Chapter 16
He didn’t know why he agreed to76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1hhNDGdKQg
this, but this was a bad idea. Not that Eliza wouldn’t be a good addition to76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBTuicVNrxR
the Blades, she would be, and he wanted to test her out, but not like this.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjmrVVExrWv
Some how Cuvera had heard of his conversation with his fiancé and took it upon76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRIOLarJ4th
himself to set everything up, the day of the wedding.
It was two days after Kiara and76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtqA5bL9DiY
Vander’s talk very early in the morning. Despite the early day, people from the76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN0qX1LLH29
council were in attendance as was Malcolm, Bernard, Peyton and Charles. Eliza76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzmRsByq7h6
was warming up while Vander sat there with his arms folded in front of him.
“I can’t believe you.” he growled76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0B5FIJDZop
to Cuvera. “This was supposed to be a quiet event and you managed to treat this76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOzSIHJSJ2J
like a dog and pony show.”
“Can you blame me?” he asked.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4QEnCVv4n6
“I’ve been anxious waiting for my wedding, and this was a perfect thing to take76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDwUTno0wVY
my mind off it. Don’t be mad at me because she might be your ass.”
“If I don’t beat your ass first.”76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ32hZwmEg5g
He lunged towards Cuvera who jumped back. “Now get over there so I can start76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsO6bW44aR1
this shit show.”
“Touchy, touchy.” He grumbled, but76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFruBzJexYy
he did as Vander had asked. He took his spot next to his father who placed his76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdMsQ14auXm
hand on his son’s shoulder.
Vander had made sure that the76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgmlPPo2N3O
field was turned into a sort of training camp for Eliza. There were targets76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGfmaLPUgP
spaced out at twenty-five, fifty, seventy-five, and a hundred yards out for her76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYpDwfi8jBj
to show off her archery skills. She would have five chances per distance to get76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz8DbE1f9KI
as close as she could. Most Blades could shoot fifty yards, maybe one or two76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXacKhHjoJg
could shoot seventy-five, but he hadn’t met anyone who could hit the hundred.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFLwPRAqXKM
Maybe today was that day.
The next location should spar with76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSZtcqOd9AZ
members of the Blades using various weapons. The people she would fight ranged76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIXUXw5gSFg
from trainees all the way up to full members. There were five altogether and76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhBnFR3n21t
they should give her a decent challenge.
The final test would be a fight76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0FtCgMqzgy
against a sitting Captain. A no holds barred fight, short of maiming. There76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHkRJY0lIaI
would be no weapons allowed in this one. Just pure martial arts prowess. If she76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhhKCac7lOe
did well she would be inducted as a Blade. If not, then she would just stay76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡac7RDDJRhb
Kiara’s bodyguard, but constantly be watched over by a Blade. He secretly hopes76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBwktAR0isy
she will pick Leon and run him around the field. He needed to be taught a76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2mwkb9K9wH
lesson. Hopefully today was that day.
Eliza was standing on the other76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsByNCxhqV3
side of the arena chatting with Kiara as she stretched. She was wearing long76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrXCHo5venn
black pants, combat boots and a sleeveless black shirt. Her long hair was tied76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXdP241SRPj
back into a long ponytail. Vander couldn’t help but stare as she talked, but as76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx4olrOJWhe
soon as she looked over he quicky averted his gaze.
“Let’s get this started Vander.”76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgr8dZ6frnh
Charles ordered. Sighing, Vander walked over to where Eliza was stretching76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKvClDqowCZ
doing his best to not look at her.
“Are you ready?” he asked.
“As I’ll ever be.” She responded.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtiR9L3aC8c
She got up then walked towards where the bows and arrows were stationed.
“Hey.” Vander looked over at Kiara76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeyYHqx95MI
as she waved him over. Confused he walked over to see what she wanted. “She76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡksRtNTmxn9
will only like you if you can beat her.”
“What?” he asked.
