Chapter 16
He didn’t know why he agreed to136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKdbEnchLCh
this, but this was a bad idea. Not that Eliza wouldn’t be a good addition to136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXLEyPuQ1j9
the Blades, she would be, and he wanted to test her out, but not like this.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZR6XBc14kj
Some how Cuvera had heard of his conversation with his fiancé and took it upon136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFtKjOjmYwn
himself to set everything up, the day of the wedding.
It was two days after Kiara and136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv3oKi0nGbg
Vander’s talk very early in the morning. Despite the early day, people from the136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdF5H9GR9hI
council were in attendance as was Malcolm, Bernard, Peyton and Charles. Eliza136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxtQ9P8XPqQ
was warming up while Vander sat there with his arms folded in front of him.
“I can’t believe you.” he growled136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA9IhIHldxs
to Cuvera. “This was supposed to be a quiet event and you managed to treat this136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdexy2Pd3K1
like a dog and pony show.”
“Can you blame me?” he asked.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhbTuMlNkD1
“I’ve been anxious waiting for my wedding, and this was a perfect thing to take136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqHxgHh15Io
my mind off it. Don’t be mad at me because she might be your ass.”
“If I don’t beat your ass first.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxX3zVlcwi7
He lunged towards Cuvera who jumped back. “Now get over there so I can start136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1s5oU0AHg5
this shit show.”
“Touchy, touchy.” He grumbled, but136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyXx8SDKVzf
he did as Vander had asked. He took his spot next to his father who placed his136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuDJCNbBrHj
hand on his son’s shoulder.
Vander had made sure that the136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ66DxPTDr5N
field was turned into a sort of training camp for Eliza. There were targets136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqtK3WtgxdE
spaced out at twenty-five, fifty, seventy-five, and a hundred yards out for her136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgmcsCKAlWI
to show off her archery skills. She would have five chances per distance to get136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRRwNeF3EVh
as close as she could. Most Blades could shoot fifty yards, maybe one or two136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiWOLtuXkga
could shoot seventy-five, but he hadn’t met anyone who could hit the hundred.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvPSkhUnDe3
Maybe today was that day.
The next location should spar with136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWchq28mlUL
members of the Blades using various weapons. The people she would fight ranged136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwmc5Js9Av2
from trainees all the way up to full members. There were five altogether and136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu6dTcbh2Ou
they should give her a decent challenge.
The final test would be a fight136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYSKZpvqMjd
against a sitting Captain. A no holds barred fight, short of maiming. There136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEe22sGVHmD
would be no weapons allowed in this one. Just pure martial arts prowess. If she136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwgNMiSgphN
did well she would be inducted as a Blade. If not, then she would just stay136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT0ldhIS2gB
Kiara’s bodyguard, but constantly be watched over by a Blade. He secretly hopes136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4FjDWoHDMv
she will pick Leon and run him around the field. He needed to be taught a136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXdG9jFOdwl
lesson. Hopefully today was that day.
Eliza was standing on the other136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJM0JeGXg9q
side of the arena chatting with Kiara as she stretched. She was wearing long136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo4C3vyQeLh
black pants, combat boots and a sleeveless black shirt. Her long hair was tied136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz1o0lcbwjV
back into a long ponytail. Vander couldn’t help but stare as she talked, but as136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5wmZvXhd5J
soon as she looked over he quicky averted his gaze.
“Let’s get this started Vander.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUjfDWKZ4En
Charles ordered. Sighing, Vander walked over to where Eliza was stretching136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4HDN04V99B
doing his best to not look at her.
“Are you ready?” he asked.
“As I’ll ever be.” She responded.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1mPSzFmtoE
She got up then walked towards where the bows and arrows were stationed.
“Hey.” Vander looked over at Kiara136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnDJEbY0dHX
as she waved him over. Confused he walked over to see what she wanted. “She136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqKS0uIsAmj
will only like you if you can beat her.”
“What?” he asked.
