asked.
“Don’t think we didn’t notice you103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1sNogiS181
staring.” Kiara laughed. “All of her suitors back home had to fight her, none103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5OqKaI9NZE
managed to win. Good luck though, I believe in you.” With that she scampered103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ0y8YMhOoG
off to sit by Cuvera while the test was administered. Vander walked to stand by103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhVtClfylEV
Eliza.
“First test is your archery103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3qaXDiqK7F
skills.” Vander explained. “Despite us using swords, we still need to use bows103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCkQgL2uyVf
so we can protect the castle walls using the ramparts. Each of us needs to be a103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp0TUyHiGGz
crack shot just in case, so we keep our abilities trained.” To demonstrate, he103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTEghKLF80c
removed his jacket then tossed it towards Cuvera. It hit him in the face103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD5NSJ4mAS1
causing him to yelp before throwing it onto the ground and stomping on it.
Like Kiara he was wearing a103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAS8iordhhA
sleeveless black shirt which was pertinent for this test. He strapped the arm103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡksPZXCaOyR
guard to the underside of his arm then put the finger tab, so he didn’t injure103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNLncAoGxjk
himself. “To pass you need to either pass my arrows or get close enough to103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdCnyg07yHk
them.” He picked up a bow, tested the tautness of the string before selecting103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSXyLJZ2EAd
then docking his arrow. The first arrow hit the twenty-five dead center. The103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6YmKLcq87v
second arrow hit the fifty slightly off center, but still within the inner103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQkhVSeRwF
circle. The third arrow hit dirt halfway between the second and third target103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF6Vdm7XAOw
causing the nobles to chuckle amongst themselves. Vander adjusted his bow103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXy2eSSOQYn
slightly, so it was pointing up then launched the forth arrow. It landed just103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN3b15DsUFh
in front of the hundred.
He held the bow out to her then103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtlA568ZxeG
stepped back after she had taken it. With strong arms she pulled the bow back103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8P4r70OOV4
then hit a bullseye on the first target. She quickly pulled back then let loose103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIomzRQnzmp
a second arrow hitting the other bullseye on the fifty. She hit the third103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1HZenuMc1u
target off to the left and her fourth arrow went farther than his causing the103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvclaaCxu5U
nobles to mutter amongst themselves.
“Very nice.” Vander acknowledged103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjyDHRtqEtA
her with a clap on the back. She tensed for a moment under his touch but103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ610dzOZFSu
relaxed a moment later. He looked back to see his grandfather nodding his head103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUV3OlnHAYI
in acknowledgement, but the rest of the nobles didn’t look impressed. There was103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOT6UaOdcas
a very high bar to become a Blade in there eyes considering it dealt with their103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMfJCTDHCeF
protection, but it always annoyed him. They couldn’t do better, most of them103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnk3oaty7gX
couldn’t hold a sword, so why did they get to decide who protect them?
“Let’s move on.” Eliza brushed103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9s3g3bpQlu
past him to head towards the training area. Vander walked behind her; they103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa0Ba32U2Kb
didn’t have too far to go. Standing in the training pits were three sitting103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd9blCbLayn
Blades and two trainees, both from Vander’s group. He wanted to use this103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4uOQjm1n7k
opportunity to give Rooster and Eve some experience fighting someone stronger103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfxW1dlKT60
than them, but different style than the Blades. The other three were Blades he103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg73iMSTrHJ
didn’t know, hand picked by his grandfather.
“We will go in order.” Vander103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOrh3nt45kT
explained. “Rooster step forward.” The red head took a nervous step into the103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjY7dtS6LfC
pit. “What weapon would you like to use?” he asked Eliza.
“How good is your staff fighting?”103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCO6PyUcdO8
she asked Rooster.
“Alright, I guess.” He shrugged.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG5p2zDAPQ9
Vander rolled his eyes. They were trained in all manner of weapons, including103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡATt3dEKjjr
staves. Rooster was one of the best in the Blades, he didn’t know why the103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPqQxkpo0GG
trainee was being so modest about it.