“Don’t think we didn’t notice you76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTfa9dUK0tN
staring.” Kiara laughed. “All of her suitors back home had to fight her, none76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPIjVgnE13y
managed to win. Good luck though, I believe in you.” With that she scampered76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeXD39HnoyR
off to sit by Cuvera while the test was administered. Vander walked to stand by76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAd7KgA857B
Eliza.
“First test is your archery76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa9mJI0uPf8
skills.” Vander explained. “Despite us using swords, we still need to use bows76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEd7DzWuRyq
so we can protect the castle walls using the ramparts. Each of us needs to be a76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2pFjKvMfvI
crack shot just in case, so we keep our abilities trained.” To demonstrate, he76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbJdiVPPDbZ
removed his jacket then tossed it towards Cuvera. It hit him in the face76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSFYbrs8OPz
causing him to yelp before throwing it onto the ground and stomping on it.
Like Kiara he was wearing a76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZdAfNwjPZ8
sleeveless black shirt which was pertinent for this test. He strapped the arm76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIo7m9RYZYA
guard to the underside of his arm then put the finger tab, so he didn’t injure76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡncDSqcgs6x
himself. “To pass you need to either pass my arrows or get close enough to76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj15NrOF7xB
them.” He picked up a bow, tested the tautness of the string before selecting76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5rET4Dtqtu
then docking his arrow. The first arrow hit the twenty-five dead center. The76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpuGayxcaRO
second arrow hit the fifty slightly off center, but still within the inner76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWzU0nPIVQQ
circle. The third arrow hit dirt halfway between the second and third target76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLFWYXj7B5X
causing the nobles to chuckle amongst themselves. Vander adjusted his bow76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrj2s9VZAcv
slightly, so it was pointing up then launched the forth arrow. It landed just76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQ0CMEDL0L
in front of the hundred.
He held the bow out to her then76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCef3RCzwE
stepped back after she had taken it. With strong arms she pulled the bow back76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmVIM4D1J6h
then hit a bullseye on the first target. She quickly pulled back then let loose76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdj8I7JmFBA
a second arrow hitting the other bullseye on the fifty. She hit the third76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ZVXlSi4fm
target off to the left and her fourth arrow went farther than his causing the76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCy5RKqEXNI
nobles to mutter amongst themselves.
“Very nice.” Vander acknowledged76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZMR94TzuuV
her with a clap on the back. She tensed for a moment under his touch but76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj8ZupJkw0p
relaxed a moment later. He looked back to see his grandfather nodding his head76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM2PE3vLHzN
in acknowledgement, but the rest of the nobles didn’t look impressed. There was76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbhijRjs0cB
a very high bar to become a Blade in there eyes considering it dealt with their76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXAiRwODd5J
protection, but it always annoyed him. They couldn’t do better, most of them76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ZM6PPtOOM
couldn’t hold a sword, so why did they get to decide who protect them?
“Let’s move on.” Eliza brushed76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNg6NwjH0sQ
past him to head towards the training area. Vander walked behind her; they76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwY5g2nTPG0
didn’t have too far to go. Standing in the training pits were three sitting76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKXoU2Xwvm6
Blades and two trainees, both from Vander’s group. He wanted to use this76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFamIoWT5ro
opportunity to give Rooster and Eve some experience fighting someone stronger76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCFRuAc85gK
than them, but different style than the Blades. The other three were Blades he76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡITOWNQZlBX
didn’t know, hand picked by his grandfather.
“We will go in order.” Vander76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC30HedJF0E
explained. “Rooster step forward.” The red head took a nervous step into the76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs3c1kfn2Lm
pit. “What weapon would you like to use?” he asked Eliza.
“How good is your staff fighting?”76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD367JzDPEV
she asked Rooster.
“Alright, I guess.” He shrugged.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIl8zn8kdD4
Vander rolled his eyes. They were trained in all manner of weapons, including76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4skQ7V6FPT
staves. Rooster was one of the best in the Blades, he didn’t know why the76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYVe7V5AKou
trainee was being so modest about it.