“Don’t think we didn’t notice you136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡToa3Msq5nq
staring.” Kiara laughed. “All of her suitors back home had to fight her, none136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrBdMlFSbMu
managed to win. Good luck though, I believe in you.” With that she scampered136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡftgTk0D5Ge
off to sit by Cuvera while the test was administered. Vander walked to stand by136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ37X0RWNSGF
Eliza.
“First test is your archery136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwxe8EtakZs
skills.” Vander explained. “Despite us using swords, we still need to use bows136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzMe2vz9UdG
so we can protect the castle walls using the ramparts. Each of us needs to be a136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEBENtkjN9h
crack shot just in case, so we keep our abilities trained.” To demonstrate, he136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmjZTpKeudU
removed his jacket then tossed it towards Cuvera. It hit him in the face136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJbAEyf91y2
causing him to yelp before throwing it onto the ground and stomping on it.
Like Kiara he was wearing a136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcPoEJBiHh5
sleeveless black shirt which was pertinent for this test. He strapped the arm136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5wvUXJmS2x
guard to the underside of his arm then put the finger tab, so he didn’t injure136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ7X2mhyTYG
himself. “To pass you need to either pass my arrows or get close enough to136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfl1sVlMnVx
them.” He picked up a bow, tested the tautness of the string before selecting136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEvitjbK9fR
then docking his arrow. The first arrow hit the twenty-five dead center. The136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcPAELLE1Lr
second arrow hit the fifty slightly off center, but still within the inner136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRN8fJ2yW6V
circle. The third arrow hit dirt halfway between the second and third target136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzaRloz4aIl
causing the nobles to chuckle amongst themselves. Vander adjusted his bow136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOpNaAUsYch
slightly, so it was pointing up then launched the forth arrow. It landed just136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡObP9ebGz5Z
in front of the hundred.
He held the bow out to her then136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡigq2G4XOe2
stepped back after she had taken it. With strong arms she pulled the bow back136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡersQDKmH6S
then hit a bullseye on the first target. She quickly pulled back then let loose136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZoqGomoAQ0
a second arrow hitting the other bullseye on the fifty. She hit the third136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpI4b6jQDuW
target off to the left and her fourth arrow went farther than his causing the136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ07XIjVdwjn
nobles to mutter amongst themselves.
“Very nice.” Vander acknowledged136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpdaefDhgz5
her with a clap on the back. She tensed for a moment under his touch but136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIyRXMHwvIA
relaxed a moment later. He looked back to see his grandfather nodding his head136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpvSk2Eftrg
in acknowledgement, but the rest of the nobles didn’t look impressed. There was136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuQKMgTduA9
a very high bar to become a Blade in there eyes considering it dealt with their136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZkyAX95UGL
protection, but it always annoyed him. They couldn’t do better, most of them136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmT11TSDsIf
couldn’t hold a sword, so why did they get to decide who protect them?
“Let’s move on.” Eliza brushed136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡioiO5ib6kN
past him to head towards the training area. Vander walked behind her; they136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVXzc5bngZM
didn’t have too far to go. Standing in the training pits were three sitting136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr62wnIC0ea
Blades and two trainees, both from Vander’s group. He wanted to use this136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe0j5abKevG
opportunity to give Rooster and Eve some experience fighting someone stronger136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4JYAmPJi5o
than them, but different style than the Blades. The other three were Blades he136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZJ3OKJkOa0
didn’t know, hand picked by his grandfather.
“We will go in order.” Vander136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm7rxyjfD4V
explained. “Rooster step forward.” The red head took a nervous step into the136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpJVk9oAQFV
pit. “What weapon would you like to use?” he asked Eliza.
“How good is your staff fighting?”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1RexIWc320
she asked Rooster.
“Alright, I guess.” He shrugged.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGHuI9OYiQv
Vander rolled his eyes. They were trained in all manner of weapons, including136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6muaLdABiE
staves. Rooster was one of the best in the Blades, he didn’t know why the136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNhyeig5bGX
trainee was being so modest about it.
