Chapter 16
He didn’t know why he agreed to34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPDeOyLyo0c
this, but this was a bad idea. Not that Eliza wouldn’t be a good addition to34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxkFLQxemdO
the Blades, she would be, and he wanted to test her out, but not like this.34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr1lwxt9nor
Some how Cuvera had heard of his conversation with his fiancé and took it upon34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN09Dvi6Wj1
himself to set everything up, the day of the wedding.
It was two days after Kiara and34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ8AOFUky9B
Vander’s talk very early in the morning. Despite the early day, people from the34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡly6Kq66z5B
council were in attendance as was Malcolm, Bernard, Peyton and Charles. Eliza34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMaHZDNT26W
was warming up while Vander sat there with his arms folded in front of him.
“I can’t believe you.” he growled34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWk9YcF6MFI
to Cuvera. “This was supposed to be a quiet event and you managed to treat this34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡubsAObnMEC
like a dog and pony show.”
“Can you blame me?” he asked.34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT3G4XrbW4t
“I’ve been anxious waiting for my wedding, and this was a perfect thing to take34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaEio9YQoSS
my mind off it. Don’t be mad at me because she might be your ass.”
“If I don’t beat your ass first.”34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh8aDgogXGU
He lunged towards Cuvera who jumped back. “Now get over there so I can start34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEuxS9Yjazj
this shit show.”
“Touchy, touchy.” He grumbled, but34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡApm25vLfxb
he did as Vander had asked. He took his spot next to his father who placed his34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtPzs9nvW30
hand on his son’s shoulder.
Vander had made sure that the34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡagTPiKnIec
field was turned into a sort of training camp for Eliza. There were targets34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGMul0nNUeR
spaced out at twenty-five, fifty, seventy-five, and a hundred yards out for her34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIrcRyS2XTP
to show off her archery skills. She would have five chances per distance to get34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJby9u3SWCk
as close as she could. Most Blades could shoot fifty yards, maybe one or two34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK4A7Sfi3Yo
could shoot seventy-five, but he hadn’t met anyone who could hit the hundred.34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMS3FwUrB6t
Maybe today was that day.
The next location should spar with34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKTj2SFsNR9
members of the Blades using various weapons. The people she would fight ranged34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡscMwJ5bI83
from trainees all the way up to full members. There were five altogether and34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfDD0xqPo50
they should give her a decent challenge.
The final test would be a fight34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfTJsoisf7T
against a sitting Captain. A no holds barred fight, short of maiming. There34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZFJWYM2XEP
would be no weapons allowed in this one. Just pure martial arts prowess. If she34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdIONPKsFfM
did well she would be inducted as a Blade. If not, then she would just stay34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTqy3kEAPTj
Kiara’s bodyguard, but constantly be watched over by a Blade. He secretly hopes34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjEgyZ0VHEs
she will pick Leon and run him around the field. He needed to be taught a34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7pMM55QHIk
lesson. Hopefully today was that day.
Eliza was standing on the other34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMYvy4SOI2z
side of the arena chatting with Kiara as she stretched. She was wearing long34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbjqmgwNU0s
black pants, combat boots and a sleeveless black shirt. Her long hair was tied34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOno7a7nmSK
back into a long ponytail. Vander couldn’t help but stare as she talked, but as34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9hx7wWz2CJ
soon as she looked over he quicky averted his gaze.
“Let’s get this started Vander.”34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyXv9xj6D3A
Charles ordered. Sighing, Vander walked over to where Eliza was stretching34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbLNEWPqWLP
doing his best to not look at her.
“Are you ready?” he asked.
“As I’ll ever be.” She responded.34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsStU0RoYmX
She got up then walked towards where the bows and arrows were stationed.
“Hey.” Vander looked over at Kiara34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmUi6QfkXKs
as she waved him over. Confused he walked over to see what she wanted. “She34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNzdvVGlffq
will only like you if you can beat her.”
“What?” he asked.
