Chapter 16
He didn’t know why he agreed to75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1gRjIR4XBB
this, but this was a bad idea. Not that Eliza wouldn’t be a good addition to75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu9Z4ZM3ulH
the Blades, she would be, and he wanted to test her out, but not like this.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb4uLntrV5Q
Some how Cuvera had heard of his conversation with his fiancé and took it upon75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaS3brJs8My
himself to set everything up, the day of the wedding.
It was two days after Kiara and75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvoEEZ08l8Y
Vander’s talk very early in the morning. Despite the early day, people from the75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTN6vC05Eve
council were in attendance as was Malcolm, Bernard, Peyton and Charles. Eliza75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ3BAtsFjTe
was warming up while Vander sat there with his arms folded in front of him.
“I can’t believe you.” he growled75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZLrXbuGjwU
to Cuvera. “This was supposed to be a quiet event and you managed to treat this75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEy2q5jMgEB
like a dog and pony show.”
“Can you blame me?” he asked.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGXK35VU2mp
“I’ve been anxious waiting for my wedding, and this was a perfect thing to take75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡavfkXiIo1F
my mind off it. Don’t be mad at me because she might be your ass.”
“If I don’t beat your ass first.”75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ZV7feb4Tp
He lunged towards Cuvera who jumped back. “Now get over there so I can start75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJpsh4ZrFf
this shit show.”
“Touchy, touchy.” He grumbled, but75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGPVIC3Ni4v
he did as Vander had asked. He took his spot next to his father who placed his75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhl1b5ARpUL
hand on his son’s shoulder.
Vander had made sure that the75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0iosAnUFeq
field was turned into a sort of training camp for Eliza. There were targets75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ99s076Pvxm
spaced out at twenty-five, fifty, seventy-five, and a hundred yards out for her75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡolfpaEHD6f
to show off her archery skills. She would have five chances per distance to get75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZqZQZcZDB
as close as she could. Most Blades could shoot fifty yards, maybe one or two75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4xxw9j0jKl
could shoot seventy-five, but he hadn’t met anyone who could hit the hundred.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBKjQbbrB2B
Maybe today was that day.
The next location should spar with75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6BWEzJR8Bx
members of the Blades using various weapons. The people she would fight ranged75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXtAROnnP7i
from trainees all the way up to full members. There were five altogether and75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYBCtZLL8V5
they should give her a decent challenge.
The final test would be a fight75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡelQuF74Ge4
against a sitting Captain. A no holds barred fight, short of maiming. There75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5BR04lHPCp
would be no weapons allowed in this one. Just pure martial arts prowess. If she75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt8AoGZPDEM
did well she would be inducted as a Blade. If not, then she would just stay75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLgSKNCD6na
Kiara’s bodyguard, but constantly be watched over by a Blade. He secretly hopes75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3N70BtzMiQ
she will pick Leon and run him around the field. He needed to be taught a75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOKK5rrmdPf
lesson. Hopefully today was that day.
Eliza was standing on the other75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW1tWS5DISS
side of the arena chatting with Kiara as she stretched. She was wearing long75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡblQl0QyVLy
black pants, combat boots and a sleeveless black shirt. Her long hair was tied75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLKfWaDfrz7
back into a long ponytail. Vander couldn’t help but stare as she talked, but as75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFimJM3V2Gi
soon as she looked over he quicky averted his gaze.
“Let’s get this started Vander.”75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5zCh3hUNu
Charles ordered. Sighing, Vander walked over to where Eliza was stretching75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFtQANwfBeF
doing his best to not look at her.
“Are you ready?” he asked.
“As I’ll ever be.” She responded.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ii8oFi7fh
She got up then walked towards where the bows and arrows were stationed.
“Hey.” Vander looked over at Kiara75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPhTWvqLFuM
as she waved him over. Confused he walked over to see what she wanted. “She75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNbILeuIA2g
will only like you if you can beat her.”
“What?” he asked.