“Then we will use that.” Vander136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwDpVDDfW7p
walked over to the weapons rack and removed two staves. He tossed one to136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ1757jK5PF
Rooster who caught it one handed. Kiara did the same then raised her eyebrow in136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrMGNn9Nuq2
challenge.
The two of them circle each other,136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqkn02ycwEl
smacking their staves trying to make an opening. Rooster, the impatient person136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCCvwbt7IVr
he was, broke first. He swung his staff down towards Eliza’s leg. She blocked136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAvLvOgrbuG
it with the butt of hers causing Rooster to stumble off balance. He hadn’t136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQKCMG0URG8
prepared himself for the reverberations that traveled from the collision. Eliza136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXFPyJTc63B
kept up the pressure. She kicked the staff towards Rooster’s face and as he136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaAvS5gwHKt
staggered backward, she spun it around catching his foot. Pulling hard, he fell136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcPT0GdAlKY
to the ground. Seconds later she held the tip under his chin.
“I yield.” He sighed. Eliza threw136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG5qb6QYVlT
her staff to the side then helped the boy up. He brushed the dirt off his pants136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrsxYkGHS86
before slinking back towards the stands.
“Eve, step forward.” Vander136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTIAqfcUIiT
shouted. Eve came out twirling a couple of knives in her hands.
“Mind we use these?” she asked136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsWvRebKFW5
Eliza. Eliza shrugged before holding her hands out towards Vander. Sighing, he136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbRJ0Iv2MCk
walked over to place his knives in her open hand. She studied them for a second136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5A9AlOvZaj
before gripping them: one in an overhand position, one in an underhand136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡivrdRN9Px2
position, so the blade was resting against the underside of her arm.
The two of them looked at each136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXyDOdXJmC9
other before lunging towards one another. Metal clashed as the two of them136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSre3vXuKrN
slashed and stabbed at each other each of them moved masterfully out of the136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUGuL7Ds6m8
way, so they didn’t get cut. Vander was mesmerized by the display, but not136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCY2ZhKiVJw
because of what Eliza was doing. He knew that she was skillful due to being the136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMiaB9xf0DQ
princess’ bodyguard, but Eve didn’t have any formal training aside from her136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGNwoyiI99U
stint with him. She didn’t show any of this ability during training, and he136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXydAK2sNZ4
couldn’t help but wonder if she had just been going easy on them this entire136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv0UFWtYrd7
time. The round ended when Eliza was able to get past Eve’s guard and slash her136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2wbG2DBpQw
arm. The cut was deep enough to cut through the uniform and draw some blood,136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM4sGOp42Pc
but not a lot.
“Match is over.” Vander shouted.
“Not yet.” Eve gasped. She lunged136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB8nogB0jBc
towards Eliza who had started walking towards Vander, so she didn’t notice Eve136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVxXcEsTnJL
moving towards her. Shea’s body collided with the young girl knocking her to136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTX00G08rAF
the ground. Before she could stand back up, Shea placed two feet on the girl’s136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRADVLWtBuY
chest before snarling in her face.
“Stay down, pup.” She136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA7Wqws46Uw
growled.
“We will have a talk about this136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXV6PMLlofW
later, Eve.” Vander snapped. “Rooster, bring her back to the barracks.” The red136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhw4VlcwpdV
head rushed up to do as he ordered. Shea got off Eve then waited for Rooster to136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPi7YYZpMxt
remove her from the arena before she took her place next to Charles.
The next three bouts went by136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZkNTs6ytc
quickly. The Blades Charles had picked were top of their class, but not a match136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1RfMQr9BX4
for Eliza. The first one chose dual axes as his weapon. The two clashed, but136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEnd8hCWonk
her agility allowed her to effectively use weapons to smash his knees forcing136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmGh1S8MJKr
him to the ground.
The second person wanted to use136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqQbdVxyScH
swords as a weapon. She was very skilled, one of the few who Charles had his136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcciBfPUovA
eye on to promote to being a Captain, Vander hadn’t recognized her at first136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5CRCaJXrvY
because she usually wore a hood, but he recognized the style she used. Eliza136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu8Z6uLkxoR
had knocked the sword away from her then drove her knee into her face knocking136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhU21FDTcUJ
her unconscious.
