Chapter 16
He didn’t know why he agreed to44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh60AoNhgzc
this, but this was a bad idea. Not that Eliza wouldn’t be a good addition to44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3HJi8L6NgD
the Blades, she would be, and he wanted to test her out, but not like this.44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0lX6A6s45L
Some how Cuvera had heard of his conversation with his fiancé and took it upon44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYPgOzqTfeP
himself to set everything up, the day of the wedding.
It was two days after Kiara and44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDK9sql7iPm
Vander’s talk very early in the morning. Despite the early day, people from the44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHsX40jFnC7
council were in attendance as was Malcolm, Bernard, Peyton and Charles. Eliza44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9WgU0kNXok
was warming up while Vander sat there with his arms folded in front of him.
“I can’t believe you.” he growled44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU2XTQpAqPX
to Cuvera. “This was supposed to be a quiet event and you managed to treat this44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCLTRjXa9Tc
like a dog and pony show.”
“Can you blame me?” he asked.44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaoZ0BabuDJ
“I’ve been anxious waiting for my wedding, and this was a perfect thing to take44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg08aetlw5k
my mind off it. Don’t be mad at me because she might be your ass.”
“If I don’t beat your ass first.”44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKxsOSCAcj
He lunged towards Cuvera who jumped back. “Now get over there so I can start44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjbF9Ao7kxW
this shit show.”
“Touchy, touchy.” He grumbled, but44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmMfAGfiOCX
he did as Vander had asked. He took his spot next to his father who placed his44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCkPc0vJTLC
hand on his son’s shoulder.
Vander had made sure that the44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHrhUVB3Khp
field was turned into a sort of training camp for Eliza. There were targets44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWbHsDbk8Ih
spaced out at twenty-five, fifty, seventy-five, and a hundred yards out for her44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqBedi4jbOi
to show off her archery skills. She would have five chances per distance to get44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhsoo7L9fap
as close as she could. Most Blades could shoot fifty yards, maybe one or two44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe25W7eN68y
could shoot seventy-five, but he hadn’t met anyone who could hit the hundred.44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkO1IiLb13X
Maybe today was that day.
The next location should spar with44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDQ09prSFY2
members of the Blades using various weapons. The people she would fight ranged44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7mkZXshnk
from trainees all the way up to full members. There were five altogether and44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiKGL9WmxTS
they should give her a decent challenge.
The final test would be a fight44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8oqTXmgGTw
against a sitting Captain. A no holds barred fight, short of maiming. There44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvXuL8hM0Jt
would be no weapons allowed in this one. Just pure martial arts prowess. If she44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1GKYkhG3bz
did well she would be inducted as a Blade. If not, then she would just stay44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIeXo1fbX1U
Kiara’s bodyguard, but constantly be watched over by a Blade. He secretly hopes44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8g9JEZJaPI
she will pick Leon and run him around the field. He needed to be taught a44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ97Y0Cah2jU
lesson. Hopefully today was that day.
Eliza was standing on the other44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAnfGvSpRlH
side of the arena chatting with Kiara as she stretched. She was wearing long44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7afYaxjds
black pants, combat boots and a sleeveless black shirt. Her long hair was tied44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0A1tIk13Rz
back into a long ponytail. Vander couldn’t help but stare as she talked, but as44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3v0WDhSJnS
soon as she looked over he quicky averted his gaze.
“Let’s get this started Vander.”44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWmN8NbisP3
Charles ordered. Sighing, Vander walked over to where Eliza was stretching44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3kTgvg7zQt
doing his best to not look at her.
“Are you ready?” he asked.
“As I’ll ever be.” She responded.44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnMADseSGk7
She got up then walked towards where the bows and arrows were stationed.
“Hey.” Vander looked over at Kiara44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcYiI9pTSC1
as she waved him over. Confused he walked over to see what she wanted. “She44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8iGLne4ZQM
will only like you if you can beat her.”
“What?” he asked.