“Don’t think we didn’t notice you34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Qi2Wxg0e4
staring.” Kiara laughed. “All of her suitors back home had to fight her, none34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqZZ3bcfj26
managed to win. Good luck though, I believe in you.” With that she scampered34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEqxCbOVQcs
off to sit by Cuvera while the test was administered. Vander walked to stand by34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ21jkCvQBVs
Eliza.
“First test is your archery34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡErkZaX4RRc
skills.” Vander explained. “Despite us using swords, we still need to use bows34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQpAz1L0bK
so we can protect the castle walls using the ramparts. Each of us needs to be a34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjNTSEqdheV
crack shot just in case, so we keep our abilities trained.” To demonstrate, he34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7wXyzSZvTf
removed his jacket then tossed it towards Cuvera. It hit him in the face34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQYiGDw06Av
causing him to yelp before throwing it onto the ground and stomping on it.
Like Kiara he was wearing a34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2k8HOnIp7h
sleeveless black shirt which was pertinent for this test. He strapped the arm34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBV0ytuHU6l
guard to the underside of his arm then put the finger tab, so he didn’t injure34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtywQHhS5SX
himself. “To pass you need to either pass my arrows or get close enough to34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkuryGAJqHp
them.” He picked up a bow, tested the tautness of the string before selecting34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTPLqej2knp
then docking his arrow. The first arrow hit the twenty-five dead center. The34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsWuHxQLRHB
second arrow hit the fifty slightly off center, but still within the inner34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoxoSTQM0sy
circle. The third arrow hit dirt halfway between the second and third target34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOf2ixpiJF6
causing the nobles to chuckle amongst themselves. Vander adjusted his bow34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqN0QwiJwFz
slightly, so it was pointing up then launched the forth arrow. It landed just34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGT9o417IS2
in front of the hundred.
He held the bow out to her then34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdWf5sqiUC2
stepped back after she had taken it. With strong arms she pulled the bow back34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh16InLFnh7
then hit a bullseye on the first target. She quickly pulled back then let loose34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLE6WlSJW5b
a second arrow hitting the other bullseye on the fifty. She hit the third34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡurkKiogbqz
target off to the left and her fourth arrow went farther than his causing the34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwzBc6NHI71
nobles to mutter amongst themselves.
“Very nice.” Vander acknowledged34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1e17Er8FSQ
her with a clap on the back. She tensed for a moment under his touch but34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJVI3jApLE
relaxed a moment later. He looked back to see his grandfather nodding his head34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfwE6nIMLHm
in acknowledgement, but the rest of the nobles didn’t look impressed. There was34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOdt7DmwcQl
a very high bar to become a Blade in there eyes considering it dealt with their34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPOYlU3Op7n
protection, but it always annoyed him. They couldn’t do better, most of them34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWjd0RWlWpJ
couldn’t hold a sword, so why did they get to decide who protect them?
“Let’s move on.” Eliza brushed34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxJkv2uYR2f
past him to head towards the training area. Vander walked behind her; they34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡumdAyCn5Lg
didn’t have too far to go. Standing in the training pits were three sitting34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRZxeOe0bgc
Blades and two trainees, both from Vander’s group. He wanted to use this34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBrrXEV5JmY
opportunity to give Rooster and Eve some experience fighting someone stronger34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqDpUoJFUPV
than them, but different style than the Blades. The other three were Blades he34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8a3hqp6YY8
didn’t know, hand picked by his grandfather.
“We will go in order.” Vander34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ20khZ6gNAa
explained. “Rooster step forward.” The red head took a nervous step into the34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhf7mjalgQe
pit. “What weapon would you like to use?” he asked Eliza.
“How good is your staff fighting?”34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu1aIzYQk3r
she asked Rooster.
“Alright, I guess.” He shrugged.34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaSdyn1zgw3
Vander rolled his eyes. They were trained in all manner of weapons, including34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFvHnjdzBzm
staves. Rooster was one of the best in the Blades, he didn’t know why the34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLNhHy0tBNJ
trainee was being so modest about it.
