Chapter 16
He didn’t know why he agreed to139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxjHbjB6IPx
this, but this was a bad idea. Not that Eliza wouldn’t be a good addition to139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIL9k8Dbh4L
the Blades, she would be, and he wanted to test her out, but not like this.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ5AmWyI8Ls
Some how Cuvera had heard of his conversation with his fiancé and took it upon139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkUg9Fh1ng1
himself to set everything up, the day of the wedding.
It was two days after Kiara and139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIBTN3IRhoS
Vander’s talk very early in the morning. Despite the early day, people from the139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOtse7kmn98
council were in attendance as was Malcolm, Bernard, Peyton and Charles. Eliza139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEwDRoUZBtx
was warming up while Vander sat there with his arms folded in front of him.
“I can’t believe you.” he growled139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5veM55ZRAJ
to Cuvera. “This was supposed to be a quiet event and you managed to treat this139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSBBhkJOzlC
like a dog and pony show.”
“Can you blame me?” he asked.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoKZK9BzSLj
“I’ve been anxious waiting for my wedding, and this was a perfect thing to take139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgRzhffY76n
my mind off it. Don’t be mad at me because she might be your ass.”
“If I don’t beat your ass first.”139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ40v3s7s7Hv
He lunged towards Cuvera who jumped back. “Now get over there so I can start139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWISQwNJRab
this shit show.”
“Touchy, touchy.” He grumbled, but139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB3VY9vGSdU
he did as Vander had asked. He took his spot next to his father who placed his139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPYeiIuOZH0
hand on his son’s shoulder.
Vander had made sure that the139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ11ClsiJ9i9
field was turned into a sort of training camp for Eliza. There were targets139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJPgZARg1W
spaced out at twenty-five, fifty, seventy-five, and a hundred yards out for her139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwesFEqGoCT
to show off her archery skills. She would have five chances per distance to get139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtFqce0FNHd
as close as she could. Most Blades could shoot fifty yards, maybe one or two139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfqGZnBSoMU
could shoot seventy-five, but he hadn’t met anyone who could hit the hundred.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZE4MSx3ut
Maybe today was that day.
The next location should spar with139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBk690z5OL2
members of the Blades using various weapons. The people she would fight ranged139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyQkDPOxFzx
from trainees all the way up to full members. There were five altogether and139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmvzIijvl7q
they should give her a decent challenge.
The final test would be a fight139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqEjQSM8iBB
against a sitting Captain. A no holds barred fight, short of maiming. There139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuHA2m4JkHN
would be no weapons allowed in this one. Just pure martial arts prowess. If she139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoMcgrjIJdB
did well she would be inducted as a Blade. If not, then she would just stay139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKKIsXbkSuz
Kiara’s bodyguard, but constantly be watched over by a Blade. He secretly hopes139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBEeRlsvD2t
she will pick Leon and run him around the field. He needed to be taught a139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9bcZA4y5i6
lesson. Hopefully today was that day.
Eliza was standing on the other139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ULSBcLb9n
side of the arena chatting with Kiara as she stretched. She was wearing long139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0tVsUPcThx
black pants, combat boots and a sleeveless black shirt. Her long hair was tied139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOWdAkhOrqx
back into a long ponytail. Vander couldn’t help but stare as she talked, but as139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm3oA8CoupO
soon as she looked over he quicky averted his gaze.
“Let’s get this started Vander.”139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4gHGFIHFX5
Charles ordered. Sighing, Vander walked over to where Eliza was stretching139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs1gAELl4DL
doing his best to not look at her.
“Are you ready?” he asked.
“As I’ll ever be.” She responded.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV3RjtDslmh
She got up then walked towards where the bows and arrows were stationed.
“Hey.” Vander looked over at Kiara139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSbO72s5GGC
as she waved him over. Confused he walked over to see what she wanted. “She139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa784oVIYFo
will only like you if you can beat her.”
“What?” he asked.