“Don’t think we didn’t notice you44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYMIsPx0rCO
staring.” Kiara laughed. “All of her suitors back home had to fight her, none44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkI1JSDOulz
managed to win. Good luck though, I believe in you.” With that she scampered44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPwzexYW819
off to sit by Cuvera while the test was administered. Vander walked to stand by44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4D2lQcgfqC
Eliza.
“First test is your archery44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5CAUEQFRLL
skills.” Vander explained. “Despite us using swords, we still need to use bows44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtwEJm9TRmW
so we can protect the castle walls using the ramparts. Each of us needs to be a44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzpszJ1unhS
crack shot just in case, so we keep our abilities trained.” To demonstrate, he44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWEGqEGAmK9
removed his jacket then tossed it towards Cuvera. It hit him in the face44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd6WLztnqwr
causing him to yelp before throwing it onto the ground and stomping on it.
Like Kiara he was wearing a44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBvTo7BcQ6L
sleeveless black shirt which was pertinent for this test. He strapped the arm44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdpiqqnVEfg
guard to the underside of his arm then put the finger tab, so he didn’t injure44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ThFv4WAsO
himself. “To pass you need to either pass my arrows or get close enough to44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡydprdjH9oY
them.” He picked up a bow, tested the tautness of the string before selecting44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyqCr4iXVSf
then docking his arrow. The first arrow hit the twenty-five dead center. The44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNgtnfQ1aEw
second arrow hit the fifty slightly off center, but still within the inner44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMGnaz3CtSE
circle. The third arrow hit dirt halfway between the second and third target44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfymt6rlhHN
causing the nobles to chuckle amongst themselves. Vander adjusted his bow44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0J0JWfxwFF
slightly, so it was pointing up then launched the forth arrow. It landed just44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpKYX3HsoOU
in front of the hundred.
He held the bow out to her then44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTe5cNj0Bd3
stepped back after she had taken it. With strong arms she pulled the bow back44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuCnfLWNIUI
then hit a bullseye on the first target. She quickly pulled back then let loose44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4l3DYjZycy
a second arrow hitting the other bullseye on the fifty. She hit the third44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaaS7xudcFU
target off to the left and her fourth arrow went farther than his causing the44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8yAAMlLJad
nobles to mutter amongst themselves.
“Very nice.” Vander acknowledged44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ChJ0xevSc
her with a clap on the back. She tensed for a moment under his touch but44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ44G1gmQxme
relaxed a moment later. He looked back to see his grandfather nodding his head44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ87AWPihnlN
in acknowledgement, but the rest of the nobles didn’t look impressed. There was44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡva7QaBsTAW
a very high bar to become a Blade in there eyes considering it dealt with their44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhHTzGQXo3f
protection, but it always annoyed him. They couldn’t do better, most of them44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPdbTwzYkeu
couldn’t hold a sword, so why did they get to decide who protect them?
“Let’s move on.” Eliza brushed44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuUwUB5EDzb
past him to head towards the training area. Vander walked behind her; they44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡazlZXIB4bR
didn’t have too far to go. Standing in the training pits were three sitting44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOlfm8SetGv
Blades and two trainees, both from Vander’s group. He wanted to use this44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy2ErzHyQNh
opportunity to give Rooster and Eve some experience fighting someone stronger44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8OegtRz6dA
than them, but different style than the Blades. The other three were Blades he44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHcGIRmhoJg
didn’t know, hand picked by his grandfather.
“We will go in order.” Vander44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0cGtffa0n9
explained. “Rooster step forward.” The red head took a nervous step into the44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ZeQn0anyr
pit. “What weapon would you like to use?” he asked Eliza.
“How good is your staff fighting?”44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdha8gdgMjS
she asked Rooster.
“Alright, I guess.” He shrugged.44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYNphAbEy6v
Vander rolled his eyes. They were trained in all manner of weapons, including44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ41VXs3VMlx
staves. Rooster was one of the best in the Blades, he didn’t know why the44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmtTmTu7tVz
trainee was being so modest about it.