“Don’t think we didn’t notice you75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCl7JPnhqRk
staring.” Kiara laughed. “All of her suitors back home had to fight her, none75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Vf8Tgkr8e
managed to win. Good luck though, I believe in you.” With that she scampered75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6pik0nLgw5
off to sit by Cuvera while the test was administered. Vander walked to stand by75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbtJWm4xLjB
Eliza.
“First test is your archery75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkbUoJkFubw
skills.” Vander explained. “Despite us using swords, we still need to use bows75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmJV1PPtxk
so we can protect the castle walls using the ramparts. Each of us needs to be a75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrCcDhGjqOc
crack shot just in case, so we keep our abilities trained.” To demonstrate, he75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡox78HLAuzL
removed his jacket then tossed it towards Cuvera. It hit him in the face75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYiavSS8xE1
causing him to yelp before throwing it onto the ground and stomping on it.
Like Kiara he was wearing a75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn85KKmEY0d
sleeveless black shirt which was pertinent for this test. He strapped the arm75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKnRTS7RxUQ
guard to the underside of his arm then put the finger tab, so he didn’t injure75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMnuAOobLDG
himself. “To pass you need to either pass my arrows or get close enough to75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6NJtfvKSFZ
them.” He picked up a bow, tested the tautness of the string before selecting75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo3ehuVzon0
then docking his arrow. The first arrow hit the twenty-five dead center. The75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4X0sgNrCif
second arrow hit the fifty slightly off center, but still within the inner75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKHwgUks3RR
circle. The third arrow hit dirt halfway between the second and third target75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxjAW2N5MR6
causing the nobles to chuckle amongst themselves. Vander adjusted his bow75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4x0Ds7mkU
slightly, so it was pointing up then launched the forth arrow. It landed just75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkkjFXpvZLy
in front of the hundred.
He held the bow out to her then75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8DvaBggZ49
stepped back after she had taken it. With strong arms she pulled the bow back75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWEai8fxFWv
then hit a bullseye on the first target. She quickly pulled back then let loose75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsrPbyIyQmP
a second arrow hitting the other bullseye on the fifty. She hit the third75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhj5tOzRfdT
target off to the left and her fourth arrow went farther than his causing the75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCxITaaBJ5k
nobles to mutter amongst themselves.
“Very nice.” Vander acknowledged75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWUEJ5knuWv
her with a clap on the back. She tensed for a moment under his touch but75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3KYfAmQRtW
relaxed a moment later. He looked back to see his grandfather nodding his head75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlYy0KQaRSC
in acknowledgement, but the rest of the nobles didn’t look impressed. There was75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZNu78kJxfs
a very high bar to become a Blade in there eyes considering it dealt with their75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyQgoYMvWWb
protection, but it always annoyed him. They couldn’t do better, most of them75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFWl0ywbkAN
couldn’t hold a sword, so why did they get to decide who protect them?
“Let’s move on.” Eliza brushed75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkOgKoWvD0B
past him to head towards the training area. Vander walked behind her; they75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1xnTZiaMQw
didn’t have too far to go. Standing in the training pits were three sitting75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCs8Ap2LCd4
Blades and two trainees, both from Vander’s group. He wanted to use this75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuCJju8zoS0
opportunity to give Rooster and Eve some experience fighting someone stronger75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnjrRehtWhp
than them, but different style than the Blades. The other three were Blades he75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9zRamHQinQ
didn’t know, hand picked by his grandfather.
“We will go in order.” Vander75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡszPGuhUgDA
explained. “Rooster step forward.” The red head took a nervous step into the75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUXCLjYI8nG
pit. “What weapon would you like to use?” he asked Eliza.
“How good is your staff fighting?”75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqcAqGEgRcW
she asked Rooster.
“Alright, I guess.” He shrugged.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeLkDd8bBJ0
Vander rolled his eyes. They were trained in all manner of weapons, including75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrSTcUtjepc
staves. Rooster was one of the best in the Blades, he didn’t know why the75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe60EIwyu1h
trainee was being so modest about it.