“Then we will use that.” Vander103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv66OuVwyd1
walked over to the weapons rack and removed two staves. He tossed one to103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmjZRehDAkJ
Rooster who caught it one handed. Kiara did the same then raised her eyebrow in103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMeVfg74WC3
challenge.
The two of them circle each other,103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3SwPswensq
smacking their staves trying to make an opening. Rooster, the impatient person103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCiihNr6yzB
he was, broke first. He swung his staff down towards Eliza’s leg. She blocked103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNbG6HlJStR
it with the butt of hers causing Rooster to stumble off balance. He hadn’t103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaw2jB1OLDa
prepared himself for the reverberations that traveled from the collision. Eliza103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfwopIgcil6
kept up the pressure. She kicked the staff towards Rooster’s face and as he103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ6Ui98UmXH
staggered backward, she spun it around catching his foot. Pulling hard, he fell103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMk7nQGBWBy
to the ground. Seconds later she held the tip under his chin.
“I yield.” He sighed. Eliza threw103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZgPMUzCewM
her staff to the side then helped the boy up. He brushed the dirt off his pants103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM9npoMIqc6
before slinking back towards the stands.
“Eve, step forward.” Vander103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBusQQ8j7cH
shouted. Eve came out twirling a couple of knives in her hands.
“Mind we use these?” she asked103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk1j1tLwVM7
Eliza. Eliza shrugged before holding her hands out towards Vander. Sighing, he103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgNTfM0b73f
walked over to place his knives in her open hand. She studied them for a second103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLFWMYmjW7U
before gripping them: one in an overhand position, one in an underhand103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1tCbBzoB5M
position, so the blade was resting against the underside of her arm.
The two of them looked at each103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7DFVhB6cBb
other before lunging towards one another. Metal clashed as the two of them103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡumow9TDaT0
slashed and stabbed at each other each of them moved masterfully out of the103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiHZv4oAvJr
way, so they didn’t get cut. Vander was mesmerized by the display, but not103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZXyfubjduJ
because of what Eliza was doing. He knew that she was skillful due to being the103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3qOcO4bpFH
princess’ bodyguard, but Eve didn’t have any formal training aside from her103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyZ6SN8h3kE
stint with him. She didn’t show any of this ability during training, and he103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzWpZ54ZtNi
couldn’t help but wonder if she had just been going easy on them this entire103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgHHrKA1txV
time. The round ended when Eliza was able to get past Eve’s guard and slash her103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZCQkRmDUvm
arm. The cut was deep enough to cut through the uniform and draw some blood,103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgLGYtghXWq
but not a lot.
“Match is over.” Vander shouted.
“Not yet.” Eve gasped. She lunged103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm23NTv9JRA
towards Eliza who had started walking towards Vander, so she didn’t notice Eve103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAjWsDwyBxc
moving towards her. Shea’s body collided with the young girl knocking her to103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8mEDmZkZNL
the ground. Before she could stand back up, Shea placed two feet on the girl’s103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRbcccYiBKr
chest before snarling in her face.
“Stay down, pup.” She103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx0Ww1kKvQU
growled.
“We will have a talk about this103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSYMRFVdKzH
later, Eve.” Vander snapped. “Rooster, bring her back to the barracks.” The red103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8aykOuwYKA
head rushed up to do as he ordered. Shea got off Eve then waited for Rooster to103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZinyRn5Ck
remove her from the arena before she took her place next to Charles.
The next three bouts went by103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4mbOZaujtV
quickly. The Blades Charles had picked were top of their class, but not a match103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj20fIogXnk
for Eliza. The first one chose dual axes as his weapon. The two clashed, but103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNx9IxlGT17
her agility allowed her to effectively use weapons to smash his knees forcing103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZNSyIVXXzP
him to the ground.
The second person wanted to use103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSDS92FINmS
swords as a weapon. She was very skilled, one of the few who Charles had his103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkdzoRYxKoZ
eye on to promote to being a Captain, Vander hadn’t recognized her at first103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkUpZ0lDTzy
because she usually wore a hood, but he recognized the style she used. Eliza103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKXqviuunln
had knocked the sword away from her then drove her knee into her face knocking103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZUQztxgBw
her unconscious.