“Then we will use that.” Vander34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy9LA44Wf36
walked over to the weapons rack and removed two staves. He tossed one to34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRSu7zUMoD7
Rooster who caught it one handed. Kiara did the same then raised her eyebrow in34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCodv5A5UYY
challenge.
The two of them circle each other,34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3HrPI7erVm
smacking their staves trying to make an opening. Rooster, the impatient person34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPe7eZbPhmf
he was, broke first. He swung his staff down towards Eliza’s leg. She blocked34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrs8zqN1RWW
it with the butt of hers causing Rooster to stumble off balance. He hadn’t34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWHxqopSV3W
prepared himself for the reverberations that traveled from the collision. Eliza34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8pWr4VnRY7
kept up the pressure. She kicked the staff towards Rooster’s face and as he34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvLrfuPhPBs
staggered backward, she spun it around catching his foot. Pulling hard, he fell34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBRcqWpsvw9
to the ground. Seconds later she held the tip under his chin.
“I yield.” He sighed. Eliza threw34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXnq5Uye6sY
her staff to the side then helped the boy up. He brushed the dirt off his pants34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT11cpDztAI
before slinking back towards the stands.
“Eve, step forward.” Vander34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH5CByImGfi
shouted. Eve came out twirling a couple of knives in her hands.
“Mind we use these?” she asked34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpc3ZjnZmxm
Eliza. Eliza shrugged before holding her hands out towards Vander. Sighing, he34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwfbal4Bcsn
walked over to place his knives in her open hand. She studied them for a second34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡASVeuAfZE0
before gripping them: one in an overhand position, one in an underhand34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW5vCePRLH7
position, so the blade was resting against the underside of her arm.
The two of them looked at each34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUKqxuAHsan
other before lunging towards one another. Metal clashed as the two of them34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLmmTMldykQ
slashed and stabbed at each other each of them moved masterfully out of the34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡklIFE3gaBg
way, so they didn’t get cut. Vander was mesmerized by the display, but not34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd5LOx3QKOg
because of what Eliza was doing. He knew that she was skillful due to being the34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeRXcIClCc0
princess’ bodyguard, but Eve didn’t have any formal training aside from her34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjEKWoOY8MB
stint with him. She didn’t show any of this ability during training, and he34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrO9szeE8KN
couldn’t help but wonder if she had just been going easy on them this entire34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvEbIFK1EM9
time. The round ended when Eliza was able to get past Eve’s guard and slash her34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfPPQ7yXLTj
arm. The cut was deep enough to cut through the uniform and draw some blood,34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ZAkclBxSa
but not a lot.
“Match is over.” Vander shouted.
“Not yet.” Eve gasped. She lunged34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk6Dq7KdbNo
towards Eliza who had started walking towards Vander, so she didn’t notice Eve34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtIZPAUGOhU
moving towards her. Shea’s body collided with the young girl knocking her to34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHFYIJhIMyR
the ground. Before she could stand back up, Shea placed two feet on the girl’s34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx2RwXFuAhr
chest before snarling in her face.
“Stay down, pup.” She34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcIDHyjmsIs
growled.
“We will have a talk about this34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdxlXLzORLh
later, Eve.” Vander snapped. “Rooster, bring her back to the barracks.” The red34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvi7M6paa0Y
head rushed up to do as he ordered. Shea got off Eve then waited for Rooster to34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmBaqQLkTOC
remove her from the arena before she took her place next to Charles.
The next three bouts went by34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM2YFACL1iR
quickly. The Blades Charles had picked were top of their class, but not a match34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsJlAGbq3WV
for Eliza. The first one chose dual axes as his weapon. The two clashed, but34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhWeWYOtrgX
her agility allowed her to effectively use weapons to smash his knees forcing34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhi30hpbemn
him to the ground.
The second person wanted to use34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoaTgkvvPrc
swords as a weapon. She was very skilled, one of the few who Charles had his34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHF5FC4isc3
eye on to promote to being a Captain, Vander hadn’t recognized her at first34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA22Rr02BqY
because she usually wore a hood, but he recognized the style she used. Eliza34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjcJ1dT4Ljk
had knocked the sword away from her then drove her knee into her face knocking34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB0B4NQk7wm
her unconscious.
