Chapter 16
He didn’t know why he agreed to123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9fxUCAx9kS
this, but this was a bad idea. Not that Eliza wouldn’t be a good addition to123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqTOjzUAXnl
the Blades, she would be, and he wanted to test her out, but not like this.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRu1NHA13f3
Some how Cuvera had heard of his conversation with his fiancé and took it upon123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy9Uda8ZCs4
himself to set everything up, the day of the wedding.
It was two days after Kiara and123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnhVdKCKw2Q
Vander’s talk very early in the morning. Despite the early day, people from the123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrkHpKSuyqZ
council were in attendance as was Malcolm, Bernard, Peyton and Charles. Eliza123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtEOnb2uFBB
was warming up while Vander sat there with his arms folded in front of him.
“I can’t believe you.” he growled123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVkT25uolRM
to Cuvera. “This was supposed to be a quiet event and you managed to treat this123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvtyu83eXVF
like a dog and pony show.”
“Can you blame me?” he asked.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMEtuw1GW50
“I’ve been anxious waiting for my wedding, and this was a perfect thing to take123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2qStmKk8ke
my mind off it. Don’t be mad at me because she might be your ass.”
“If I don’t beat your ass first.”123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuZli38i7gz
He lunged towards Cuvera who jumped back. “Now get over there so I can start123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVChpfcwb8f
this shit show.”
“Touchy, touchy.” He grumbled, but123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXiP7KrciB3
he did as Vander had asked. He took his spot next to his father who placed his123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRvDDy3v9Zp
hand on his son’s shoulder.
Vander had made sure that the123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCp3HGO6QCV
field was turned into a sort of training camp for Eliza. There were targets123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN2Bi0a4awF
spaced out at twenty-five, fifty, seventy-five, and a hundred yards out for her123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWSUEJkI2GC
to show off her archery skills. She would have five chances per distance to get123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjdB8LUDyfN
as close as she could. Most Blades could shoot fifty yards, maybe one or two123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJRxMu8WVqa
could shoot seventy-five, but he hadn’t met anyone who could hit the hundred.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj0I0RCNdLj
Maybe today was that day.
The next location should spar with123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUgH87iCBbW
members of the Blades using various weapons. The people she would fight ranged123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9hQzhgAh1x
from trainees all the way up to full members. There were five altogether and123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQAH8XuvcNk
they should give her a decent challenge.
The final test would be a fight123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnQMCkSycWd
against a sitting Captain. A no holds barred fight, short of maiming. There123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCS3L6rwGUm
would be no weapons allowed in this one. Just pure martial arts prowess. If she123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFMkYCQTmMz
did well she would be inducted as a Blade. If not, then she would just stay123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvbgUgWfgGA
Kiara’s bodyguard, but constantly be watched over by a Blade. He secretly hopes123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzVhtkVWqni
she will pick Leon and run him around the field. He needed to be taught a123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡis97PErs82
lesson. Hopefully today was that day.
Eliza was standing on the other123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcKca2fk8wt
side of the arena chatting with Kiara as she stretched. She was wearing long123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZysFjDtFO3
black pants, combat boots and a sleeveless black shirt. Her long hair was tied123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhOqqX9Iu5J
back into a long ponytail. Vander couldn’t help but stare as she talked, but as123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtN9j8gR1vm
soon as she looked over he quicky averted his gaze.
“Let’s get this started Vander.”123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡltM8B2IeTG
Charles ordered. Sighing, Vander walked over to where Eliza was stretching123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡONSaazJ4fs
doing his best to not look at her.
“Are you ready?” he asked.
“As I’ll ever be.” She responded.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTwKs2lDCfK
She got up then walked towards where the bows and arrows were stationed.
“Hey.” Vander looked over at Kiara123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIzskT6NwMM
as she waved him over. Confused he walked over to see what she wanted. “She123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIx3ADELecQ
will only like you if you can beat her.”
“What?” he asked.