The last Blade before she got to136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM0dNKkEZTO
pick a captain to fight was a younger Blade. Vander didn’t know too much about136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ40qLYTxMHy
him aside that he was in Leon’s camp. Again, he chose swords to fight with. The136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQBoHnbOXGl
two of them circled each other warily, fatigue was beginning to set it for136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIwgJLHIzOq
Eliza. She had been in back-to-back fights, each one more exhausting than the136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvpG1AyvJKO
last. He was well rested and had a good idea of her fighting style since he had136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8AEstQ1Ab8
just had to watch. He easily overpowered her forcing her on her back foot. She136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRaJIJAalmk
swung widely allowing him to easily get in and counter. He punched her in the136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRVLfNbjo38
stomach and sides until she was gasping for air, but she didn’t give up.
In a battle like this, mentality136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5rqC6P1Gek
was everything. If you didn’t think you could win, you wouldn’t. Despite her136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb2bh7dA0Q2
exhaustion, Vander knew that she would be able to win if she kept her eye on136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFSmAtBv05Q
the prize and bid her time. In came a few minutes later. Perhaps it was over136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6udv6IcN5S
confidence or skillful planning on her part, but he went in for a wide slash.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ceFqqjAG1
Using the opening, she stepped inside his box, grabbed the arm holding the136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4XTtxRuznI
sword then squeezed. He tried to punch her in the face, but she wrapped her arm136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXWKDl1EU4V
around his elbow then pulled. Vander winced once he heard the crack as the136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFx8MEjPZKd
elbow dislocated. The man screamed and dropped his sword. Eliza put him under136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU5edfPCHVS
with a blow to the jaw. There were a few reluctant claps from the noble136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbEoxNOXZ1k
gallery.
“Now you have earned the right to136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeUvS39UH4p
challenge a Captain.” Charles stepped into the training area. Vander, Leon and136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrQB1pYZc8V
Alex stood next to each other at attention holding their breath to see who136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIs3Sn0k8bc
would get picked. “Choose.”
Eliza thought for a moment before136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq8xpEstve6
pointing at Vander. “I can’t say I deserve a spot if I don’t fight the136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJaxImMDyE
strongest out of the three.” She grinned. “Plus, his cockiness is irritating.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1wXAfy8VP0
I’d love to put him in his place.” Leon snorted at that, but Alex didn’t say136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhGWmXmyqm2
anything.
“Then take a break.” Charles said.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKXiTFKceZT
“We will resume in an hour.”
While Eliza and Kiara talked to136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAVvsRo7Yc1
one another in hushed tones, Vander met with Alex to discuss the final match136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzI5NzQgyuE
and his chances of winning.
“She’s strong.” Alex muttered.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOwKaQDfj7C
“Much stronger than any of the rumors suggested.”
“You think there is a reason136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH7LJC4mK7c
Bricen sent someone so strong to us?” Vander wondered.
“Because there are others who are136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj6USEUJUSW
stronger.” Alex laughed. “Don’t focus on that, focus on the fight ahead. What’s136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7LLmBpbAbd
your plan?”
“It’s really up to her and how she136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmdmIMuxXO8
wants to fight.” He responded. “But you know I’ve never been one to backdown136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPFt2Xmcj08
from a challenge.”
“Just remember how it will look136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡatcqZg3mrc
how you lose.” That was the warning Vander was waiting for his friend to bring136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡknGXCIvCI7
up. He turned to see all the nobles whispering to themselves, but more than a136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2QQFDYHGbc
few were staring at him.
“I never had their confidence in136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrRuNzEJtvl
the first place, Alex.” Vander placed a hand on his friend’s shoulder. “And136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwDdQIC4fbi
it’s not up to them whether I should be the Commander. That’s up to the prince136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCsNON06rTr
and my grandfather. I’ll be fine.”