“Then we will use that.” Vander75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeqyOdtGJOf
walked over to the weapons rack and removed two staves. He tossed one to75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEnqUGl1P07
Rooster who caught it one handed. Kiara did the same then raised her eyebrow in75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJwFoUdSP35
challenge.
The two of them circle each other,75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOxPZlwnk7e
smacking their staves trying to make an opening. Rooster, the impatient person75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡowR3m3t0m4
he was, broke first. He swung his staff down towards Eliza’s leg. She blocked75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0FTdYz3al0
it with the butt of hers causing Rooster to stumble off balance. He hadn’t75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfLAAjunUvu
prepared himself for the reverberations that traveled from the collision. Eliza75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Wng1DRHAG
kept up the pressure. She kicked the staff towards Rooster’s face and as he75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJnbrHucylh
staggered backward, she spun it around catching his foot. Pulling hard, he fell75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlNV2U3faLX
to the ground. Seconds later she held the tip under his chin.
“I yield.” He sighed. Eliza threw75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD4VF5uTxbe
her staff to the side then helped the boy up. He brushed the dirt off his pants75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyp8KY26axy
before slinking back towards the stands.
“Eve, step forward.” Vander75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVDvd8bwYEC
shouted. Eve came out twirling a couple of knives in her hands.
“Mind we use these?” she asked75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡirT8FsRJ0Z
Eliza. Eliza shrugged before holding her hands out towards Vander. Sighing, he75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmOGUnPzwM8
walked over to place his knives in her open hand. She studied them for a second75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCOtdYv7I5q
before gripping them: one in an overhand position, one in an underhand75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoCtp1MuhWh
position, so the blade was resting against the underside of her arm.
The two of them looked at each75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpXd5LeXcED
other before lunging towards one another. Metal clashed as the two of them75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYHrv78y4xv
slashed and stabbed at each other each of them moved masterfully out of the75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3p6lDxhN4h
way, so they didn’t get cut. Vander was mesmerized by the display, but not75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSwLLaDj1AV
because of what Eliza was doing. He knew that she was skillful due to being the75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6WELBcvg40
princess’ bodyguard, but Eve didn’t have any formal training aside from her75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKA39z2hcWw
stint with him. She didn’t show any of this ability during training, and he75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡExrFguxlR5
couldn’t help but wonder if she had just been going easy on them this entire75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTqLyqy6lJo
time. The round ended when Eliza was able to get past Eve’s guard and slash her75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZBLdhHgi8M
arm. The cut was deep enough to cut through the uniform and draw some blood,75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfMXnCeRa2D
but not a lot.
“Match is over.” Vander shouted.
“Not yet.” Eve gasped. She lunged75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLl5lKGXr9G
towards Eliza who had started walking towards Vander, so she didn’t notice Eve75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhgNfP6BzRn
moving towards her. Shea’s body collided with the young girl knocking her to75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbsHY0Vpd1O
the ground. Before she could stand back up, Shea placed two feet on the girl’s75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdwYLuMAEth
chest before snarling in her face.
“Stay down, pup.” She75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3uV7BowiDL
growled.
“We will have a talk about this75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjF6PWQGY1T
later, Eve.” Vander snapped. “Rooster, bring her back to the barracks.” The red75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2RcVbfzTRB
head rushed up to do as he ordered. Shea got off Eve then waited for Rooster to75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZJpYQ2Nsh
remove her from the arena before she took her place next to Charles.
The next three bouts went by75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf3Z7apCO6U
quickly. The Blades Charles had picked were top of their class, but not a match75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxB74IS76Ko
for Eliza. The first one chose dual axes as his weapon. The two clashed, but75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaSBNm4Xyxz
her agility allowed her to effectively use weapons to smash his knees forcing75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ZINQ9xKGO
him to the ground.
The second person wanted to use75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLnuIKqRCUQ
swords as a weapon. She was very skilled, one of the few who Charles had his75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxKtK6t0RAY
eye on to promote to being a Captain, Vander hadn’t recognized her at first75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ5a7jLpRRO
because she usually wore a hood, but he recognized the style she used. Eliza75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRk3lpXsCoD
had knocked the sword away from her then drove her knee into her face knocking75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfTb0i107Yt
her unconscious.