“Don’t think we didn’t notice you123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz5bj6bHHsG
staring.” Kiara laughed. “All of her suitors back home had to fight her, none123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM1b42eP1i2
managed to win. Good luck though, I believe in you.” With that she scampered123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS5JnlNgnb2
off to sit by Cuvera while the test was administered. Vander walked to stand by123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiIsDvHoGnr
Eliza.
“First test is your archery123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8JL3tHMmXw
skills.” Vander explained. “Despite us using swords, we still need to use bows123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtqyAJa33yU
so we can protect the castle walls using the ramparts. Each of us needs to be a123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvq478Ml6gf
crack shot just in case, so we keep our abilities trained.” To demonstrate, he123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡehp3RHuYiN
removed his jacket then tossed it towards Cuvera. It hit him in the face123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡogEBgDnUTo
causing him to yelp before throwing it onto the ground and stomping on it.
Like Kiara he was wearing a123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW7UDPwDWjb
sleeveless black shirt which was pertinent for this test. He strapped the arm123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIyMGuIkV9Z
guard to the underside of his arm then put the finger tab, so he didn’t injure123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpYWDatBbY3
himself. “To pass you need to either pass my arrows or get close enough to123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN35YY7ef4g
them.” He picked up a bow, tested the tautness of the string before selecting123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTRLd4NChKQ
then docking his arrow. The first arrow hit the twenty-five dead center. The123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqYnS6lQddt
second arrow hit the fifty slightly off center, but still within the inner123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiYNpbZZc3t
circle. The third arrow hit dirt halfway between the second and third target123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTVtj6Nb8wZ
causing the nobles to chuckle amongst themselves. Vander adjusted his bow123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbLrmtL0Mz4
slightly, so it was pointing up then launched the forth arrow. It landed just123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVe1BwD1o2P
in front of the hundred.
He held the bow out to her then123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQouOCdHpoM
stepped back after she had taken it. With strong arms she pulled the bow back123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmzjtnlgtjr
then hit a bullseye on the first target. She quickly pulled back then let loose123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjh8sd0XQKQ
a second arrow hitting the other bullseye on the fifty. She hit the third123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG66DT5DGDM
target off to the left and her fourth arrow went farther than his causing the123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvbU7FzOoyX
nobles to mutter amongst themselves.
“Very nice.” Vander acknowledged123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDBP2LLRo7x
her with a clap on the back. She tensed for a moment under his touch but123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlTIB8JePBC
relaxed a moment later. He looked back to see his grandfather nodding his head123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmuDj6y14hC
in acknowledgement, but the rest of the nobles didn’t look impressed. There was123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3LHQ9PllqS
a very high bar to become a Blade in there eyes considering it dealt with their123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNWPQKN9IMo
protection, but it always annoyed him. They couldn’t do better, most of them123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgALkOxMsCF
couldn’t hold a sword, so why did they get to decide who protect them?
“Let’s move on.” Eliza brushed123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYr2rCUk7eT
past him to head towards the training area. Vander walked behind her; they123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAjezVtFTjT
didn’t have too far to go. Standing in the training pits were three sitting123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4a6WJAtwUx
Blades and two trainees, both from Vander’s group. He wanted to use this123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0BsgdgwpJG
opportunity to give Rooster and Eve some experience fighting someone stronger123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡojERrWe9zk
than them, but different style than the Blades. The other three were Blades he123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2IPEiT9MsD
didn’t know, hand picked by his grandfather.
“We will go in order.” Vander123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrOm8B2rG8u
explained. “Rooster step forward.” The red head took a nervous step into the123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeBwqFYo7lb
pit. “What weapon would you like to use?” he asked Eliza.
“How good is your staff fighting?”123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzRXOsLj616
she asked Rooster.
“Alright, I guess.” He shrugged.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2IEgmNystj
Vander rolled his eyes. They were trained in all manner of weapons, including123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRgaNJB3Eed
staves. Rooster was one of the best in the Blades, he didn’t know why the123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi9FGq6CxRw
trainee was being so modest about it.