The last Blade before she got to103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL06buNphPV
pick a captain to fight was a younger Blade. Vander didn’t know too much about103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2YD2FSuIJv
him aside that he was in Leon’s camp. Again, he chose swords to fight with. The103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr2dxMYJk1e
two of them circled each other warily, fatigue was beginning to set it for103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKB2SwWEIQj
Eliza. She had been in back-to-back fights, each one more exhausting than the103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxBCy7HWxy5
last. He was well rested and had a good idea of her fighting style since he had103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡocGA8GHiyj
just had to watch. He easily overpowered her forcing her on her back foot. She103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtxA78E8W0L
swung widely allowing him to easily get in and counter. He punched her in the103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZDYsXcq28y
stomach and sides until she was gasping for air, but she didn’t give up.
In a battle like this, mentality103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡctsVCxTfFl
was everything. If you didn’t think you could win, you wouldn’t. Despite her103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT34jySvy0V
exhaustion, Vander knew that she would be able to win if she kept her eye on103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqp8JjP16c4
the prize and bid her time. In came a few minutes later. Perhaps it was over103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWBpsd4fcLl
confidence or skillful planning on her part, but he went in for a wide slash.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHRKiptlvWQ
Using the opening, she stepped inside his box, grabbed the arm holding the103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKdo9mLHvo4
sword then squeezed. He tried to punch her in the face, but she wrapped her arm103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr6XIJHzsYl
around his elbow then pulled. Vander winced once he heard the crack as the103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMEIhYKtHS9
elbow dislocated. The man screamed and dropped his sword. Eliza put him under103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEM1vpEkkLh
with a blow to the jaw. There were a few reluctant claps from the noble103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqTI94F2QRG
gallery.
“Now you have earned the right to103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlNxCGREXn4
challenge a Captain.” Charles stepped into the training area. Vander, Leon and103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwxGAAphM1y
Alex stood next to each other at attention holding their breath to see who103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrCArorOJhm
would get picked. “Choose.”
Eliza thought for a moment before103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnxOaP5MMae
pointing at Vander. “I can’t say I deserve a spot if I don’t fight the103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrCxbeteMl6
strongest out of the three.” She grinned. “Plus, his cockiness is irritating.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpYoyzWnXut
I’d love to put him in his place.” Leon snorted at that, but Alex didn’t say103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo1aRV8tz6r
anything.
“Then take a break.” Charles said.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRcTQBb3Ikl
“We will resume in an hour.”
While Eliza and Kiara talked to103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7etmHFAoAq
one another in hushed tones, Vander met with Alex to discuss the final match103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqMNH3q6FO
and his chances of winning.
“She’s strong.” Alex muttered.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPBQFoFCPJP
“Much stronger than any of the rumors suggested.”
“You think there is a reason103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1hd6eyCyFA
Bricen sent someone so strong to us?” Vander wondered.
“Because there are others who are103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLwICNSEMhS
stronger.” Alex laughed. “Don’t focus on that, focus on the fight ahead. What’s103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4uGqLcU9Pd
your plan?”
“It’s really up to her and how she103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡigRiJKpwNz
wants to fight.” He responded. “But you know I’ve never been one to backdown103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOaAs7SNInp
from a challenge.”
“Just remember how it will look103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNaY5EaXoNe
how you lose.” That was the warning Vander was waiting for his friend to bring103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz6PzQFixFZ
up. He turned to see all the nobles whispering to themselves, but more than a103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXAycc5S1rf
few were staring at him.
“I never had their confidence in103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOEo8ARxydx
the first place, Alex.” Vander placed a hand on his friend’s shoulder. “And103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5wFFRiBh8D
it’s not up to them whether I should be the Commander. That’s up to the prince103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡls4VHn2kTy
and my grandfather. I’ll be fine.”