“Then we will use that.” Vander76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZpmrjaZLUz
walked over to the weapons rack and removed two staves. He tossed one to76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN3tqUtQct7
Rooster who caught it one handed. Kiara did the same then raised her eyebrow in76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQWmvS4WLK2
challenge.
The two of them circle each other,76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzgr7aQCSsb
smacking their staves trying to make an opening. Rooster, the impatient person76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP9jMNsES7d
he was, broke first. He swung his staff down towards Eliza’s leg. She blocked76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPSTAVCoD4y
it with the butt of hers causing Rooster to stumble off balance. He hadn’t76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKT3fI4D771
prepared himself for the reverberations that traveled from the collision. Eliza76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ22vZR9vAQw
kept up the pressure. She kicked the staff towards Rooster’s face and as he76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlbS4GIS6SD
staggered backward, she spun it around catching his foot. Pulling hard, he fell76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY2CzVOu6sF
to the ground. Seconds later she held the tip under his chin.
“I yield.” He sighed. Eliza threw76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBfodpXNaHM
her staff to the side then helped the boy up. He brushed the dirt off his pants76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPSsgeFxQtg
before slinking back towards the stands.
“Eve, step forward.” Vander76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ17MvhjrH8p
shouted. Eve came out twirling a couple of knives in her hands.
“Mind we use these?” she asked76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgCjW0Cca4h
Eliza. Eliza shrugged before holding her hands out towards Vander. Sighing, he76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaQLcuYkNuU
walked over to place his knives in her open hand. She studied them for a second76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVZpuHu1s2
before gripping them: one in an overhand position, one in an underhand76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMIPnui3Qm8
position, so the blade was resting against the underside of her arm.
The two of them looked at each76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3SF3D5kV2z
other before lunging towards one another. Metal clashed as the two of them76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrVV2t4aXst
slashed and stabbed at each other each of them moved masterfully out of the76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9VtxEZllHe
way, so they didn’t get cut. Vander was mesmerized by the display, but not76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOnYlspGfdX
because of what Eliza was doing. He knew that she was skillful due to being the76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXFjeSeQPi6
princess’ bodyguard, but Eve didn’t have any formal training aside from her76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFcazgaT9N6
stint with him. She didn’t show any of this ability during training, and he76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmGaMr7U7hn
couldn’t help but wonder if she had just been going easy on them this entire76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQEtxOTNvTF
time. The round ended when Eliza was able to get past Eve’s guard and slash her76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmwfBGrUFyC
arm. The cut was deep enough to cut through the uniform and draw some blood,76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCC9KwU1gwA
but not a lot.
“Match is over.” Vander shouted.
“Not yet.” Eve gasped. She lunged76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuFg9iBMy8M
towards Eliza who had started walking towards Vander, so she didn’t notice Eve76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtnYLuuFJqN
moving towards her. Shea’s body collided with the young girl knocking her to76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxGVP1nWnNL
the ground. Before she could stand back up, Shea placed two feet on the girl’s76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX7KTZE6nC1
chest before snarling in her face.
“Stay down, pup.” She76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3zKChcVgUM
growled.
“We will have a talk about this76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv911CEjE6F
later, Eve.” Vander snapped. “Rooster, bring her back to the barracks.” The red76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡamSfrIi5DS
head rushed up to do as he ordered. Shea got off Eve then waited for Rooster to76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmrRJkZYdNO
remove her from the arena before she took her place next to Charles.
The next three bouts went by76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnCaLgk2izN
quickly. The Blades Charles had picked were top of their class, but not a match76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP2Lx3zTHIv
for Eliza. The first one chose dual axes as his weapon. The two clashed, but76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa6DFBiE0q6
her agility allowed her to effectively use weapons to smash his knees forcing76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm18CcMSPNK
him to the ground.
The second person wanted to use76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwwUCyIYRia
swords as a weapon. She was very skilled, one of the few who Charles had his76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDM1s90UWku
eye on to promote to being a Captain, Vander hadn’t recognized her at first76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRze9ZEKHo6
because she usually wore a hood, but he recognized the style she used. Eliza76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0prr3lBRNK
had knocked the sword away from her then drove her knee into her face knocking76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcEw3rK6t1z
her unconscious.