“Don’t think we didn’t notice you139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJSfdBJMwO
staring.” Kiara laughed. “All of her suitors back home had to fight her, none139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3e1qsjyRqx
managed to win. Good luck though, I believe in you.” With that she scampered139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1HW8Q8HZjS
off to sit by Cuvera while the test was administered. Vander walked to stand by139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc9d8qcCWX8
Eliza.
“First test is your archery139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMN6SYHondt
skills.” Vander explained. “Despite us using swords, we still need to use bows139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOnpvHjD0Z0
so we can protect the castle walls using the ramparts. Each of us needs to be a139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0UbeFaHrg2
crack shot just in case, so we keep our abilities trained.” To demonstrate, he139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0tIq02svpO
removed his jacket then tossed it towards Cuvera. It hit him in the face139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmCSEhoqgjG
causing him to yelp before throwing it onto the ground and stomping on it.
Like Kiara he was wearing a139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrn3GTQHCwV
sleeveless black shirt which was pertinent for this test. He strapped the arm139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfglurbudR1
guard to the underside of his arm then put the finger tab, so he didn’t injure139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbhnraaPHAm
himself. “To pass you need to either pass my arrows or get close enough to139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS1c8HhnpRp
them.” He picked up a bow, tested the tautness of the string before selecting139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Jxx5zHn7c
then docking his arrow. The first arrow hit the twenty-five dead center. The139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV1xn6FmnFP
second arrow hit the fifty slightly off center, but still within the inner139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVhzLPbsanl
circle. The third arrow hit dirt halfway between the second and third target139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoiMvz9QA1X
causing the nobles to chuckle amongst themselves. Vander adjusted his bow139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7WCaE8i34E
slightly, so it was pointing up then launched the forth arrow. It landed just139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXWrGFKqvDK
in front of the hundred.
He held the bow out to her then139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf3ndR7Cc4F
stepped back after she had taken it. With strong arms she pulled the bow back139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpzZvUlDJXH
then hit a bullseye on the first target. She quickly pulled back then let loose139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMKcu0S4bm7
a second arrow hitting the other bullseye on the fifty. She hit the third139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn0Hkp0jpXI
target off to the left and her fourth arrow went farther than his causing the139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNp3VcuM23x
nobles to mutter amongst themselves.
“Very nice.” Vander acknowledged139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9daCLyHWsZ
her with a clap on the back. She tensed for a moment under his touch but139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaZU92h7QZx
relaxed a moment later. He looked back to see his grandfather nodding his head139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsTiHnnkLKn
in acknowledgement, but the rest of the nobles didn’t look impressed. There was139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8hCS6eI35Y
a very high bar to become a Blade in there eyes considering it dealt with their139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXFNcCSu4FR
protection, but it always annoyed him. They couldn’t do better, most of them139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ941m9rMsSh
couldn’t hold a sword, so why did they get to decide who protect them?
“Let’s move on.” Eliza brushed139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV8SyP9KvNR
past him to head towards the training area. Vander walked behind her; they139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4nA87aDGaK
didn’t have too far to go. Standing in the training pits were three sitting139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdyDHd6QXEq
Blades and two trainees, both from Vander’s group. He wanted to use this139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwHutLK1228
opportunity to give Rooster and Eve some experience fighting someone stronger139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡboWN9KUwRK
than them, but different style than the Blades. The other three were Blades he139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ58S1gAsYiD
didn’t know, hand picked by his grandfather.
“We will go in order.” Vander139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4v7rDTNCQD
explained. “Rooster step forward.” The red head took a nervous step into the139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX3xa6yq5Ge
pit. “What weapon would you like to use?” he asked Eliza.
“How good is your staff fighting?”139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkGHge6NvTx
she asked Rooster.
“Alright, I guess.” He shrugged.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwakPphxbkS
Vander rolled his eyes. They were trained in all manner of weapons, including139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ28tPpFpuDl
staves. Rooster was one of the best in the Blades, he didn’t know why the139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwLNzmVEWkd
trainee was being so modest about it.