“Then we will use that.” Vander44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0bNGtDoMPa
walked over to the weapons rack and removed two staves. He tossed one to44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC04zzCnFvK
Rooster who caught it one handed. Kiara did the same then raised her eyebrow in44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjgomb38lmw
challenge.
The two of them circle each other,44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJdvCWZ1BY
smacking their staves trying to make an opening. Rooster, the impatient person44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUgWGqwzy5r
he was, broke first. He swung his staff down towards Eliza’s leg. She blocked44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEbzIlJohVA
it with the butt of hers causing Rooster to stumble off balance. He hadn’t44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh4v7yCuI6d
prepared himself for the reverberations that traveled from the collision. Eliza44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaOMmeQhuqT
kept up the pressure. She kicked the staff towards Rooster’s face and as he44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGw2ckxWz6Q
staggered backward, she spun it around catching his foot. Pulling hard, he fell44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3eU0UWH85c
to the ground. Seconds later she held the tip under his chin.
“I yield.” He sighed. Eliza threw44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFvQW7DOJdJ
her staff to the side then helped the boy up. He brushed the dirt off his pants44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjdc87zWD4h
before slinking back towards the stands.
“Eve, step forward.” Vander44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8UUVWIgkbj
shouted. Eve came out twirling a couple of knives in her hands.
“Mind we use these?” she asked44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdh8QinqXTA
Eliza. Eliza shrugged before holding her hands out towards Vander. Sighing, he44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMbJXuf1036
walked over to place his knives in her open hand. She studied them for a second44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUyvlhxhSoD
before gripping them: one in an overhand position, one in an underhand44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhF0Or5QAi3
position, so the blade was resting against the underside of her arm.
The two of them looked at each44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmnnEhDo9x5
other before lunging towards one another. Metal clashed as the two of them44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdPqu2De4d9
slashed and stabbed at each other each of them moved masterfully out of the44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtiG0hMHGJc
way, so they didn’t get cut. Vander was mesmerized by the display, but not44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoW41WucDsV
because of what Eliza was doing. He knew that she was skillful due to being the44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE52ncyqO84
princess’ bodyguard, but Eve didn’t have any formal training aside from her44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYslMwPQA3a
stint with him. She didn’t show any of this ability during training, and he44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdeZciyVZqg
couldn’t help but wonder if she had just been going easy on them this entire44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFJ855dOnV0
time. The round ended when Eliza was able to get past Eve’s guard and slash her44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWzJsyOcrpQ
arm. The cut was deep enough to cut through the uniform and draw some blood,44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6R58F7fZTf
but not a lot.
“Match is over.” Vander shouted.
“Not yet.” Eve gasped. She lunged44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI9SFQ0mNr2
towards Eliza who had started walking towards Vander, so she didn’t notice Eve44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUfB5NTMpHl
moving towards her. Shea’s body collided with the young girl knocking her to44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0YflfYbWo0
the ground. Before she could stand back up, Shea placed two feet on the girl’s44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQyQMVwGQ2F
chest before snarling in her face.
“Stay down, pup.” She44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCej1FpEdR
growled.
“We will have a talk about this44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzRa7uuWdjW
later, Eve.” Vander snapped. “Rooster, bring her back to the barracks.” The red44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUHMIyeweXj
head rushed up to do as he ordered. Shea got off Eve then waited for Rooster to44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLGdqDbidKs
remove her from the arena before she took her place next to Charles.
The next three bouts went by44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6TdtUseuL3
quickly. The Blades Charles had picked were top of their class, but not a match44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1UqxMu2xpc
for Eliza. The first one chose dual axes as his weapon. The two clashed, but44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDHp2JxrvBD
her agility allowed her to effectively use weapons to smash his knees forcing44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYlpiQLRcra
him to the ground.
The second person wanted to use44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlkKD6sVmr9
swords as a weapon. She was very skilled, one of the few who Charles had his44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡubCdrUmSEx
eye on to promote to being a Captain, Vander hadn’t recognized her at first44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG41aPkKNki
because she usually wore a hood, but he recognized the style she used. Eliza44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLWJ9GofOKj
had knocked the sword away from her then drove her knee into her face knocking44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmXpPjoNtJi
her unconscious.