The last Blade before she got to76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwCurHxOZq4
pick a captain to fight was a younger Blade. Vander didn’t know too much about76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw6xf5fXJVr
him aside that he was in Leon’s camp. Again, he chose swords to fight with. The76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbEJ5qszPvt
two of them circled each other warily, fatigue was beginning to set it for76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1VmmRYYp6P
Eliza. She had been in back-to-back fights, each one more exhausting than the76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2YWmIAoMnB
last. He was well rested and had a good idea of her fighting style since he had76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ64ZfSJANtW
just had to watch. He easily overpowered her forcing her on her back foot. She76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPcvZOzKtDQ
swung widely allowing him to easily get in and counter. He punched her in the76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr7JTe6rDji
stomach and sides until she was gasping for air, but she didn’t give up.
In a battle like this, mentality76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF7f3Zvw0Em
was everything. If you didn’t think you could win, you wouldn’t. Despite her76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUfEw6ZMBes
exhaustion, Vander knew that she would be able to win if she kept her eye on76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwY05rtsBMf
the prize and bid her time. In came a few minutes later. Perhaps it was over76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK2OU012PUn
confidence or skillful planning on her part, but he went in for a wide slash.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn4vbcmjkpC
Using the opening, she stepped inside his box, grabbed the arm holding the76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxRoOOOww2U
sword then squeezed. He tried to punch her in the face, but she wrapped her arm76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXbDge5lMlR
around his elbow then pulled. Vander winced once he heard the crack as the76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA3QUPMX14s
elbow dislocated. The man screamed and dropped his sword. Eliza put him under76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLEbuSkgD9Q
with a blow to the jaw. There were a few reluctant claps from the noble76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOf2W3MHmsW
gallery.
“Now you have earned the right to76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡalrykAmbwr
challenge a Captain.” Charles stepped into the training area. Vander, Leon and76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLgFDNMIRlM
Alex stood next to each other at attention holding their breath to see who76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo6SqwOJ3hd
would get picked. “Choose.”
Eliza thought for a moment before76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsLAWEKoDOJ
pointing at Vander. “I can’t say I deserve a spot if I don’t fight the76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7PKYr9vkVs
strongest out of the three.” She grinned. “Plus, his cockiness is irritating.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpigRTMG1pE
I’d love to put him in his place.” Leon snorted at that, but Alex didn’t say76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVdm4IzlivM
anything.
“Then take a break.” Charles said.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmTFQEmZ3Bq
“We will resume in an hour.”
While Eliza and Kiara talked to76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡriGwduVldc
one another in hushed tones, Vander met with Alex to discuss the final match76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5rYHjHFWzN
and his chances of winning.
“She’s strong.” Alex muttered.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLccpzi36Pi
“Much stronger than any of the rumors suggested.”
“You think there is a reason76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK810AJQiQo
Bricen sent someone so strong to us?” Vander wondered.
“Because there are others who are76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDHZoGcOIeh
stronger.” Alex laughed. “Don’t focus on that, focus on the fight ahead. What’s76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQd3LgSbG2c
your plan?”
“It’s really up to her and how she76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqwP5ViJ2WU
wants to fight.” He responded. “But you know I’ve never been one to backdown76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡItyhMDClcP
from a challenge.”
“Just remember how it will look76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn6l1kqdZPJ
how you lose.” That was the warning Vander was waiting for his friend to bring76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq35olO4WyM
up. He turned to see all the nobles whispering to themselves, but more than a76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV3bMmXBiwp
few were staring at him.
“I never had their confidence in76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLDnFxmc9QD
the first place, Alex.” Vander placed a hand on his friend’s shoulder. “And76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMwSD9B4p8K
it’s not up to them whether I should be the Commander. That’s up to the prince76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKJhRQx573h
and my grandfather. I’ll be fine.”
