Chapter 16
He didn’t know why he agreed to135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR25OJ1AT2a
this, but this was a bad idea. Not that Eliza wouldn’t be a good addition to135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtdniKrcKTV
the Blades, she would be, and he wanted to test her out, but not like this.135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJRIaqV46P4
Some how Cuvera had heard of his conversation with his fiancé and took it upon135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6wzQgSAJHm
himself to set everything up, the day of the wedding.
It was two days after Kiara and135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS4Rr1F79uT
Vander’s talk very early in the morning. Despite the early day, people from the135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbrhyWoJsAP
council were in attendance as was Malcolm, Bernard, Peyton and Charles. Eliza135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmiAkdOOOq
was warming up while Vander sat there with his arms folded in front of him.
“I can’t believe you.” he growled135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNoXNjbArVa
to Cuvera. “This was supposed to be a quiet event and you managed to treat this135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYsb8aq2gR2
like a dog and pony show.”
“Can you blame me?” he asked.135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7BAdJG0IFG
“I’ve been anxious waiting for my wedding, and this was a perfect thing to take135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRY7tAYwNiI
my mind off it. Don’t be mad at me because she might be your ass.”
“If I don’t beat your ass first.”135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZLvqzf4pc
He lunged towards Cuvera who jumped back. “Now get over there so I can start135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8cOpQ8HbS1
this shit show.”
“Touchy, touchy.” He grumbled, but135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKXjTGxhd1u
he did as Vander had asked. He took his spot next to his father who placed his135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSefcAeIsau
hand on his son’s shoulder.
Vander had made sure that the135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSfoIE8Xh2Y
field was turned into a sort of training camp for Eliza. There were targets135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvTZhFKgFvV
spaced out at twenty-five, fifty, seventy-five, and a hundred yards out for her135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHpZlAFv9Kz
to show off her archery skills. She would have five chances per distance to get135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlv4t67w3AG
as close as she could. Most Blades could shoot fifty yards, maybe one or two135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwmtU6yvre1
could shoot seventy-five, but he hadn’t met anyone who could hit the hundred.135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBobGH1V3tB
Maybe today was that day.
The next location should spar with135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZO3PrqnMy
members of the Blades using various weapons. The people she would fight ranged135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfUBUBoEyQk
from trainees all the way up to full members. There were five altogether and135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQcv4heXNkW
they should give her a decent challenge.
The final test would be a fight135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3qNPygeE4A
against a sitting Captain. A no holds barred fight, short of maiming. There135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOlDBZepYbR
would be no weapons allowed in this one. Just pure martial arts prowess. If she135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoWfEq7dOV7
did well she would be inducted as a Blade. If not, then she would just stay135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTPr7mrGDYQ
Kiara’s bodyguard, but constantly be watched over by a Blade. He secretly hopes135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4FMsrmzJtQ
she will pick Leon and run him around the field. He needed to be taught a135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHg7oHi6oBE
lesson. Hopefully today was that day.
Eliza was standing on the other135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwXVEVDarRw
side of the arena chatting with Kiara as she stretched. She was wearing long135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFWyd49LzSs
black pants, combat boots and a sleeveless black shirt. Her long hair was tied135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Wyecdomk7
back into a long ponytail. Vander couldn’t help but stare as she talked, but as135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpvnOmU2RgI
soon as she looked over he quicky averted his gaze.
“Let’s get this started Vander.”135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqN8gAygPok
Charles ordered. Sighing, Vander walked over to where Eliza was stretching135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYqZYLbHaRD
doing his best to not look at her.
“Are you ready?” he asked.
“As I’ll ever be.” She responded.135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5GakfALGcB
She got up then walked towards where the bows and arrows were stationed.
“Hey.” Vander looked over at Kiara135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeii31w3xcm
as she waved him over. Confused he walked over to see what she wanted. “She135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC03FPfTUHi
will only like you if you can beat her.”
“What?” he asked.
“Don’t think we didn’t notice you135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMEPWQjKNAK
staring.” Kiara laughed. “All of her suitors back home had to fight her, none135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPY0npAIYdx
managed to win. Good luck though, I believe in you.” With that she scampered135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZX6qeL5k3B
off to sit by Cuvera while the test was administered. Vander walked to stand by135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBb6W5acz9x
Eliza.
“First test is your archery135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1UN2cCaHlP
skills.” Vander explained. “Despite us using swords, we still need to use bows135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5q4kdvkiFv
so we can protect the castle walls using the ramparts. Each of us needs to be a135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZvMYi8Qb0
crack shot just in case, so we keep our abilities trained.” To demonstrate, he135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrTnYIHGpTB
removed his jacket then tossed it towards Cuvera. It hit him in the face135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCFtjAel6N5
causing him to yelp before throwing it onto the ground and stomping on it.