The last Blade before she got to44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2QZXJDfTo1
pick a captain to fight was a younger Blade. Vander didn’t know too much about44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOzPbnbaLeM
him aside that he was in Leon’s camp. Again, he chose swords to fight with. The44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjAzijT9wDo
two of them circled each other warily, fatigue was beginning to set it for44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDNz4zKrJSJ
Eliza. She had been in back-to-back fights, each one more exhausting than the44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTpv2bPQ3pR
last. He was well rested and had a good idea of her fighting style since he had44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJHa5tpBYNh
just had to watch. He easily overpowered her forcing her on her back foot. She44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv4zkkFGDcX
swung widely allowing him to easily get in and counter. He punched her in the44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ufIbR9y6q
stomach and sides until she was gasping for air, but she didn’t give up.
In a battle like this, mentality44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtwdrjBlkWG
was everything. If you didn’t think you could win, you wouldn’t. Despite her44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU6c0NaFCXp
exhaustion, Vander knew that she would be able to win if she kept her eye on44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtXzDx1TFVp
the prize and bid her time. In came a few minutes later. Perhaps it was over44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0enH6rHkWT
confidence or skillful planning on her part, but he went in for a wide slash.44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGKt2sX92n6
Using the opening, she stepped inside his box, grabbed the arm holding the44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPOawMKlWYF
sword then squeezed. He tried to punch her in the face, but she wrapped her arm44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVwxzkii2mn
around his elbow then pulled. Vander winced once he heard the crack as the44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtKoXZatNSJ
elbow dislocated. The man screamed and dropped his sword. Eliza put him under44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVeJV30ZpoN
with a blow to the jaw. There were a few reluctant claps from the noble44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAiqEajxtYj
gallery.
“Now you have earned the right to44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzY6UFCY9H0
challenge a Captain.” Charles stepped into the training area. Vander, Leon and44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVsUUQYBrOu
Alex stood next to each other at attention holding their breath to see who44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR8sJXqgX4F
would get picked. “Choose.”
Eliza thought for a moment before44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy10M9LkQ3C
pointing at Vander. “I can’t say I deserve a spot if I don’t fight the44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMxjMScGN4F
strongest out of the three.” She grinned. “Plus, his cockiness is irritating.44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcByMwn4N8p
I’d love to put him in his place.” Leon snorted at that, but Alex didn’t say44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsjgAZR0i2l
anything.
“Then take a break.” Charles said.44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyBOIjk6rkw
“We will resume in an hour.”
While Eliza and Kiara talked to44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEk43HfEIvv
one another in hushed tones, Vander met with Alex to discuss the final match44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqH6rBJluIb
and his chances of winning.
“She’s strong.” Alex muttered.44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRFFmAFpgAz
“Much stronger than any of the rumors suggested.”
“You think there is a reason44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVnbcjXhXpr
Bricen sent someone so strong to us?” Vander wondered.
“Because there are others who are44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Fe8Owb0ZE
stronger.” Alex laughed. “Don’t focus on that, focus on the fight ahead. What’s44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqR4tjx2Dtb
your plan?”
“It’s really up to her and how she44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBz3WSlnMxZ
wants to fight.” He responded. “But you know I’ve never been one to backdown44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg7cntoNsXf
from a challenge.”
“Just remember how it will look44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXKDGKTltWd
how you lose.” That was the warning Vander was waiting for his friend to bring44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDLLHwtqoXr
up. He turned to see all the nobles whispering to themselves, but more than a44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYevUHLFaEM
few were staring at him.
“I never had their confidence in44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡODur0JAq8X
the first place, Alex.” Vander placed a hand on his friend’s shoulder. “And44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKVWPoM9f7d
it’s not up to them whether I should be the Commander. That’s up to the prince44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡayzISwm57Q
and my grandfather. I’ll be fine.”