“Then we will use that.” Vander139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKUyhy199xZ
walked over to the weapons rack and removed two staves. He tossed one to139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtkywUr6aOA
Rooster who caught it one handed. Kiara did the same then raised her eyebrow in139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6QXaIzXnEa
challenge.
The two of them circle each other,139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡur6O7d2swr
smacking their staves trying to make an opening. Rooster, the impatient person139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwDmlektl6L
he was, broke first. He swung his staff down towards Eliza’s leg. She blocked139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7IrXU6h7gI
it with the butt of hers causing Rooster to stumble off balance. He hadn’t139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDgGCrlO7dG
prepared himself for the reverberations that traveled from the collision. Eliza139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡihBYC5psdD
kept up the pressure. She kicked the staff towards Rooster’s face and as he139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnSbDWYuqWP
staggered backward, she spun it around catching his foot. Pulling hard, he fell139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGILpc8mNen
to the ground. Seconds later she held the tip under his chin.
“I yield.” He sighed. Eliza threw139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwXrfjGaQ91
her staff to the side then helped the boy up. He brushed the dirt off his pants139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMkB5VtIhRj
before slinking back towards the stands.
“Eve, step forward.” Vander139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKPAhxlHSZZ
shouted. Eve came out twirling a couple of knives in her hands.
“Mind we use these?” she asked139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjgNcw9x02t
Eliza. Eliza shrugged before holding her hands out towards Vander. Sighing, he139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWE1kl9YJ5U
walked over to place his knives in her open hand. She studied them for a second139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLko0vPWs9R
before gripping them: one in an overhand position, one in an underhand139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgQf510PxGe
position, so the blade was resting against the underside of her arm.
The two of them looked at each139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBdK0F5l3Qc
other before lunging towards one another. Metal clashed as the two of them139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeihPJttzgu
slashed and stabbed at each other each of them moved masterfully out of the139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLCzMIsm7LC
way, so they didn’t get cut. Vander was mesmerized by the display, but not139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIIVmEm200s
because of what Eliza was doing. He knew that she was skillful due to being the139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbdEmtocMNU
princess’ bodyguard, but Eve didn’t have any formal training aside from her139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYeONXovYTV
stint with him. She didn’t show any of this ability during training, and he139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJiwUl5w4ux
couldn’t help but wonder if she had just been going easy on them this entire139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeaFTEzfARG
time. The round ended when Eliza was able to get past Eve’s guard and slash her139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQfZEyFMMN3
arm. The cut was deep enough to cut through the uniform and draw some blood,139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9jAQVtpBJN
but not a lot.
“Match is over.” Vander shouted.
“Not yet.” Eve gasped. She lunged139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnT6foOCwSw
towards Eliza who had started walking towards Vander, so she didn’t notice Eve139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaHKwRHtHij
moving towards her. Shea’s body collided with the young girl knocking her to139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuku5xCmI9u
the ground. Before she could stand back up, Shea placed two feet on the girl’s139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4D3lVIHzx4
chest before snarling in her face.
“Stay down, pup.” She139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwAtXMYGaa9
growled.
“We will have a talk about this139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPQhdADSFDC
later, Eve.” Vander snapped. “Rooster, bring her back to the barracks.” The red139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAaZOZC3H71
head rushed up to do as he ordered. Shea got off Eve then waited for Rooster to139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiXhhJacKZg
remove her from the arena before she took her place next to Charles.
The next three bouts went by139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMykrJo39I4
quickly. The Blades Charles had picked were top of their class, but not a match139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡweQ2fdIo1m
for Eliza. The first one chose dual axes as his weapon. The two clashed, but139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZW5CdXSUZF
her agility allowed her to effectively use weapons to smash his knees forcing139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3mWneNyU98
him to the ground.
The second person wanted to use139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAEDtsn2dJI
swords as a weapon. She was very skilled, one of the few who Charles had his139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzQUaID2PgX
eye on to promote to being a Captain, Vander hadn’t recognized her at first139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkiUOyMYY3K
because she usually wore a hood, but he recognized the style she used. Eliza139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡemE9zIlkwI
had knocked the sword away from her then drove her knee into her face knocking139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6p1z3LJkEw
her unconscious.