“Then we will use that.” Vander123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJFc6J41VJ
walked over to the weapons rack and removed two staves. He tossed one to123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ89yQks8I0R
Rooster who caught it one handed. Kiara did the same then raised her eyebrow in123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSkBLk8NCJq
challenge.
The two of them circle each other,123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE2dU3aXLmT
smacking their staves trying to make an opening. Rooster, the impatient person123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxVL1iXDGn3
he was, broke first. He swung his staff down towards Eliza’s leg. She blocked123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPACm3CnE2T
it with the butt of hers causing Rooster to stumble off balance. He hadn’t123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXR1O28ruRk
prepared himself for the reverberations that traveled from the collision. Eliza123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrdQkdDEMKK
kept up the pressure. She kicked the staff towards Rooster’s face and as he123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcbaZvASnup
staggered backward, she spun it around catching his foot. Pulling hard, he fell123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpUMb4L36A5
to the ground. Seconds later she held the tip under his chin.
“I yield.” He sighed. Eliza threw123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOxliDCJFGx
her staff to the side then helped the boy up. He brushed the dirt off his pants123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxBx2Dpr2H5
before slinking back towards the stands.
“Eve, step forward.” Vander123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAo8B699O14
shouted. Eve came out twirling a couple of knives in her hands.
“Mind we use these?” she asked123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSsKjjx6zgZ
Eliza. Eliza shrugged before holding her hands out towards Vander. Sighing, he123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKrLcAjH1YB
walked over to place his knives in her open hand. She studied them for a second123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMkZR0tqcpy
before gripping them: one in an overhand position, one in an underhand123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzHu6tozS36
position, so the blade was resting against the underside of her arm.
The two of them looked at each123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO3TTvOY3ir
other before lunging towards one another. Metal clashed as the two of them123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVbStdJYCf0
slashed and stabbed at each other each of them moved masterfully out of the123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQp2h3IeO90
way, so they didn’t get cut. Vander was mesmerized by the display, but not123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQV3lApotFo
because of what Eliza was doing. He knew that she was skillful due to being the123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRd6mQqBaaq
princess’ bodyguard, but Eve didn’t have any formal training aside from her123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVrF7fTi4BK
stint with him. She didn’t show any of this ability during training, and he123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEgdS5zuyn1
couldn’t help but wonder if she had just been going easy on them this entire123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5RKgb20BA8
time. The round ended when Eliza was able to get past Eve’s guard and slash her123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNNj40vBiBm
arm. The cut was deep enough to cut through the uniform and draw some blood,123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSFkLzOVbgW
but not a lot.
“Match is over.” Vander shouted.
“Not yet.” Eve gasped. She lunged123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7JxPi05mw2
towards Eliza who had started walking towards Vander, so she didn’t notice Eve123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3iW3sEgfe1
moving towards her. Shea’s body collided with the young girl knocking her to123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLUa8gJuPxk
the ground. Before she could stand back up, Shea placed two feet on the girl’s123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbKSsJqs38g
chest before snarling in her face.
“Stay down, pup.” She123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl5GN9cgenS
growled.
“We will have a talk about this123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWgIUbJcjE8
later, Eve.” Vander snapped. “Rooster, bring her back to the barracks.” The red123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdiFEFnmdkx
head rushed up to do as he ordered. Shea got off Eve then waited for Rooster to123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpzG7Xj7CA1
remove her from the arena before she took her place next to Charles.
The next three bouts went by123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHknzjtrtA0
quickly. The Blades Charles had picked were top of their class, but not a match123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvhKWgKoa0s
for Eliza. The first one chose dual axes as his weapon. The two clashed, but123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTOsp0NZBjy
her agility allowed her to effectively use weapons to smash his knees forcing123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ64LgWVthjw
him to the ground.
The second person wanted to use123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7xib7LtwMN
swords as a weapon. She was very skilled, one of the few who Charles had his123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡukWW4yzaDa
eye on to promote to being a Captain, Vander hadn’t recognized her at first123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp1saq57nsR
because she usually wore a hood, but he recognized the style she used. Eliza123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡme6yiCpS6p
had knocked the sword away from her then drove her knee into her face knocking123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdpgi07lCZO
her unconscious.