“We’ve had this conversation44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn2ROm9gDt1
before Vander. They will buckle to the pressures of the council if they must.”44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkGQb7qHQdp
He explained. “It’s happened before and there is no doubt in my mind that it44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡosCqPDzMGl
will happen again. Be careful.”
“Next thing we need to discuss is44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGqC1Unek5
Eve.” Vander turned towards the barracks. “What the god’s name was that?” Alex44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwEIVSplAQH
was quiet for a couple seconds.
“I saw something in her body44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBNhlWUE0eB
language then.” Alex was quiet. “It looked as though she was going to try and44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Hhvnw5CGo
kill Kiara once the fight was done.”
“Were we wrong about her?” Alex44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4wX8y6W732
didn’t have an answer for him. “It’s something we are going to have to44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEP1SeHLXfy
investigate Alex. Keep your eye on her, let me know the minute she does44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN8C6YRvbz4
something strange, alright?”
“I will.” Now that that was taken44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqgELcjto77
care of, he could focus his attention on the fight with Eliza. Charles called44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJCli6uwAjV
the two of them to the center of the arena where he was standing. Eliza looked44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUVNzSKZxgU
well rested, but he could tell that she was still fatigued. He wondered if he44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIDVTPi4Da0
could convince his grandfather to postpone the fight until after the wedding44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYayK6CFCe3
ceremony tonight, but he doubted it. Every Blade incumbent had to go through44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZkkaNCIIdB
this gauntlet, and she would have to do the same.
“I hope you are well rested.”44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmKFtV2nDsO
Charles’ voice boomed. “This is the final bout where Eliza has challenged44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8cPlqbH1nA
Vander. Have you decided how the two of you should fight?” he turned to look at44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUhuvlOkZH8
his grandson.
“I have no preference.” He44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8kMpo0wFRo
explained. “I was going to leave it up to her to decide how we fight.”
“Very well.” Charles turned44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOXnQHaBrqZ
towards Eliza. “What is your decision?”
“Hand to hand combat.” A gasp came44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5o1t6aQWBb
out from the crowd. Inwardly Vander grinned to himself. Any soldier worth their44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLw1La5JXaA
salt would have to eventually fight with their hands amid battle. Whether it be44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuDem8EhRQ3
weapons are useless in close quarters or your weapons are stripped from your44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP8ZLW5FYwH
hands. It was a bloody, personal way to kill someone, yet it had to be learned.
“Very well.” Charles waved the two44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdEkxnuNFId
of them forward, so they were facing each other. “You may begin.”
“Care to make this interesting?”44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU3lG8Epawj
Vander asked as the two of them circled each other.
“What do you have in mind?” Eliza44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmMrSQyk5PM
grinned.
“Winner gets to ask one thing of44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTAtfrmKDG0
the loser.” He said. “Nothing bad, just a request.”
“Anything?”
“Anything.” He agreed.
“You’re on.” She said.
Vander threw a punch at Eliza, but44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf2vVLc4iP0
she launched herself at his stomach. He wasn’t prepared for the sudden attack,44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQyMtktPMUC
but thanks to his gifts, his reflexes were quick enough. He got low to the44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI1Hhypyfl5
ground bracing himself for her momentum, but she anticipated it. She brought44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9s2QkXQ137
her head up, cracking him in the jaw, then while he was unbalanced, punched him44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcR0ZneJjPp
causing him to stumble backwards.
“Nice.” He rubbed his jaw before44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1HWVgBB7cD
spitting out a tooth that had been knocked loose. His head was spinning, but he44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyLrTQeUls1
didn’t have time to catch his breath. She charged him the jumped, aiming her44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCTjKdguBFE
knee at his face. He got to her first. He lunged at her, grabbing her from44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0PqyMtALtT
midair then slammed her onto the ground. She pushed him away with her leg, but44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9UC9BYzODJ
he grabbed it in the nook of his arm and held it. He tried to punch her, but44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWoOMVRMPkY
her foot ended up in his elbow keeping him from moving it. They each threw a44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJPgjJh5dk
punch, but as she was on her back it wasn’t as forceful as his. He felt his44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzo77J6XU4f
punch crush her nose while hers hit him in the chest. While that was happening,44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCiUudp2Yjs
she moved her foot from his elbow crashing it into the side of his head. The44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdAS39bZdmI
blow was so sudden that he released her other leg as he hit the ground.