The last Blade before she got to139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4x63ACL0h
pick a captain to fight was a younger Blade. Vander didn’t know too much about139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYwNFugBDJN
him aside that he was in Leon’s camp. Again, he chose swords to fight with. The139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSqfK6rhpMQ
two of them circled each other warily, fatigue was beginning to set it for139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡflSrqDoGSl
Eliza. She had been in back-to-back fights, each one more exhausting than the139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCrrsSnbhM1
last. He was well rested and had a good idea of her fighting style since he had139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf1mGvqoixL
just had to watch. He easily overpowered her forcing her on her back foot. She139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa91rNmeqm1
swung widely allowing him to easily get in and counter. He punched her in the139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyf3wZratpb
stomach and sides until she was gasping for air, but she didn’t give up.
In a battle like this, mentality139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlaHWXiFsdV
was everything. If you didn’t think you could win, you wouldn’t. Despite her139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq36ygNuwVh
exhaustion, Vander knew that she would be able to win if she kept her eye on139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNHbpsJUmCp
the prize and bid her time. In came a few minutes later. Perhaps it was over139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhoDF9X8Ipz
confidence or skillful planning on her part, but he went in for a wide slash.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZkxCbUqUs
Using the opening, she stepped inside his box, grabbed the arm holding the139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz0GQuzgwAZ
sword then squeezed. He tried to punch her in the face, but she wrapped her arm139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpXthXGqTtI
around his elbow then pulled. Vander winced once he heard the crack as the139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5gDdZ8Zx9z
elbow dislocated. The man screamed and dropped his sword. Eliza put him under139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Tg3F9b2nm
with a blow to the jaw. There were a few reluctant claps from the noble139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwnPkgQg9sy
gallery.
“Now you have earned the right to139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2P2t39no8G
challenge a Captain.” Charles stepped into the training area. Vander, Leon and139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMbAZs99oRr
Alex stood next to each other at attention holding their breath to see who139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4MF8JoXxmn
would get picked. “Choose.”
Eliza thought for a moment before139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzaxrVb3NWZ
pointing at Vander. “I can’t say I deserve a spot if I don’t fight the139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4JLL3F9Jlh
strongest out of the three.” She grinned. “Plus, his cockiness is irritating.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpXNgwgh5IR
I’d love to put him in his place.” Leon snorted at that, but Alex didn’t say139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNRNB1PrmZ7
anything.
“Then take a break.” Charles said.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM8gahfvN32
“We will resume in an hour.”
While Eliza and Kiara talked to139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNb2wsWpqoW
one another in hushed tones, Vander met with Alex to discuss the final match139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS2JdI4Sf61
and his chances of winning.
“She’s strong.” Alex muttered.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdrdFOwFNgm
“Much stronger than any of the rumors suggested.”
“You think there is a reason139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNAQjFFV51Y
Bricen sent someone so strong to us?” Vander wondered.
“Because there are others who are139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuV896pFTYx
stronger.” Alex laughed. “Don’t focus on that, focus on the fight ahead. What’s139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW4T1EvR9sB
your plan?”
“It’s really up to her and how she139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs8XwLsw7Df
wants to fight.” He responded. “But you know I’ve never been one to backdown139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkmx30wN6Oz
from a challenge.”
“Just remember how it will look139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ53tKObcem6
how you lose.” That was the warning Vander was waiting for his friend to bring139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9234FTeoqV
up. He turned to see all the nobles whispering to themselves, but more than a139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡneI0mOxMkH
few were staring at him.
“I never had their confidence in139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTUTl5OIGcq
the first place, Alex.” Vander placed a hand on his friend’s shoulder. “And139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6bCKzLxHKI
it’s not up to them whether I should be the Commander. That’s up to the prince139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJSaKwk5FfW
and my grandfather. I’ll be fine.”