The last Blade before she got to123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi5JXC5p0xO
pick a captain to fight was a younger Blade. Vander didn’t know too much about123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB38EBKjT6b
him aside that he was in Leon’s camp. Again, he chose swords to fight with. The123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ7jRmRkZK8
two of them circled each other warily, fatigue was beginning to set it for123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3BPVJobP2Y
Eliza. She had been in back-to-back fights, each one more exhausting than the123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLXhlGomMqT
last. He was well rested and had a good idea of her fighting style since he had123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH5vyj6zIHg
just had to watch. He easily overpowered her forcing her on her back foot. She123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNMF3WXdD1J
swung widely allowing him to easily get in and counter. He punched her in the123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBiO8yhDHws
stomach and sides until she was gasping for air, but she didn’t give up.
In a battle like this, mentality123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQOq3ir2I0y
was everything. If you didn’t think you could win, you wouldn’t. Despite her123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Pu2OAlIl1
exhaustion, Vander knew that she would be able to win if she kept her eye on123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuatmkeKDEn
the prize and bid her time. In came a few minutes later. Perhaps it was over123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD9XhnMEClA
confidence or skillful planning on her part, but he went in for a wide slash.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi0Uyn3qMkd
Using the opening, she stepped inside his box, grabbed the arm holding the123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNs151GyRy0
sword then squeezed. He tried to punch her in the face, but she wrapped her arm123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDFdhwvt4iG
around his elbow then pulled. Vander winced once he heard the crack as the123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg7BAwXPJyg
elbow dislocated. The man screamed and dropped his sword. Eliza put him under123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSRwqlsuN1a
with a blow to the jaw. There were a few reluctant claps from the noble123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwHtbbUwmtU
gallery.
“Now you have earned the right to123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrrnjQjKJQw
challenge a Captain.” Charles stepped into the training area. Vander, Leon and123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQGR5GHkWuO
Alex stood next to each other at attention holding their breath to see who123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrUvGKjTXxn
would get picked. “Choose.”
Eliza thought for a moment before123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb5fGxjMn3e
pointing at Vander. “I can’t say I deserve a spot if I don’t fight the123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuq2emBMmKa
strongest out of the three.” She grinned. “Plus, his cockiness is irritating.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHd8R7KgPTn
I’d love to put him in his place.” Leon snorted at that, but Alex didn’t say123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGfPzWOTsUY
anything.
“Then take a break.” Charles said.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxzxkJIN5hD
“We will resume in an hour.”
While Eliza and Kiara talked to123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3XBbXe09BM
one another in hushed tones, Vander met with Alex to discuss the final match123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1AYDvcRfbE
and his chances of winning.
“She’s strong.” Alex muttered.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpXbPtVFNNp
“Much stronger than any of the rumors suggested.”
“You think there is a reason123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ637sQxtkPy
Bricen sent someone so strong to us?” Vander wondered.
“Because there are others who are123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Qst8uRH9U
stronger.” Alex laughed. “Don’t focus on that, focus on the fight ahead. What’s123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQghcP72sQv
your plan?”
“It’s really up to her and how she123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkREBKaeX69
wants to fight.” He responded. “But you know I’ve never been one to backdown123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTE4qJy4tA5
from a challenge.”
“Just remember how it will look123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡINTYgxqjjN
how you lose.” That was the warning Vander was waiting for his friend to bring123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbhw7LVEbjF
up. He turned to see all the nobles whispering to themselves, but more than a123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGSqZ055UV
few were staring at him.
“I never had their confidence in123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgUZC8lVr07
the first place, Alex.” Vander placed a hand on his friend’s shoulder. “And123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo54EYPndrq
it’s not up to them whether I should be the Commander. That’s up to the prince123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnKZrbheTGr
and my grandfather. I’ll be fine.”