“We’ve had this conversation136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWTa0036lzu
before Vander. They will buckle to the pressures of the council if they must.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkQFMjHJ4II
He explained. “It’s happened before and there is no doubt in my mind that it136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ90YzhWaIuZ
will happen again. Be careful.”
“Next thing we need to discuss is136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkq7WmqU7Kx
Eve.” Vander turned towards the barracks. “What the god’s name was that?” Alex136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7YTpwkGEzP
was quiet for a couple seconds.
“I saw something in her body136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVRR6mWhjkL
language then.” Alex was quiet. “It looked as though she was going to try and136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTNz2XSMXCY
kill Kiara once the fight was done.”
“Were we wrong about her?” Alex136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmhgdqL8YG3
didn’t have an answer for him. “It’s something we are going to have to136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvn3aQOXS2x
investigate Alex. Keep your eye on her, let me know the minute she does136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMazSgpgLxF
something strange, alright?”
“I will.” Now that that was taken136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYhBV5atc50
care of, he could focus his attention on the fight with Eliza. Charles called136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG09r7tb8Z7
the two of them to the center of the arena where he was standing. Eliza looked136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDcEr3zAOkj
well rested, but he could tell that she was still fatigued. He wondered if he136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzZjQYIv61O
could convince his grandfather to postpone the fight until after the wedding136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiY8Uzxj3w1
ceremony tonight, but he doubted it. Every Blade incumbent had to go through136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5iuZWxV8et
this gauntlet, and she would have to do the same.
“I hope you are well rested.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQvfiGuZFA
Charles’ voice boomed. “This is the final bout where Eliza has challenged136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJ3SOKIcD8
Vander. Have you decided how the two of you should fight?” he turned to look at136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLZ9RFP1csu
his grandson.
“I have no preference.” He136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqwMetyTkB7
explained. “I was going to leave it up to her to decide how we fight.”
“Very well.” Charles turned136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWxWeOp4ncm
towards Eliza. “What is your decision?”
“Hand to hand combat.” A gasp came136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVT96H9EIwU
out from the crowd. Inwardly Vander grinned to himself. Any soldier worth their136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBay45RaWJU
salt would have to eventually fight with their hands amid battle. Whether it be136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8eJy2WQ4ed
weapons are useless in close quarters or your weapons are stripped from your136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVVu3f3Ssda
hands. It was a bloody, personal way to kill someone, yet it had to be learned.
“Very well.” Charles waved the two136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5pLAp0lePP
of them forward, so they were facing each other. “You may begin.”
“Care to make this interesting?”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr1Pxaz3rjU
Vander asked as the two of them circled each other.
“What do you have in mind?” Eliza136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaYs5bnv8d8
grinned.
“Winner gets to ask one thing of136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJxCkQMa4u
the loser.” He said. “Nothing bad, just a request.”
“Anything?”
“Anything.” He agreed.
“You’re on.” She said.
Vander threw a punch at Eliza, but136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqnKxwO3kH8
she launched herself at his stomach. He wasn’t prepared for the sudden attack,136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ6PFC9aho5
but thanks to his gifts, his reflexes were quick enough. He got low to the136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1d6sO3w8fQ
ground bracing himself for her momentum, but she anticipated it. She brought136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEMGfqQlSOL
her head up, cracking him in the jaw, then while he was unbalanced, punched him136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHIvZkBqim8
causing him to stumble backwards.
“Nice.” He rubbed his jaw before136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJl7uhf6ud
spitting out a tooth that had been knocked loose. His head was spinning, but he136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM0yh799Kyd
didn’t have time to catch his breath. She charged him the jumped, aiming her136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMoBB671YNZ
knee at his face. He got to her first. He lunged at her, grabbing her from136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAnZi6t2SYO
midair then slammed her onto the ground. She pushed him away with her leg, but136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5vMuzj9dUG
he grabbed it in the nook of his arm and held it. He tried to punch her, but136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡce8asJz9xn
her foot ended up in his elbow keeping him from moving it. They each threw a136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9d51kOedaG
punch, but as she was on her back it wasn’t as forceful as his. He felt his136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjzwsgCJKe6
punch crush her nose while hers hit him in the chest. While that was happening,136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡibbEh0SxZN
she moved her foot from his elbow crashing it into the side of his head. The136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbyThdIF8pp
blow was so sudden that he released her other leg as he hit the ground.