“Nice yourself.” She said,44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMXL2rYBkAT
stumbling to her feet. She blew a wad of blood out from the side of her nose44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaobbREvkwi
onto the ground.
“Damn your tough.” He groaned. He44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGRCLxfdlB0
stumbled to his feet, but he didn’t feel bad. If anything, he felt invigorated.44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUqSY2fuFcq
It’s been a long time since he had been in such a fight, and he was beginning44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZz8RavzpBg
to enjoy himself. “You want to keep going?”
“Of course.” She got into a ready44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7bynXFAjwo
stance. One fist was forward while the other was back by her side. Vander stood44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWrS4bwj1sS
in front of her before adopting a similar stance, but his hands were open44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKmGw11jHyH
instead of closed. He hit her with an open palm, but she blocked it with her44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ12szAsmvcV
forearm and at the same time, stuck him with her fist.
He ducked below44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtaGf8lUvRu
the strike then grabbed it. He threw her over his shoulder and back onto the44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1UGidIIKyU
ground. He stomped on her ribs, but she spun around hitting the back of his leg44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwvYevhDnnZ
with hers knocking him off balance. Using the momentum, she got into a crouch44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZkH3aXmWQ
then tackled him so now he was on his back. He wrapped his legs around her44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡroHyu2FdFw
midsection to try and keep her off him. He grabbed one of her arms in his then44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEjFxEkRRbm
locked it in place. She tried to punch him again, but the same thing happened.44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ztzf2Jz4I
He yanked her in close to him, so they weren’t more than a breath apart.
“What are you44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTU6nU3nclH
doing after this?” he asked. She smiled wickedly at him.
“Something fun,44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrWVu03sjcV
but you’re not invited.” She said.
“That hurts my44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRe8PTalQ9x
feelings.” He laughed. He pushed her arms back then unwrapped his legs before44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsDUT7P0tx7
kicking her away. He got to his feet, slowly. “Gramps you mind if we end this?44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8qtGruudG7
I think we’ve seen enough of her abilities, unless you want us to knock each44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0i9DwUvlJs
other out.”
“No, I think44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVgT0ktxtOu
we’ve seen enough.” Charles walked out into the field.
“Thank you, I’m44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Q9aVelUd6
not sure how much more I could have taken.” He groaned. His grandfather held44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFIGogn5xzj
out his hand the hauled Vander to his feet.
“We will let you44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRibJaR9nB0
know our decision, but I don’t see anyone being against her joining.” Charles44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTs0istgIHz
smiled. “Nor would I be against her joining our family.”
“Come on,44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7L38TPbOin
gramps.” Vander rolled his eyes. “It’s not like that.”
“Sure, it isn’t.”44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFiiLz1yiEB
he laughed. “Now get the two of you to the doctor. We have a wedding to plan44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlNdORNXfFu
for.”
Nodding his head,44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOsTGbpCruB
Vander walked over to where Eliza lay on the ground and offered her his hand.44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQOw6qGmXQS
She looked up at him for a moment before clasping it. He allowed her to lean on44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeMiDezXQ9M
him as the two of them limped towards the castle where Topal would be waiting for44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKZUCew0cT3
them in the infirmary.
“That was quite44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmYm9MjVb3a
the fight.” She said. She hissed in pain as he adjusted her to climb the steps.
“You put on quite44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn3dj5ROHYl
the show, we could learn a lot from you.”
“What do we do44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfgejh2NdhN
about our bet?” Eliza asked. “There was no clear winner.”
“How about we44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlXRtqft7cg
both get a request?” She thought for a moment before nodding.
“This is going to44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnnttIf8NoB
be fun.” She grinned.
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