“We’ve had this conversation123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrKgi3wxlBw
before Vander. They will buckle to the pressures of the council if they must.”123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9r5MMIcZDj
He explained. “It’s happened before and there is no doubt in my mind that it123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnZItVOpfHn
will happen again. Be careful.”
“Next thing we need to discuss is123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2jftN89j4X
Eve.” Vander turned towards the barracks. “What the god’s name was that?” Alex123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxaxwKY4BMs
was quiet for a couple seconds.
“I saw something in her body123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8XhUxaOii3
language then.” Alex was quiet. “It looked as though she was going to try and123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXoVPjFSRRZ
kill Kiara once the fight was done.”
“Were we wrong about her?” Alex123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuwvLMr3t1N
didn’t have an answer for him. “It’s something we are going to have to123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrOVycnGOZx
investigate Alex. Keep your eye on her, let me know the minute she does123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtfSmzoqEAn
something strange, alright?”
“I will.” Now that that was taken123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo8AALuJKvM
care of, he could focus his attention on the fight with Eliza. Charles called123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRD4WWE1vmM
the two of them to the center of the arena where he was standing. Eliza looked123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAnDDFTsVyV
well rested, but he could tell that she was still fatigued. He wondered if he123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCt8odyl0MK
could convince his grandfather to postpone the fight until after the wedding123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7WV0zxWfN9
ceremony tonight, but he doubted it. Every Blade incumbent had to go through123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs8kyXd2Yg2
this gauntlet, and she would have to do the same.
“I hope you are well rested.”123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMbUtsKDRjA
Charles’ voice boomed. “This is the final bout where Eliza has challenged123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX6AXSaY5Zh
Vander. Have you decided how the two of you should fight?” he turned to look at123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1W25B71PLd
his grandson.
“I have no preference.” He123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI0VC5YnndL
explained. “I was going to leave it up to her to decide how we fight.”
“Very well.” Charles turned123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ41Zq8pXUPp
towards Eliza. “What is your decision?”
“Hand to hand combat.” A gasp came123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9aKAvOrY98
out from the crowd. Inwardly Vander grinned to himself. Any soldier worth their123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBQipcS0JVL
salt would have to eventually fight with their hands amid battle. Whether it be123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOo9hUpVUJ5
weapons are useless in close quarters or your weapons are stripped from your123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIygugGJx4y
hands. It was a bloody, personal way to kill someone, yet it had to be learned.
“Very well.” Charles waved the two123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiz8SCKP0Au
of them forward, so they were facing each other. “You may begin.”
“Care to make this interesting?”123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUeYsYrg83w
Vander asked as the two of them circled each other.
“What do you have in mind?” Eliza123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfHosdi3k28
grinned.
“Winner gets to ask one thing of123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4TkBqLhm9r
the loser.” He said. “Nothing bad, just a request.”
“Anything?”
“Anything.” He agreed.
“You’re on.” She said.
Vander threw a punch at Eliza, but123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0bN8Mna4tg
she launched herself at his stomach. He wasn’t prepared for the sudden attack,123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNGt97yI83C
but thanks to his gifts, his reflexes were quick enough. He got low to the123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpRyIcDoUqa
ground bracing himself for her momentum, but she anticipated it. She brought123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMO9uB0lnSS
her head up, cracking him in the jaw, then while he was unbalanced, punched him123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡycJ4Q6x0Dn
causing him to stumble backwards.
“Nice.” He rubbed his jaw before123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsfSxRVWkJJ
spitting out a tooth that had been knocked loose. His head was spinning, but he123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOSjXEmev7l
didn’t have time to catch his breath. She charged him the jumped, aiming her123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDhXlo3dl12
knee at his face. He got to her first. He lunged at her, grabbing her from123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn4fZTDvcuZ
midair then slammed her onto the ground. She pushed him away with her leg, but123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ8e8zf6QSr
he grabbed it in the nook of his arm and held it. He tried to punch her, but123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW2dCgkNlsa
her foot ended up in his elbow keeping him from moving it. They each threw a123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡottkuBaZei
punch, but as she was on her back it wasn’t as forceful as his. He felt his123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLKhShUJTzz
punch crush her nose while hers hit him in the chest. While that was happening,123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡURO6jMyygO
she moved her foot from his elbow crashing it into the side of his head. The123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTAovsC2ca5
blow was so sudden that he released her other leg as he hit the ground.