“We’ve had this conversation103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJBGKSxAYlh
before Vander. They will buckle to the pressures of the council if they must.”103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6gZ6MbDLrc
He explained. “It’s happened before and there is no doubt in my mind that it103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnvYVsUFJEr
will happen again. Be careful.”
“Next thing we need to discuss is103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7VyBtnl1y2
Eve.” Vander turned towards the barracks. “What the god’s name was that?” Alex103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2X6NFx2mha
was quiet for a couple seconds.
“I saw something in her body103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLK9RtbVYXI
language then.” Alex was quiet. “It looked as though she was going to try and103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8oCaAtR47N
kill Kiara once the fight was done.”
“Were we wrong about her?” Alex103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn13gIq4H5F
didn’t have an answer for him. “It’s something we are going to have to103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCE01Cq4jkU
investigate Alex. Keep your eye on her, let me know the minute she does103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ13FHlZU3Kq
something strange, alright?”
“I will.” Now that that was taken103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZojOUrke6f
care of, he could focus his attention on the fight with Eliza. Charles called103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡERqTciVMWz
the two of them to the center of the arena where he was standing. Eliza looked103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCX4jxQ3NUh
well rested, but he could tell that she was still fatigued. He wondered if he103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOnEfy2ZYHY
could convince his grandfather to postpone the fight until after the wedding103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUmujqPwZKh
ceremony tonight, but he doubted it. Every Blade incumbent had to go through103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvj5oe6YW6X
this gauntlet, and she would have to do the same.
“I hope you are well rested.”103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZn0QvUIqmU
Charles’ voice boomed. “This is the final bout where Eliza has challenged103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrBXSJWFMup
Vander. Have you decided how the two of you should fight?” he turned to look at103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWd0K68Jrrd
his grandson.
“I have no preference.” He103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLGzD14sIE3
explained. “I was going to leave it up to her to decide how we fight.”
“Very well.” Charles turned103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQMQptUhubh
towards Eliza. “What is your decision?”
“Hand to hand combat.” A gasp came103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGQ5TLJWAY3
out from the crowd. Inwardly Vander grinned to himself. Any soldier worth their103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQuTWAwjp2Z
salt would have to eventually fight with their hands amid battle. Whether it be103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnjkkqclDHE
weapons are useless in close quarters or your weapons are stripped from your103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ86TluIJirB
hands. It was a bloody, personal way to kill someone, yet it had to be learned.
“Very well.” Charles waved the two103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLLeH2gWVlr
of them forward, so they were facing each other. “You may begin.”
“Care to make this interesting?”103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoUGS7N36ru
Vander asked as the two of them circled each other.
“What do you have in mind?” Eliza103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2IiKylKqyt
grinned.
“Winner gets to ask one thing of103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDnMABl3UJ7
the loser.” He said. “Nothing bad, just a request.”
“Anything?”
“Anything.” He agreed.
“You’re on.” She said.
Vander threw a punch at Eliza, but103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYNfTE9ijjw
she launched herself at his stomach. He wasn’t prepared for the sudden attack,103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgoYQu15rho
but thanks to his gifts, his reflexes were quick enough. He got low to the103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1r4ozoy2zA
ground bracing himself for her momentum, but she anticipated it. She brought103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSRszOZ2sMZ
her head up, cracking him in the jaw, then while he was unbalanced, punched him103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdwY8rqTbdJ
causing him to stumble backwards.
“Nice.” He rubbed his jaw before103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2lrCJni7yU
spitting out a tooth that had been knocked loose. His head was spinning, but he103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNnShNRBhWu
didn’t have time to catch his breath. She charged him the jumped, aiming her103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKenlH9HECu
knee at his face. He got to her first. He lunged at her, grabbing her from103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBkSrHDmUrn
midair then slammed her onto the ground. She pushed him away with her leg, but103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiMuLQsItSl
he grabbed it in the nook of his arm and held it. He tried to punch her, but103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsDXh65R0kV
her foot ended up in his elbow keeping him from moving it. They each threw a103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlXpNZR8Goj
punch, but as she was on her back it wasn’t as forceful as his. He felt his103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOeKgBpp0T6
punch crush her nose while hers hit him in the chest. While that was happening,103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa7xsHgbZE9
she moved her foot from his elbow crashing it into the side of his head. The103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ6cvaMIRTt
blow was so sudden that he released her other leg as he hit the ground.