Like Kiara he was wearing a135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi2nLNxEXYu
sleeveless black shirt which was pertinent for this test. He strapped the arm135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8MPNmWQwSf
guard to the underside of his arm then put the finger tab, so he didn’t injure135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqcZA2bYA4a
himself. “To pass you need to either pass my arrows or get close enough to135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRshf0og87m
them.” He picked up a bow, tested the tautness of the string before selecting135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMS1ko44JJj
then docking his arrow. The first arrow hit the twenty-five dead center. The135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsgNvl5GB5v
second arrow hit the fifty slightly off center, but still within the inner135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpd2qf3eG9d
circle. The third arrow hit dirt halfway between the second and third target135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlgtObe3ORb
causing the nobles to chuckle amongst themselves. Vander adjusted his bow135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKg17XD2g3h
slightly, so it was pointing up then launched the forth arrow. It landed just135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmmnEauTN5d
in front of the hundred.
He held the bow out to her then135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdgO5KEkm38
stepped back after she had taken it. With strong arms she pulled the bow back135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN1VTKbbj5Q
then hit a bullseye on the first target. She quickly pulled back then let loose135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbhrtv7Bt1W
a second arrow hitting the other bullseye on the fifty. She hit the third135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjmyLehr8L7
target off to the left and her fourth arrow went farther than his causing the135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCiHyA3FljC
nobles to mutter amongst themselves.
“Very nice.” Vander acknowledged135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvxEZUNisLD
her with a clap on the back. She tensed for a moment under his touch but135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUjaH6dA2V7
relaxed a moment later. He looked back to see his grandfather nodding his head135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU53GfH2eq0
in acknowledgement, but the rest of the nobles didn’t look impressed. There was135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpMouRutO24
a very high bar to become a Blade in there eyes considering it dealt with their135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyJlG4IAs0d
protection, but it always annoyed him. They couldn’t do better, most of them135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAXShwo3nIy
couldn’t hold a sword, so why did they get to decide who protect them?
“Let’s move on.” Eliza brushed135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcFQsOMFOFo
past him to head towards the training area. Vander walked behind her; they135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtrTT9Z2vlw
didn’t have too far to go. Standing in the training pits were three sitting135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyiDg5GTpvW
Blades and two trainees, both from Vander’s group. He wanted to use this135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9HCn2abbv1
opportunity to give Rooster and Eve some experience fighting someone stronger135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKtug6qCLDd
than them, but different style than the Blades. The other three were Blades he135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRd3gBTT9kl
didn’t know, hand picked by his grandfather.
“We will go in order.” Vander135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbaHyOKRWLJ
explained. “Rooster step forward.” The red head took a nervous step into the135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlh5iyK7XmN
pit. “What weapon would you like to use?” he asked Eliza.
“How good is your staff fighting?”135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdJCXLS9loZ
she asked Rooster.
“Alright, I guess.” He shrugged.135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh55CbtVVvs
Vander rolled his eyes. They were trained in all manner of weapons, including135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzlF6kXzsr2
staves. Rooster was one of the best in the Blades, he didn’t know why the135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU1ofVBelEO
trainee was being so modest about it.
“Then we will use that.” Vander135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6oKwEGvW0D
walked over to the weapons rack and removed two staves. He tossed one to135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBVktSxLRQ3
Rooster who caught it one handed. Kiara did the same then raised her eyebrow in135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjU3CFC5qT9
challenge.
The two of them circle each other,135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLgq543HLhc
smacking their staves trying to make an opening. Rooster, the impatient person135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsHAjs0svuP
he was, broke first. He swung his staff down towards Eliza’s leg. She blocked135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY2ftHkx5wJ
it with the butt of hers causing Rooster to stumble off balance. He hadn’t135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwXHwnOVRCI
prepared himself for the reverberations that traveled from the collision. Eliza135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmpsokjxSmz
kept up the pressure. She kicked the staff towards Rooster’s face and as he135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXTJ4T1KzEv
staggered backward, she spun it around catching his foot. Pulling hard, he fell135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU8IIBlcbio
to the ground. Seconds later she held the tip under his chin.
“I yield.” He sighed. Eliza threw135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT0PLghCdsZ
her staff to the side then helped the boy up. He brushed the dirt off his pants135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO7lchySCzA
before slinking back towards the stands.
“Eve, step forward.” Vander135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡClmBSK95fu
shouted. Eve came out twirling a couple of knives in her hands.