“Nice yourself.” She said,123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡevyECadnok
stumbling to her feet. She blew a wad of blood out from the side of her nose123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPZewMGf7lf
onto the ground.
“Damn your tough.” He groaned. He123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvKVcUQmMGZ
stumbled to his feet, but he didn’t feel bad. If anything, he felt invigorated.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtCPlGf4TIi
It’s been a long time since he had been in such a fight, and he was beginning123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVOP9jOGwRi
to enjoy himself. “You want to keep going?”
“Of course.” She got into a ready123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKThIueVN6H
stance. One fist was forward while the other was back by her side. Vander stood123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmWwbZR37pG
in front of her before adopting a similar stance, but his hands were open123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdvW1F9uyPH
instead of closed. He hit her with an open palm, but she blocked it with her123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDy0gT0x6Hv
forearm and at the same time, stuck him with her fist.
He ducked below123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfchVwb3FWw
the strike then grabbed it. He threw her over his shoulder and back onto the123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4xrFAuoy7p
ground. He stomped on her ribs, but she spun around hitting the back of his leg123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtoVaXUZP6l
with hers knocking him off balance. Using the momentum, she got into a crouch123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXwAXrOO38q
then tackled him so now he was on his back. He wrapped his legs around her123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8mXkFnO1Tr
midsection to try and keep her off him. He grabbed one of her arms in his then123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2sWufjxH5r
locked it in place. She tried to punch him again, but the same thing happened.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKUKuwoO8mn
He yanked her in close to him, so they weren’t more than a breath apart.
“What are you123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHRPRuItTw0
doing after this?” he asked. She smiled wickedly at him.
“Something fun,123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIBrjbYlNUy
but you’re not invited.” She said.
“That hurts my123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡON20zc5WHB
feelings.” He laughed. He pushed her arms back then unwrapped his legs before123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH6H9hOgyNo
kicking her away. He got to his feet, slowly. “Gramps you mind if we end this?123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoXNnNgu5nw
I think we’ve seen enough of her abilities, unless you want us to knock each123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyZInlZxLKj
other out.”
“No, I think123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡriUhC6ACNK
we’ve seen enough.” Charles walked out into the field.
“Thank you, I’m123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDUmul9AIZo
not sure how much more I could have taken.” He groaned. His grandfather held123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbaiovO7wLl
out his hand the hauled Vander to his feet.
“We will let you123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhJhgBgvakK
know our decision, but I don’t see anyone being against her joining.” Charles123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyeB8tlyCNr
smiled. “Nor would I be against her joining our family.”
“Come on,123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAjegOFru6m
gramps.” Vander rolled his eyes. “It’s not like that.”
“Sure, it isn’t.”123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOFdIhTRlLY
he laughed. “Now get the two of you to the doctor. We have a wedding to plan123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyLUQwZU500
for.”
Nodding his head,123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPsTJ91GN1v
Vander walked over to where Eliza lay on the ground and offered her his hand.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEXg9G8Yw81
She looked up at him for a moment before clasping it. He allowed her to lean on123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2G7jO1sAG2
him as the two of them limped towards the castle where Topal would be waiting for123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF8ecnDs5XL
them in the infirmary.
“That was quite123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ98MHvy1Ph
the fight.” She said. She hissed in pain as he adjusted her to climb the steps.
“You put on quite123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlb0zagQes4
the show, we could learn a lot from you.”
“What do we do123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY6f37MVWBj
about our bet?” Eliza asked. “There was no clear winner.”
“How about we123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcRaDpkwlKn
both get a request?” She thought for a moment before nodding.
“This is going to123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsLm4gYjhJA
be fun.” She grinned.
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