“Nice yourself.” She said,103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyZRW36sjtN
stumbling to her feet. She blew a wad of blood out from the side of her nose103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX3vutzbBtE
onto the ground.
“Damn your tough.” He groaned. He103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡONIYE3XyRT
stumbled to his feet, but he didn’t feel bad. If anything, he felt invigorated.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3bJZCOROtg
It’s been a long time since he had been in such a fight, and he was beginning103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwIOx98HrEC
to enjoy himself. “You want to keep going?”
“Of course.” She got into a ready103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQVWs1Kcai3
stance. One fist was forward while the other was back by her side. Vander stood103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRiZxbuouyb
in front of her before adopting a similar stance, but his hands were open103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT2n2hTsSqb
instead of closed. He hit her with an open palm, but she blocked it with her103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE8GGspRplR
forearm and at the same time, stuck him with her fist.
He ducked below103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3J8BDhq4uW
the strike then grabbed it. He threw her over his shoulder and back onto the103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRo850mpvRV
ground. He stomped on her ribs, but she spun around hitting the back of his leg103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe9NyNQtAEW
with hers knocking him off balance. Using the momentum, she got into a crouch103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbfdKwmaJ4T
then tackled him so now he was on his back. He wrapped his legs around her103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOBRG2zH5fR
midsection to try and keep her off him. He grabbed one of her arms in his then103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ23epF8niA
locked it in place. She tried to punch him again, but the same thing happened.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQGGElyqsDW
He yanked her in close to him, so they weren’t more than a breath apart.
“What are you103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIm2xQywIxV
doing after this?” he asked. She smiled wickedly at him.
“Something fun,103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6UXA0KDLBU
but you’re not invited.” She said.
“That hurts my103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL5pkMclmrp
feelings.” He laughed. He pushed her arms back then unwrapped his legs before103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhfKOcucsaN
kicking her away. He got to his feet, slowly. “Gramps you mind if we end this?103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2hDK0gNKWr
I think we’ve seen enough of her abilities, unless you want us to knock each103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCjn7OSLkCX
other out.”
“No, I think103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMoN1rgaWCk
we’ve seen enough.” Charles walked out into the field.
“Thank you, I’m103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC2wc0QuMa2
not sure how much more I could have taken.” He groaned. His grandfather held103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdEpjIGU4zA
out his hand the hauled Vander to his feet.
“We will let you103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMSz21vYI9w
know our decision, but I don’t see anyone being against her joining.” Charles103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Ihu0CKZli
smiled. “Nor would I be against her joining our family.”
“Come on,103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ16s578VmgR
gramps.” Vander rolled his eyes. “It’s not like that.”
“Sure, it isn’t.”103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdDCX7ti4zV
he laughed. “Now get the two of you to the doctor. We have a wedding to plan103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqlo4A2x70f
for.”
Nodding his head,103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbBDS5v0oVD
Vander walked over to where Eliza lay on the ground and offered her his hand.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwYhqfvYdcs
She looked up at him for a moment before clasping it. He allowed her to lean on103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWq63RKrlII
him as the two of them limped towards the castle where Topal would be waiting for103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnYfygBUPiM
them in the infirmary.
“That was quite103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiccbuj4viC
the fight.” She said. She hissed in pain as he adjusted her to climb the steps.
“You put on quite103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm4utKgZ2Ov
the show, we could learn a lot from you.”
“What do we do103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDBL9vYcDSV
about our bet?” Eliza asked. “There was no clear winner.”
“How about we103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxrMacOBGMu
both get a request?” She thought for a moment before nodding.
“This is going to103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3TX3Rx2WaA
be fun.” She grinned.
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