“Mind we use these?” she asked135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ09Mz2ZZiUl
Eliza. Eliza shrugged before holding her hands out towards Vander. Sighing, he135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOlo4hXWHli
walked over to place his knives in her open hand. She studied them for a second135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4B4tdBSo7y
before gripping them: one in an overhand position, one in an underhand135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFfna5e6AXc
position, so the blade was resting against the underside of her arm.
The two of them looked at each135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlU1NRcjRqs
other before lunging towards one another. Metal clashed as the two of them135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVpJDntXlQ9
slashed and stabbed at each other each of them moved masterfully out of the135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH13lRp2W0c
way, so they didn’t get cut. Vander was mesmerized by the display, but not135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuBlTqY5C8s
because of what Eliza was doing. He knew that she was skillful due to being the135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEAYlVriipq
princess’ bodyguard, but Eve didn’t have any formal training aside from her135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6X8skjC0Ts
stint with him. She didn’t show any of this ability during training, and he135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhyJpWjo7qG
couldn’t help but wonder if she had just been going easy on them this entire135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpiTsxAtdSU
time. The round ended when Eliza was able to get past Eve’s guard and slash her135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzOllDUFVQJ
arm. The cut was deep enough to cut through the uniform and draw some blood,135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5UXewb2E2u
but not a lot.
“Match is over.” Vander shouted.
“Not yet.” Eve gasped. She lunged135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8oDTzrnfW
towards Eliza who had started walking towards Vander, so she didn’t notice Eve135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt5aO2dHVY2
moving towards her. Shea’s body collided with the young girl knocking her to135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5WgFPTeIoI
the ground. Before she could stand back up, Shea placed two feet on the girl’s135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz0tZAHjSFH
chest before snarling in her face.
“Stay down, pup.” She135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5AsfU2cPH1
growled.
“We will have a talk about this135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFMkmWdcUqq
later, Eve.” Vander snapped. “Rooster, bring her back to the barracks.” The red135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYEMyFoGvMq
head rushed up to do as he ordered. Shea got off Eve then waited for Rooster to135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ86kBY22zJm
remove her from the arena before she took her place next to Charles.
The next three bouts went by135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWkrpffnU2k
quickly. The Blades Charles had picked were top of their class, but not a match135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLVVU2NSEX1
for Eliza. The first one chose dual axes as his weapon. The two clashed, but135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbO0KCLLU89
her agility allowed her to effectively use weapons to smash his knees forcing135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0rUnEVL9Cs
him to the ground.
The second person wanted to use135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5WJxXKrf4x
swords as a weapon. She was very skilled, one of the few who Charles had his135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQvI1ebHGF
eye on to promote to being a Captain, Vander hadn’t recognized her at first135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU05SEzeD3U
because she usually wore a hood, but he recognized the style she used. Eliza135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtb6UYJskMz
had knocked the sword away from her then drove her knee into her face knocking135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv0fc2bdLHd
her unconscious.
The last Blade before she got to135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbwozrJbeuF
pick a captain to fight was a younger Blade. Vander didn’t know too much about135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4MwVDopPjP
him aside that he was in Leon’s camp. Again, he chose swords to fight with. The135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG4eCNBfuPQ
two of them circled each other warily, fatigue was beginning to set it for135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr5FGgZKWDl
Eliza. She had been in back-to-back fights, each one more exhausting than the135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQzkMqdQXuD
last. He was well rested and had a good idea of her fighting style since he had135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqUkdXBpFYl
just had to watch. He easily overpowered her forcing her on her back foot. She135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡejptbZ1i9V
swung widely allowing him to easily get in and counter. He punched her in the135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE4INh4xTpl
stomach and sides until she was gasping for air, but she didn’t give up.
In a battle like this, mentality135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3hHDNCiDBw
was everything. If you didn’t think you could win, you wouldn’t. Despite her135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFGbivuawFY
exhaustion, Vander knew that she would be able to win if she kept her eye on135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡehClKSFmpV
the prize and bid her time. In came a few minutes later. Perhaps it was over135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCRjdveQrOK
confidence or skillful planning on her part, but he went in for a wide slash.135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4pLdiRz0ab
Using the opening, she stepped inside his box, grabbed the arm holding the135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoqCknega4U
sword then squeezed. He tried to punch her in the face, but she wrapped her arm135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSI4ppPfHxd
around his elbow then pulled. Vander winced once he heard the crack as the135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJGeMiAIcjd
elbow dislocated. The man screamed and dropped his sword. Eliza put him under135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbj5f8JZ0Ru
with a blow to the jaw. There were a few reluctant claps from the noble135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGKlowvwZ05
gallery.