The last Blade before she got to34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTXMeUWmF8H
pick a captain to fight was a younger Blade. Vander didn’t know too much about34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsm63UTQQoE
him aside that he was in Leon’s camp. Again, he chose swords to fight with. The34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu8YeTFKm6x
two of them circled each other warily, fatigue was beginning to set it for34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡapTTBWcuB3
Eliza. She had been in back-to-back fights, each one more exhausting than the34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5RVO1l7kwI
last. He was well rested and had a good idea of her fighting style since he had34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmCC47IlgkI
just had to watch. He easily overpowered her forcing her on her back foot. She34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiTxjPyeuHM
swung widely allowing him to easily get in and counter. He punched her in the34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRbWXdPjzF9
stomach and sides until she was gasping for air, but she didn’t give up.
In a battle like this, mentality34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfNx2QfmthT
was everything. If you didn’t think you could win, you wouldn’t. Despite her34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCrYPAmga5a
exhaustion, Vander knew that she would be able to win if she kept her eye on34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0M1EXKcEDS
the prize and bid her time. In came a few minutes later. Perhaps it was over34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8SaGzLqnN5
confidence or skillful planning on her part, but he went in for a wide slash.34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYWj1Jbs6Zn
Using the opening, she stepped inside his box, grabbed the arm holding the34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMmZaN9wKnG
sword then squeezed. He tried to punch her in the face, but she wrapped her arm34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs360wYLBLU
around his elbow then pulled. Vander winced once he heard the crack as the34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFFJUQhev9I
elbow dislocated. The man screamed and dropped his sword. Eliza put him under34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrLiVPKmiG0
with a blow to the jaw. There were a few reluctant claps from the noble34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtO3Dx6pA3g
gallery.
“Now you have earned the right to34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT8RxvWdSxW
challenge a Captain.” Charles stepped into the training area. Vander, Leon and34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZiTGb97cYO
Alex stood next to each other at attention holding their breath to see who34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHE88TD7cLV
would get picked. “Choose.”
Eliza thought for a moment before34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7qAfLqCFwk
pointing at Vander. “I can’t say I deserve a spot if I don’t fight the34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu2mIcrMJuV
strongest out of the three.” She grinned. “Plus, his cockiness is irritating.34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgwNJMwRdKm
I’d love to put him in his place.” Leon snorted at that, but Alex didn’t say34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmYVwvkmOmO
anything.
“Then take a break.” Charles said.34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgG5fFDsMXP
“We will resume in an hour.”
While Eliza and Kiara talked to34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMXZlH4yYZm
one another in hushed tones, Vander met with Alex to discuss the final match34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmoo3rarKPx
and his chances of winning.
“She’s strong.” Alex muttered.34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnuxI5fRrRV
“Much stronger than any of the rumors suggested.”
“You think there is a reason34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIQDy1DVdD2
Bricen sent someone so strong to us?” Vander wondered.
“Because there are others who are34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJvnBWioKz8
stronger.” Alex laughed. “Don’t focus on that, focus on the fight ahead. What’s34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5bj9EZtjbe
your plan?”
“It’s really up to her and how she34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCiyEh7xw7k
wants to fight.” He responded. “But you know I’ve never been one to backdown34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG30iZSP91p
from a challenge.”
“Just remember how it will look34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkWIBQ7Fuh8
how you lose.” That was the warning Vander was waiting for his friend to bring34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ36CrldOO5C
up. He turned to see all the nobles whispering to themselves, but more than a34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ003OVpXtAZ
few were staring at him.
“I never had their confidence in34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg4bsKFWhms
the first place, Alex.” Vander placed a hand on his friend’s shoulder. “And34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcr4PJXiX2B
it’s not up to them whether I should be the Commander. That’s up to the prince34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdwbi0ycWTE
and my grandfather. I’ll be fine.”