“We’ve had this conversation76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX5DV3faRZH
before Vander. They will buckle to the pressures of the council if they must.”76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpnaf4spWfM
He explained. “It’s happened before and there is no doubt in my mind that it76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYT80ym1HHV
will happen again. Be careful.”
“Next thing we need to discuss is76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK52gx4B9NM
Eve.” Vander turned towards the barracks. “What the god’s name was that?” Alex76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrExV1Yy719
was quiet for a couple seconds.
“I saw something in her body76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuraToalleP
language then.” Alex was quiet. “It looked as though she was going to try and76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnoLx6XF8rV
kill Kiara once the fight was done.”
“Were we wrong about her?” Alex76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKnBAS59yyb
didn’t have an answer for him. “It’s something we are going to have to76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcnQIAi0mfF
investigate Alex. Keep your eye on her, let me know the minute she does76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGfMdTrnLiq
something strange, alright?”
“I will.” Now that that was taken76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡybhTKQzq0x
care of, he could focus his attention on the fight with Eliza. Charles called76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYMc0FMhvdL
the two of them to the center of the arena where he was standing. Eliza looked76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNlKh6Zfl6Q
well rested, but he could tell that she was still fatigued. He wondered if he76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdpfsFfFjs7
could convince his grandfather to postpone the fight until after the wedding76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXe5xhBuiir
ceremony tonight, but he doubted it. Every Blade incumbent had to go through76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ89SdGvcNbe
this gauntlet, and she would have to do the same.
“I hope you are well rested.”76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwuIkTcSyAg
Charles’ voice boomed. “This is the final bout where Eliza has challenged76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQjSoMw3BGV
Vander. Have you decided how the two of you should fight?” he turned to look at76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl0nySgyAjd
his grandson.
“I have no preference.” He76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYWUJXatwKD
explained. “I was going to leave it up to her to decide how we fight.”
“Very well.” Charles turned76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKPqoeDO6yv
towards Eliza. “What is your decision?”
“Hand to hand combat.” A gasp came76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ5MGM1MqLk
out from the crowd. Inwardly Vander grinned to himself. Any soldier worth their76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa5kPmoeSB6
salt would have to eventually fight with their hands amid battle. Whether it be76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡboIy1x3BTd
weapons are useless in close quarters or your weapons are stripped from your76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBW3dySbAWH
hands. It was a bloody, personal way to kill someone, yet it had to be learned.
“Very well.” Charles waved the two76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlzwfBbiEC6
of them forward, so they were facing each other. “You may begin.”
“Care to make this interesting?”76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP2q8Lf2N3Y
Vander asked as the two of them circled each other.
“What do you have in mind?” Eliza76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuxn5gBC6rX
grinned.
“Winner gets to ask one thing of76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRsPAJL6jaG
the loser.” He said. “Nothing bad, just a request.”
“Anything?”
“Anything.” He agreed.
“You’re on.” She said.
Vander threw a punch at Eliza, but76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEq8MN4bR9G
she launched herself at his stomach. He wasn’t prepared for the sudden attack,76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ehCqBNye6
but thanks to his gifts, his reflexes were quick enough. He got low to the76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfHcxrtBjI7
ground bracing himself for her momentum, but she anticipated it. She brought76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdZpc5oHhwP
her head up, cracking him in the jaw, then while he was unbalanced, punched him76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpWeyWNywup
causing him to stumble backwards.
“Nice.” He rubbed his jaw before76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBtIHwNywAE
spitting out a tooth that had been knocked loose. His head was spinning, but he76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH7reMWVZ6m
didn’t have time to catch his breath. She charged him the jumped, aiming her76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx5BKiWUNaA
knee at his face. He got to her first. He lunged at her, grabbing her from76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFWZcPWzM03
midair then slammed her onto the ground. She pushed him away with her leg, but76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuFQLlArany
he grabbed it in the nook of his arm and held it. He tried to punch her, but76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ09EhqFOGsn
her foot ended up in his elbow keeping him from moving it. They each threw a76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkLKBVSzrMZ
punch, but as she was on her back it wasn’t as forceful as his. He felt his76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnayZRxRkqV
punch crush her nose while hers hit him in the chest. While that was happening,76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOSdrJD4jQT
she moved her foot from his elbow crashing it into the side of his head. The76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMhGJ5c3yGj
blow was so sudden that he released her other leg as he hit the ground.