“Now you have earned the right to135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrxcuT2iwjN
challenge a Captain.” Charles stepped into the training area. Vander, Leon and135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3KqN3p6XZk
Alex stood next to each other at attention holding their breath to see who135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDSPgi51sYu
would get picked. “Choose.”
Eliza thought for a moment before135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfkd9s6IxOG
pointing at Vander. “I can’t say I deserve a spot if I don’t fight the135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFmFpzjAbMU
strongest out of the three.” She grinned. “Plus, his cockiness is irritating.135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzVu1GiqBhN
I’d love to put him in his place.” Leon snorted at that, but Alex didn’t say135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKFtMweeD0X
anything.
“Then take a break.” Charles said.135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡle76G4REs8
“We will resume in an hour.”
While Eliza and Kiara talked to135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr6pQZv3MPC
one another in hushed tones, Vander met with Alex to discuss the final match135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Ask1SSrCC
and his chances of winning.
“She’s strong.” Alex muttered.135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVj5PEwDUQI
“Much stronger than any of the rumors suggested.”
“You think there is a reason135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSCR5cJArYo
Bricen sent someone so strong to us?” Vander wondered.
“Because there are others who are135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe7DuCWV8ec
stronger.” Alex laughed. “Don’t focus on that, focus on the fight ahead. What’s135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHh2ItBlbEp
your plan?”
“It’s really up to her and how she135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡavlH1l0cLZ
wants to fight.” He responded. “But you know I’ve never been one to backdown135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4v5L5RJqYI
from a challenge.”
“Just remember how it will look135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDy6PZdccpE
how you lose.” That was the warning Vander was waiting for his friend to bring135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSOfPrjvwMM
up. He turned to see all the nobles whispering to themselves, but more than a135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb8kyLJTfDJ
few were staring at him.
“I never had their confidence in135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPdYW0efygw
the first place, Alex.” Vander placed a hand on his friend’s shoulder. “And135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhrmVBiCllR
it’s not up to them whether I should be the Commander. That’s up to the prince135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7oGC0G2tJ2
and my grandfather. I’ll be fine.”
“We’ve had this conversation135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwBF9zA1lfI
before Vander. They will buckle to the pressures of the council if they must.”135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIGunPMrSDR
He explained. “It’s happened before and there is no doubt in my mind that it135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpTeqyCIZL2
will happen again. Be careful.”
“Next thing we need to discuss is135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz4WVbcXBE7
Eve.” Vander turned towards the barracks. “What the god’s name was that?” Alex135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJVJtmG6Wm0
was quiet for a couple seconds.
“I saw something in her body135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfSEf2OTc5h
language then.” Alex was quiet. “It looked as though she was going to try and135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3gvVWEVoYW
kill Kiara once the fight was done.”
“Were we wrong about her?” Alex135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgrECIscbXW
didn’t have an answer for him. “It’s something we are going to have to135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKpyfsSJYzl
investigate Alex. Keep your eye on her, let me know the minute she does135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu9MnDLI8oD
something strange, alright?”
“I will.” Now that that was taken135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4zbNeyWejI
care of, he could focus his attention on the fight with Eliza. Charles called135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZcttsgU9j
the two of them to the center of the arena where he was standing. Eliza looked135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Nf9HG85or
well rested, but he could tell that she was still fatigued. He wondered if he135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSH2Yj0mWfO
could convince his grandfather to postpone the fight until after the wedding135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsMxYeEfgwL
ceremony tonight, but he doubted it. Every Blade incumbent had to go through135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuF6neuJhqY
this gauntlet, and she would have to do the same.
“I hope you are well rested.”135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrjv8khG61Q
Charles’ voice boomed. “This is the final bout where Eliza has challenged135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG7zASdP8Bp
Vander. Have you decided how the two of you should fight?” he turned to look at135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNQISusrsiS
his grandson.
“I have no preference.” He135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWWo76A6ftr
explained. “I was going to leave it up to her to decide how we fight.”
“Very well.” Charles turned135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBXkPZxphIW
towards Eliza. “What is your decision?”
“Hand to hand combat.” A gasp came135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxMSTQolBiP
out from the crowd. Inwardly Vander grinned to himself. Any soldier worth their135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE7GA1RADRL
salt would have to eventually fight with their hands amid battle. Whether it be135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLjefCyzzP9
weapons are useless in close quarters or your weapons are stripped from your135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzC0DcjNRve
hands. It was a bloody, personal way to kill someone, yet it had to be learned.
“Very well.” Charles waved the two135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNge7iqaN31
of them forward, so they were facing each other. “You may begin.”
“Care to make this interesting?”135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNWj9vl9skf
Vander asked as the two of them circled each other.