The last Blade before she got to75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEb4K3xNqG5
pick a captain to fight was a younger Blade. Vander didn’t know too much about75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaPei1fHy5Z
him aside that he was in Leon’s camp. Again, he chose swords to fight with. The75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt8T3qbPj7r
two of them circled each other warily, fatigue was beginning to set it for75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMd85iJHnlN
Eliza. She had been in back-to-back fights, each one more exhausting than the75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQM1woNOnTZ
last. He was well rested and had a good idea of her fighting style since he had75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpDLAtGRpbM
just had to watch. He easily overpowered her forcing her on her back foot. She75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoU7XVwLSNW
swung widely allowing him to easily get in and counter. He punched her in the75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY6Y6RAIwkj
stomach and sides until she was gasping for air, but she didn’t give up.
In a battle like this, mentality75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtCYTOSZx0s
was everything. If you didn’t think you could win, you wouldn’t. Despite her75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGiXuEWsG44
exhaustion, Vander knew that she would be able to win if she kept her eye on75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEIMfw6ge2s
the prize and bid her time. In came a few minutes later. Perhaps it was over75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcqyyuoSTEw
confidence or skillful planning on her part, but he went in for a wide slash.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNm8oqIYzF9
Using the opening, she stepped inside his box, grabbed the arm holding the75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyjit87ax1z
sword then squeezed. He tried to punch her in the face, but she wrapped her arm75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDlpVUJfwIQ
around his elbow then pulled. Vander winced once he heard the crack as the75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwrPn4jOYE5
elbow dislocated. The man screamed and dropped his sword. Eliza put him under75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZST7LAmvLI
with a blow to the jaw. There were a few reluctant claps from the noble75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvKX9qFyGJU
gallery.
“Now you have earned the right to75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNowvBpjAE5
challenge a Captain.” Charles stepped into the training area. Vander, Leon and75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbnleJbH5O7
Alex stood next to each other at attention holding their breath to see who75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSHBc44ZU6k
would get picked. “Choose.”
Eliza thought for a moment before75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2CDFbKIwYq
pointing at Vander. “I can’t say I deserve a spot if I don’t fight the75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXGo9AHGMQu
strongest out of the three.” She grinned. “Plus, his cockiness is irritating.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoU59DMAyHR
I’d love to put him in his place.” Leon snorted at that, but Alex didn’t say75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvZ7zweRvvB
anything.
“Then take a break.” Charles said.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4IWpQmJU88
“We will resume in an hour.”
While Eliza and Kiara talked to75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlO1hE8EuLQ
one another in hushed tones, Vander met with Alex to discuss the final match75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrWRs6S4TI7
and his chances of winning.
“She’s strong.” Alex muttered.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpBlxX0ePul
“Much stronger than any of the rumors suggested.”
“You think there is a reason75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLjxLb1P053
Bricen sent someone so strong to us?” Vander wondered.
“Because there are others who are75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjT02XDQm92
stronger.” Alex laughed. “Don’t focus on that, focus on the fight ahead. What’s75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1RCFhwIODU
your plan?”
“It’s really up to her and how she75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjW5Svddx24
wants to fight.” He responded. “But you know I’ve never been one to backdown75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcCT4hfQy3S
from a challenge.”
“Just remember how it will look75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHx0bWiBxY4
how you lose.” That was the warning Vander was waiting for his friend to bring75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtyLm0NwKdL
up. He turned to see all the nobles whispering to themselves, but more than a75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIQ8u2rNMCM
few were staring at him.
“I never had their confidence in75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCIB3zyPfB
the first place, Alex.” Vander placed a hand on his friend’s shoulder. “And75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaWcAOjnjqP
it’s not up to them whether I should be the Commander. That’s up to the prince75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH7fLDZQ8Db
and my grandfather. I’ll be fine.”