“We’ve had this conversation34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNQ185Xq61v
before Vander. They will buckle to the pressures of the council if they must.”34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3dYe6FZtQk
He explained. “It’s happened before and there is no doubt in my mind that it34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS20RBIhgoP
will happen again. Be careful.”
“Next thing we need to discuss is34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡID1cdn6C6S
Eve.” Vander turned towards the barracks. “What the god’s name was that?” Alex34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAzFRNeeQMj
was quiet for a couple seconds.
“I saw something in her body34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDppPyiuS2D
language then.” Alex was quiet. “It looked as though she was going to try and34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvcP7lA5DTc
kill Kiara once the fight was done.”
“Were we wrong about her?” Alex34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡopIa0NtH5v
didn’t have an answer for him. “It’s something we are going to have to34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzEYw73ygct
investigate Alex. Keep your eye on her, let me know the minute she does34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwSdyePoywv
something strange, alright?”
“I will.” Now that that was taken34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgn42poK2nM
care of, he could focus his attention on the fight with Eliza. Charles called34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsldqk8YffH
the two of them to the center of the arena where he was standing. Eliza looked34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs5mvEF9sRc
well rested, but he could tell that she was still fatigued. He wondered if he34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFJU8HFkxh5
could convince his grandfather to postpone the fight until after the wedding34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7g660CFP7X
ceremony tonight, but he doubted it. Every Blade incumbent had to go through34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡStMFhMXGUh
this gauntlet, and she would have to do the same.
“I hope you are well rested.”34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb2xlLupkK8
Charles’ voice boomed. “This is the final bout where Eliza has challenged34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9nPFJ8mVRm
Vander. Have you decided how the two of you should fight?” he turned to look at34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA2TB3h5U2Q
his grandson.
“I have no preference.” He34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxYVXNP4bm5
explained. “I was going to leave it up to her to decide how we fight.”
“Very well.” Charles turned34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoL3UHoKHEz
towards Eliza. “What is your decision?”
“Hand to hand combat.” A gasp came34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ12Ex5mTeKu
out from the crowd. Inwardly Vander grinned to himself. Any soldier worth their34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlLCMAnV4sK
salt would have to eventually fight with their hands amid battle. Whether it be34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8no61sIsSg
weapons are useless in close quarters or your weapons are stripped from your34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfbXzInsz5Z
hands. It was a bloody, personal way to kill someone, yet it had to be learned.
“Very well.” Charles waved the two34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsrRVrc9Dsk
of them forward, so they were facing each other. “You may begin.”
“Care to make this interesting?”34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF8sCAUkjap
Vander asked as the two of them circled each other.
“What do you have in mind?” Eliza34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc3HqImU7Z9
grinned.
“Winner gets to ask one thing of34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlNHOZsdxkG
the loser.” He said. “Nothing bad, just a request.”
“Anything?”
“Anything.” He agreed.
“You’re on.” She said.
Vander threw a punch at Eliza, but34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9lbmcNvOVN
she launched herself at his stomach. He wasn’t prepared for the sudden attack,34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkII5CEwkx1
but thanks to his gifts, his reflexes were quick enough. He got low to the34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzLfVlJSvvv
ground bracing himself for her momentum, but she anticipated it. She brought34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFAgwiLs8O2
her head up, cracking him in the jaw, then while he was unbalanced, punched him34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡizYQ7Tl3uA
causing him to stumble backwards.
“Nice.” He rubbed his jaw before34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7nAHiFNFIu
spitting out a tooth that had been knocked loose. His head was spinning, but he34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡikGhgAO0c9
didn’t have time to catch his breath. She charged him the jumped, aiming her34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8SqSYXTPyJ
knee at his face. He got to her first. He lunged at her, grabbing her from34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnBnXfaM95p
midair then slammed her onto the ground. She pushed him away with her leg, but34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbf0fRV2ThY
he grabbed it in the nook of his arm and held it. He tried to punch her, but34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEx907hVlT4
her foot ended up in his elbow keeping him from moving it. They each threw a34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6rg8skZ3Jv
punch, but as she was on her back it wasn’t as forceful as his. He felt his34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCaneaxdwqB
punch crush her nose while hers hit him in the chest. While that was happening,34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoNFc8h3Kln
she moved her foot from his elbow crashing it into the side of his head. The34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIylCLFciT3
blow was so sudden that he released her other leg as he hit the ground.