“Nice yourself.” She said,76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvBNjcG82iD
stumbling to her feet. She blew a wad of blood out from the side of her nose76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt67sKjtTKk
onto the ground.
“Damn your tough.” He groaned. He76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3IbpCMihzx
stumbled to his feet, but he didn’t feel bad. If anything, he felt invigorated.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGwsjO5sG2D
It’s been a long time since he had been in such a fight, and he was beginning76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJmnFNNWIt
to enjoy himself. “You want to keep going?”
“Of course.” She got into a ready76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRRUsVFPPEl
stance. One fist was forward while the other was back by her side. Vander stood76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu7SOy9Gatz
in front of her before adopting a similar stance, but his hands were open76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXRSblqizIz
instead of closed. He hit her with an open palm, but she blocked it with her76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ50lPqRLoYF
forearm and at the same time, stuck him with her fist.
He ducked below76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYgTB7qWLca
the strike then grabbed it. He threw her over his shoulder and back onto the76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYPU0STaTCZ
ground. He stomped on her ribs, but she spun around hitting the back of his leg76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP8cJOTYAQY
with hers knocking him off balance. Using the momentum, she got into a crouch76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkn7C0Jbrae
then tackled him so now he was on his back. He wrapped his legs around her76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVDfG70Q1hL
midsection to try and keep her off him. He grabbed one of her arms in his then76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAX6vF6WSEG
locked it in place. She tried to punch him again, but the same thing happened.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDSSucZx6jm
He yanked her in close to him, so they weren’t more than a breath apart.
“What are you76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgotkQh4efM
doing after this?” he asked. She smiled wickedly at him.
“Something fun,76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO9Xb0UGlFR
but you’re not invited.” She said.
“That hurts my76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1cDgPTVnzX
feelings.” He laughed. He pushed her arms back then unwrapped his legs before76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHWFGuygCOi
kicking her away. He got to his feet, slowly. “Gramps you mind if we end this?76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0hM8FFJbvk
I think we’ve seen enough of her abilities, unless you want us to knock each76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVoSGkPsOWg
other out.”
“No, I think76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9LACfJM9As
we’ve seen enough.” Charles walked out into the field.
“Thank you, I’m76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzGhvP8UST2
not sure how much more I could have taken.” He groaned. His grandfather held76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJRsLphf7BO
out his hand the hauled Vander to his feet.
“We will let you76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJw4om3fytX
know our decision, but I don’t see anyone being against her joining.” Charles76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEmyQIVAYGQ
smiled. “Nor would I be against her joining our family.”
“Come on,76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0OEmsKEiRE
gramps.” Vander rolled his eyes. “It’s not like that.”
“Sure, it isn’t.”76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmMWs3s0RSr
he laughed. “Now get the two of you to the doctor. We have a wedding to plan76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMLuDQahfUl
for.”
Nodding his head,76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ33W7nDWn2L
Vander walked over to where Eliza lay on the ground and offered her his hand.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuTVSNPBL2L
She looked up at him for a moment before clasping it. He allowed her to lean on76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFUDSfjHe11
him as the two of them limped towards the castle where Topal would be waiting for76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡteWEeywN7Q
them in the infirmary.
“That was quite76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9TB0qNC3DL
the fight.” She said. She hissed in pain as he adjusted her to climb the steps.
“You put on quite76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt1pHsEOJYb
the show, we could learn a lot from you.”
“What do we do76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡErF553Qk58
about our bet?” Eliza asked. “There was no clear winner.”
“How about we76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7av71PRqkq
both get a request?” She thought for a moment before nodding.
“This is going to76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL1SN2rfhtY
be fun.” She grinned.
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ns 15.158.61.20da2