“We’ve had this conversation75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy0X1KkcBio
before Vander. They will buckle to the pressures of the council if they must.”75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8azbljoyb6
He explained. “It’s happened before and there is no doubt in my mind that it75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdlCTRyenjQ
will happen again. Be careful.”
“Next thing we need to discuss is75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Th1tytR6X
Eve.” Vander turned towards the barracks. “What the god’s name was that?” Alex75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIGdtnnV92S
was quiet for a couple seconds.
“I saw something in her body75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSkyp5lKTmk
language then.” Alex was quiet. “It looked as though she was going to try and75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoCS3H02DQ1
kill Kiara once the fight was done.”
“Were we wrong about her?” Alex75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1aQHynumNX
didn’t have an answer for him. “It’s something we are going to have to75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrINwSgrpJt
investigate Alex. Keep your eye on her, let me know the minute she does75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjcvJj4AnKH
something strange, alright?”
“I will.” Now that that was taken75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNSv39tkJgf
care of, he could focus his attention on the fight with Eliza. Charles called75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0BdGtgZbZ2
the two of them to the center of the arena where he was standing. Eliza looked75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB7oT1Q8GtT
well rested, but he could tell that she was still fatigued. He wondered if he75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs2YBq8lE8X
could convince his grandfather to postpone the fight until after the wedding75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpnQLuxAARQ
ceremony tonight, but he doubted it. Every Blade incumbent had to go through75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMGYhnZIYBQ
this gauntlet, and she would have to do the same.
“I hope you are well rested.”75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBhB57eOzFa
Charles’ voice boomed. “This is the final bout where Eliza has challenged75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2kYdeg6S2P
Vander. Have you decided how the two of you should fight?” he turned to look at75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtw2AaIfcbr
his grandson.
“I have no preference.” He75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5jiieQkItx
explained. “I was going to leave it up to her to decide how we fight.”
“Very well.” Charles turned75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXFka7OQJsZ
towards Eliza. “What is your decision?”
“Hand to hand combat.” A gasp came75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSYaaYe5ruW
out from the crowd. Inwardly Vander grinned to himself. Any soldier worth their75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqbvlNvP5z
salt would have to eventually fight with their hands amid battle. Whether it be75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS71eyygcoq
weapons are useless in close quarters or your weapons are stripped from your75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9cUoiopuTT
hands. It was a bloody, personal way to kill someone, yet it had to be learned.
“Very well.” Charles waved the two75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkSk4ZYtQZp
of them forward, so they were facing each other. “You may begin.”
“Care to make this interesting?”75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHLMe57Jouj
Vander asked as the two of them circled each other.
“What do you have in mind?” Eliza75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVXTA2Qd5bS
grinned.
“Winner gets to ask one thing of75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwMBIJcJSBb
the loser.” He said. “Nothing bad, just a request.”
“Anything?”
“Anything.” He agreed.
“You’re on.” She said.
Vander threw a punch at Eliza, but75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjoxJ6dN0D1
she launched herself at his stomach. He wasn’t prepared for the sudden attack,75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ovmUQQduN
but thanks to his gifts, his reflexes were quick enough. He got low to the75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPo4YPxmoR4
ground bracing himself for her momentum, but she anticipated it. She brought75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ228hq8Nbeh
her head up, cracking him in the jaw, then while he was unbalanced, punched him75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGEeqJyPDNL
causing him to stumble backwards.
“Nice.” He rubbed his jaw before75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4WPceBdWDn
spitting out a tooth that had been knocked loose. His head was spinning, but he75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtw7hVkZoJC
didn’t have time to catch his breath. She charged him the jumped, aiming her75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE0js5y2mmC
knee at his face. He got to her first. He lunged at her, grabbing her from75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQATDS79tb4
midair then slammed her onto the ground. She pushed him away with her leg, but75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGvtAVF3d1a
he grabbed it in the nook of his arm and held it. He tried to punch her, but75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyKX5AraA9w
her foot ended up in his elbow keeping him from moving it. They each threw a75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4yGEbkpQ6T
punch, but as she was on her back it wasn’t as forceful as his. He felt his75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5vVuKQ5stZ
punch crush her nose while hers hit him in the chest. While that was happening,75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJssVym53Rt
she moved her foot from his elbow crashing it into the side of his head. The75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFSlZqq6bAz
blow was so sudden that he released her other leg as he hit the ground.