“Nice yourself.” She said,136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc2Z5a6FcgQ
stumbling to her feet. She blew a wad of blood out from the side of her nose136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVvIM2bWhL3
onto the ground.
“Damn your tough.” He groaned. He136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGSaALVeEKD
stumbled to his feet, but he didn’t feel bad. If anything, he felt invigorated.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZraWF9giZ
It’s been a long time since he had been in such a fight, and he was beginning136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDcRna8xXho
to enjoy himself. “You want to keep going?”
“Of course.” She got into a ready136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWF2gvoESuA
stance. One fist was forward while the other was back by her side. Vander stood136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEVzrkkYIT3
in front of her before adopting a similar stance, but his hands were open136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVMoIXVDkUx
instead of closed. He hit her with an open palm, but she blocked it with her136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0g8y4OsFzE
forearm and at the same time, stuck him with her fist.
He ducked below136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGYZK3XNy6B
the strike then grabbed it. He threw her over his shoulder and back onto the136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqEk8Po5Gn6
ground. He stomped on her ribs, but she spun around hitting the back of his leg136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPzGWYGd9q0
with hers knocking him off balance. Using the momentum, she got into a crouch136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV8RZvsaL1D
then tackled him so now he was on his back. He wrapped his legs around her136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTVL5X4c2Ie
midsection to try and keep her off him. He grabbed one of her arms in his then136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ2RwuNSIH2
locked it in place. She tried to punch him again, but the same thing happened.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrJOaYFGHRL
He yanked her in close to him, so they weren’t more than a breath apart.
“What are you136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4SyU2iZejs
doing after this?” he asked. She smiled wickedly at him.
“Something fun,136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡii9ua18sUN
but you’re not invited.” She said.
“That hurts my136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYDzoXhST3t
feelings.” He laughed. He pushed her arms back then unwrapped his legs before136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPULheNRWzZ
kicking her away. He got to his feet, slowly. “Gramps you mind if we end this?136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrVVGdWV4wD
I think we’ve seen enough of her abilities, unless you want us to knock each136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYVN0uj8j9Q
other out.”
“No, I think136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1jW9xT9U56
we’ve seen enough.” Charles walked out into the field.
“Thank you, I’m136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQz74IY0HPn
not sure how much more I could have taken.” He groaned. His grandfather held136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡesR7lBEUxh
out his hand the hauled Vander to his feet.
“We will let you136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtuigpHMg6S
know our decision, but I don’t see anyone being against her joining.” Charles136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz59zoSoXZf
smiled. “Nor would I be against her joining our family.”
“Come on,136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYxdEt2PjJp
gramps.” Vander rolled his eyes. “It’s not like that.”
“Sure, it isn’t.”136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiEsXNt2Syv
he laughed. “Now get the two of you to the doctor. We have a wedding to plan136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy9zxBIbfq1
for.”
Nodding his head,136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEOPMdbP474
Vander walked over to where Eliza lay on the ground and offered her his hand.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMRVrxw6xQ1
She looked up at him for a moment before clasping it. He allowed her to lean on136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUPPO8BMQMa
him as the two of them limped towards the castle where Topal would be waiting for136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy1R911QHIj
them in the infirmary.
“That was quite136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgiijNPGIMn
the fight.” She said. She hissed in pain as he adjusted her to climb the steps.
“You put on quite136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOMtyCOM21r
the show, we could learn a lot from you.”
“What do we do136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkaPfJ6xJkx
about our bet?” Eliza asked. “There was no clear winner.”
“How about we136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBO7aL1chCv
both get a request?” She thought for a moment before nodding.
“This is going to136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMA5ucSlgNM
be fun.” She grinned.
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