“We’ve had this conversation139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8FOYjL0Kk
before Vander. They will buckle to the pressures of the council if they must.”139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm5eQBr4a7i
He explained. “It’s happened before and there is no doubt in my mind that it139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQPpx3wT18r
will happen again. Be careful.”
“Next thing we need to discuss is139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhnUcRZ1Hon
Eve.” Vander turned towards the barracks. “What the god’s name was that?” Alex139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtR0INNas1I
was quiet for a couple seconds.
“I saw something in her body139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWjb1KRrenH
language then.” Alex was quiet. “It looked as though she was going to try and139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlLKEtyrCj3
kill Kiara once the fight was done.”
“Were we wrong about her?” Alex139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0hQsz767Lg
didn’t have an answer for him. “It’s something we are going to have to139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe2DUqJoZEq
investigate Alex. Keep your eye on her, let me know the minute she does139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwI6QI84KgD
something strange, alright?”
“I will.” Now that that was taken139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzA2m1iFTkW
care of, he could focus his attention on the fight with Eliza. Charles called139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ47rngpWovc
the two of them to the center of the arena where he was standing. Eliza looked139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaWeMqQYMXY
well rested, but he could tell that she was still fatigued. He wondered if he139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl4zJz3cdtd
could convince his grandfather to postpone the fight until after the wedding139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmhmwcWdKiw
ceremony tonight, but he doubted it. Every Blade incumbent had to go through139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡARe7CarC9s
this gauntlet, and she would have to do the same.
“I hope you are well rested.”139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ21babwFpSB
Charles’ voice boomed. “This is the final bout where Eliza has challenged139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaVvyo5FbXB
Vander. Have you decided how the two of you should fight?” he turned to look at139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Z3EYxBgUv
his grandson.
“I have no preference.” He139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqBlM9jblit
explained. “I was going to leave it up to her to decide how we fight.”
“Very well.” Charles turned139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEAgASDhCEw
towards Eliza. “What is your decision?”
“Hand to hand combat.” A gasp came139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUn5DgY70w6
out from the crowd. Inwardly Vander grinned to himself. Any soldier worth their139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6SAY8SYUdi
salt would have to eventually fight with their hands amid battle. Whether it be139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqLnYXYli9i
weapons are useless in close quarters or your weapons are stripped from your139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Fde1I3j1Z
hands. It was a bloody, personal way to kill someone, yet it had to be learned.
“Very well.” Charles waved the two139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Pk070lZad
of them forward, so they were facing each other. “You may begin.”
“Care to make this interesting?”139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRCN1uspJvu
Vander asked as the two of them circled each other.
“What do you have in mind?” Eliza139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMIvbTfQjly
grinned.
“Winner gets to ask one thing of139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡth5haMEDVZ
the loser.” He said. “Nothing bad, just a request.”
“Anything?”
“Anything.” He agreed.
“You’re on.” She said.
Vander threw a punch at Eliza, but139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHM8s6AvANQ
she launched herself at his stomach. He wasn’t prepared for the sudden attack,139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo1wcA0VoUC
but thanks to his gifts, his reflexes were quick enough. He got low to the139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoLfs0uUK8D
ground bracing himself for her momentum, but she anticipated it. She brought139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUXYLSaoBId
her head up, cracking him in the jaw, then while he was unbalanced, punched him139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkEA3L9kPm9
causing him to stumble backwards.
“Nice.” He rubbed his jaw before139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡajOzV1WCzz
spitting out a tooth that had been knocked loose. His head was spinning, but he139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡngBQvBTFu3
didn’t have time to catch his breath. She charged him the jumped, aiming her139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBjDI7yS6hZ
knee at his face. He got to her first. He lunged at her, grabbing her from139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg7vokAyCjY
midair then slammed her onto the ground. She pushed him away with her leg, but139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCkBkVHZWQQ
he grabbed it in the nook of his arm and held it. He tried to punch her, but139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1s8gmdVtHp
her foot ended up in his elbow keeping him from moving it. They each threw a139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ12NFuUG3id
punch, but as she was on her back it wasn’t as forceful as his. He felt his139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxSQhOlG209
punch crush her nose while hers hit him in the chest. While that was happening,139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH1AtN5cAla
she moved her foot from his elbow crashing it into the side of his head. The139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4W6Kk0QuRe
blow was so sudden that he released her other leg as he hit the ground.