“Nice yourself.” She said,34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFAQpoyHJEU
stumbling to her feet. She blew a wad of blood out from the side of her nose34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTl9YJlvB7w
onto the ground.
“Damn your tough.” He groaned. He34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmfuGgw70gX
stumbled to his feet, but he didn’t feel bad. If anything, he felt invigorated.34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPYgPUv2FvI
It’s been a long time since he had been in such a fight, and he was beginning34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYLzavDIKi
to enjoy himself. “You want to keep going?”
“Of course.” She got into a ready34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvhPocgq7tp
stance. One fist was forward while the other was back by her side. Vander stood34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo4J1zPrPdn
in front of her before adopting a similar stance, but his hands were open34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGjSCpqF61J
instead of closed. He hit her with an open palm, but she blocked it with her34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc24scUx1vj
forearm and at the same time, stuck him with her fist.
He ducked below34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiPhyykxagv
the strike then grabbed it. He threw her over his shoulder and back onto the34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbkKxh4ur6h
ground. He stomped on her ribs, but she spun around hitting the back of his leg34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhiZo4GTVGj
with hers knocking him off balance. Using the momentum, she got into a crouch34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡruaxVeYlxk
then tackled him so now he was on his back. He wrapped his legs around her34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡumqMg4aFY5
midsection to try and keep her off him. He grabbed one of her arms in his then34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdP3e7EUOvN
locked it in place. She tried to punch him again, but the same thing happened.34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnEPwdL3hf2
He yanked her in close to him, so they weren’t more than a breath apart.
“What are you34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgmb7F6VXRu
doing after this?” he asked. She smiled wickedly at him.
“Something fun,34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL164rsvpe7
but you’re not invited.” She said.
“That hurts my34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy929t9dNTO
feelings.” He laughed. He pushed her arms back then unwrapped his legs before34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb1YUGnhtNp
kicking her away. He got to his feet, slowly. “Gramps you mind if we end this?34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVo5x0VD1KF
I think we’ve seen enough of her abilities, unless you want us to knock each34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4urDp9jwod
other out.”
“No, I think34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP1jOThourC
we’ve seen enough.” Charles walked out into the field.
“Thank you, I’m34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkHQj5c3TuI
not sure how much more I could have taken.” He groaned. His grandfather held34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyoGLFVShJG
out his hand the hauled Vander to his feet.
“We will let you34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg4yYAHUnNx
know our decision, but I don’t see anyone being against her joining.” Charles34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0JygAmED3B
smiled. “Nor would I be against her joining our family.”
“Come on,34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ0s5NNfLo9
gramps.” Vander rolled his eyes. “It’s not like that.”
“Sure, it isn’t.”34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKGzVb952L2
he laughed. “Now get the two of you to the doctor. We have a wedding to plan34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ12OkRaTqRJ
for.”
Nodding his head,34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSpWnIURw8g
Vander walked over to where Eliza lay on the ground and offered her his hand.34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdvAVnOIJ7C
She looked up at him for a moment before clasping it. He allowed her to lean on34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPlqWohXQDq
him as the two of them limped towards the castle where Topal would be waiting for34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK4YzaqhzNZ
them in the infirmary.
“That was quite34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNyprso1zyp
the fight.” She said. She hissed in pain as he adjusted her to climb the steps.
“You put on quite34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡayromqs3FD
the show, we could learn a lot from you.”
“What do we do34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCvhkCuOSAo
about our bet?” Eliza asked. “There was no clear winner.”
“How about we34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcX9V7S9Cnn
both get a request?” She thought for a moment before nodding.
“This is going to34Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYZS6Gm7qcX
be fun.” She grinned.
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