“Nice yourself.” She said,75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ajlxrYDpZ
stumbling to her feet. She blew a wad of blood out from the side of her nose75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOHT0c0FmDI
onto the ground.
“Damn your tough.” He groaned. He75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsAyS2ekhYk
stumbled to his feet, but he didn’t feel bad. If anything, he felt invigorated.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzN9bVrt1zE
It’s been a long time since he had been in such a fight, and he was beginning75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0CusBvc2jz
to enjoy himself. “You want to keep going?”
“Of course.” She got into a ready75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ9zKWpZXap
stance. One fist was forward while the other was back by her side. Vander stood75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCKNUH7EQKL
in front of her before adopting a similar stance, but his hands were open75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXShK1gl2Y8
instead of closed. He hit her with an open palm, but she blocked it with her75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd4nZ3A6ybv
forearm and at the same time, stuck him with her fist.
He ducked below75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDqGRLpcLjW
the strike then grabbed it. He threw her over his shoulder and back onto the75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgZ9u2ZkUNC
ground. He stomped on her ribs, but she spun around hitting the back of his leg75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9S1DObizY6
with hers knocking him off balance. Using the momentum, she got into a crouch75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzwYCd58o4S
then tackled him so now he was on his back. He wrapped his legs around her75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZqB2zZ101z
midsection to try and keep her off him. He grabbed one of her arms in his then75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0vmpPhDnfT
locked it in place. She tried to punch him again, but the same thing happened.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXaVpem7CDd
He yanked her in close to him, so they weren’t more than a breath apart.
“What are you75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPNFQoEBFMZ
doing after this?” he asked. She smiled wickedly at him.
“Something fun,75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9nMpNzU0YA
but you’re not invited.” She said.
“That hurts my75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0KNave1KfM
feelings.” He laughed. He pushed her arms back then unwrapped his legs before75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPdk8nETv6A
kicking her away. He got to his feet, slowly. “Gramps you mind if we end this?75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuB58U3BpcB
I think we’ve seen enough of her abilities, unless you want us to knock each75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWrATLqieIk
other out.”
“No, I think75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpjPEJIZZ5g
we’ve seen enough.” Charles walked out into the field.
“Thank you, I’m75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2w1b4n2eww
not sure how much more I could have taken.” He groaned. His grandfather held75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcS1KyDK5CT
out his hand the hauled Vander to his feet.
“We will let you75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjfscE9PEDS
know our decision, but I don’t see anyone being against her joining.” Charles75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡemO7Oh0JH4
smiled. “Nor would I be against her joining our family.”
“Come on,75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlA8uHseRuS
gramps.” Vander rolled his eyes. “It’s not like that.”
“Sure, it isn’t.”75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxeAvIjGpHx
he laughed. “Now get the two of you to the doctor. We have a wedding to plan75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsdSCGbe5GO
for.”
Nodding his head,75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz2zUScWTVj
Vander walked over to where Eliza lay on the ground and offered her his hand.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrjRnMJ1TWQ
She looked up at him for a moment before clasping it. He allowed her to lean on75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfPZHNUtFAV
him as the two of them limped towards the castle where Topal would be waiting for75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4OQyrRm7yo
them in the infirmary.
“That was quite75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ohILFYRUF
the fight.” She said. She hissed in pain as he adjusted her to climb the steps.
“You put on quite75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgMBzMPgz9h
the show, we could learn a lot from you.”
“What do we do75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvHWLUvBOQc
about our bet?” Eliza asked. “There was no clear winner.”
“How about we75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Q4AJLtI8p
both get a request?” She thought for a moment before nodding.
“This is going to75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyNBkKQarFd
be fun.” She grinned.
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ns 15.158.61.36da2