“Nice yourself.” She said,139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZh79JD89sq
stumbling to her feet. She blew a wad of blood out from the side of her nose139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuRyVNSQS8L
onto the ground.
“Damn your tough.” He groaned. He139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡawZVDdDirl
stumbled to his feet, but he didn’t feel bad. If anything, he felt invigorated.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWWtrYPOVVs
It’s been a long time since he had been in such a fight, and he was beginning139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpQX8GcPdKQ
to enjoy himself. “You want to keep going?”
“Of course.” She got into a ready139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4nMUaZj1cY
stance. One fist was forward while the other was back by her side. Vander stood139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjnQIuHf854
in front of her before adopting a similar stance, but his hands were open139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4c5V6pYlUR
instead of closed. He hit her with an open palm, but she blocked it with her139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIlqSu1JiE6
forearm and at the same time, stuck him with her fist.
He ducked below139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUuDeYgBOPY
the strike then grabbed it. He threw her over his shoulder and back onto the139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7TPFNmDYAA
ground. He stomped on her ribs, but she spun around hitting the back of his leg139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCdkMnkvWHs
with hers knocking him off balance. Using the momentum, she got into a crouch139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLU7P5UyWDm
then tackled him so now he was on his back. He wrapped his legs around her139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRrEx8a4ina
midsection to try and keep her off him. He grabbed one of her arms in his then139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRMJAxED2qD
locked it in place. She tried to punch him again, but the same thing happened.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9OSVazmIS2
He yanked her in close to him, so they weren’t more than a breath apart.
“What are you139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBCc4SZJuKb
doing after this?” he asked. She smiled wickedly at him.
“Something fun,139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcFeet6KRbf
but you’re not invited.” She said.
“That hurts my139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD0pWJDkVt4
feelings.” He laughed. He pushed her arms back then unwrapped his legs before139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh0HHUPA6wK
kicking her away. He got to his feet, slowly. “Gramps you mind if we end this?139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpMYUE7Jn84
I think we’ve seen enough of her abilities, unless you want us to knock each139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhjiYV9T0zK
other out.”
“No, I think139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXzmGT0FFVW
we’ve seen enough.” Charles walked out into the field.
“Thank you, I’m139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1mGBzVWJmB
not sure how much more I could have taken.” He groaned. His grandfather held139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8jYKhdoAUc
out his hand the hauled Vander to his feet.
“We will let you139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdvhH7HsOvx
know our decision, but I don’t see anyone being against her joining.” Charles139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY3MgjbLw7N
smiled. “Nor would I be against her joining our family.”
“Come on,139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ5aprqluyD
gramps.” Vander rolled his eyes. “It’s not like that.”
“Sure, it isn’t.”139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoEY2ppzMaS
he laughed. “Now get the two of you to the doctor. We have a wedding to plan139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkg4r0XeCMY
for.”
Nodding his head,139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQCTkvy4KCc
Vander walked over to where Eliza lay on the ground and offered her his hand.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUAltXgjqJ2
She looked up at him for a moment before clasping it. He allowed her to lean on139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL94ssuIrJc
him as the two of them limped towards the castle where Topal would be waiting for139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjcsCqjNbf5
them in the infirmary.
“That was quite139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQLp44Au8Gy
the fight.” She said. She hissed in pain as he adjusted her to climb the steps.
“You put on quite139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpOqjHCvKcd
the show, we could learn a lot from you.”
“What do we do139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAc89aWxCut
about our bet?” Eliza asked. “There was no clear winner.”
“How about we139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSnrCIN9NQT
both get a request?” She thought for a moment before nodding.
“This is going to139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5NIIOlriq9
be fun.” She grinned.
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