“What do you have in mind?” Eliza135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzF6QVi9xj4
grinned.
“Winner gets to ask one thing of135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ33mHGi3rTr
the loser.” He said. “Nothing bad, just a request.”
“Anything?”
“Anything.” He agreed.
“You’re on.” She said.
Vander threw a punch at Eliza, but135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYPjk14NMs5
she launched herself at his stomach. He wasn’t prepared for the sudden attack,135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFxKvEFCWO0
but thanks to his gifts, his reflexes were quick enough. He got low to the135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5M7ygRFDjY
ground bracing himself for her momentum, but she anticipated it. She brought135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqa0PoGkMYu
her head up, cracking him in the jaw, then while he was unbalanced, punched him135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4gQZQ2s9Ua
causing him to stumble backwards.
“Nice.” He rubbed his jaw before135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDkJokOu94h
spitting out a tooth that had been knocked loose. His head was spinning, but he135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpBIE9PYmzY
didn’t have time to catch his breath. She charged him the jumped, aiming her135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtcMmUoQfWa
knee at his face. He got to her first. He lunged at her, grabbing her from135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ46oWDeI2uH
midair then slammed her onto the ground. She pushed him away with her leg, but135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9PxYKqs7OI
he grabbed it in the nook of his arm and held it. He tried to punch her, but135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMawlegZyW7
her foot ended up in his elbow keeping him from moving it. They each threw a135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWDB1fzXuZA
punch, but as she was on her back it wasn’t as forceful as his. He felt his135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTT2f034qgF
punch crush her nose while hers hit him in the chest. While that was happening,135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5iojZjtFSu
she moved her foot from his elbow crashing it into the side of his head. The135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaZgO96dBrl
blow was so sudden that he released her other leg as he hit the ground.
“Nice yourself.” She said,135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGsc2JWw8Zp
stumbling to her feet. She blew a wad of blood out from the side of her nose135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡunawpJt7l5
onto the ground.
“Damn your tough.” He groaned. He135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJhncg2wdFQ
stumbled to his feet, but he didn’t feel bad. If anything, he felt invigorated.135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdMfcpG6Wlh
It’s been a long time since he had been in such a fight, and he was beginning135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsvrhynpz6J
to enjoy himself. “You want to keep going?”
“Of course.” She got into a ready135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyNHQkWx98c
stance. One fist was forward while the other was back by her side. Vander stood135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWSd7InRt4x
in front of her before adopting a similar stance, but his hands were open135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJZCIJRgIWD
instead of closed. He hit her with an open palm, but she blocked it with her135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpKyk4KrKNH
forearm and at the same time, stuck him with her fist.
He ducked below135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbwAKMwUcx5
the strike then grabbed it. He threw her over his shoulder and back onto the135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDg3vEtm5u3
ground. He stomped on her ribs, but she spun around hitting the back of his leg135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlOovSQfWEu
with hers knocking him off balance. Using the momentum, she got into a crouch135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvVnTdJareq
then tackled him so now he was on his back. He wrapped his legs around her135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGhP8JWYtB7
midsection to try and keep her off him. He grabbed one of her arms in his then135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4fu1WpQjES
locked it in place. She tried to punch him again, but the same thing happened.135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzHwE2iGBzb
He yanked her in close to him, so they weren’t more than a breath apart.
“What are you135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3dBX9VhJSA
doing after this?” he asked. She smiled wickedly at him.
“Something fun,135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCxD6GMpOvI
but you’re not invited.” She said.
“That hurts my135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPhcJJD7tOE
feelings.” He laughed. He pushed her arms back then unwrapped his legs before135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqdVmWi6DxY
kicking her away. He got to his feet, slowly. “Gramps you mind if we end this?135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91jTVgMNIK
I think we’ve seen enough of her abilities, unless you want us to knock each135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE9NAPmfIKK
other out.”
“No, I think135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGBf8gSz0XG
we’ve seen enough.” Charles walked out into the field.
“Thank you, I’m135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6RB1wDlfmv
not sure how much more I could have taken.” He groaned. His grandfather held135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeUspt0HWO8
out his hand the hauled Vander to his feet.
“We will let you135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8lsazz363Q
know our decision, but I don’t see anyone being against her joining.” Charles135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZzIgaMieT4
smiled. “Nor would I be against her joining our family.”
“Come on,135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0e1RFqvD13
gramps.” Vander rolled his eyes. “It’s not like that.”
“Sure, it isn’t.”135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyD1BSOR0o3
he laughed. “Now get the two of you to the doctor. We have a wedding to plan135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmbKuN9JWbp
for.”
Nodding his head,135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ02qvCmm3MF
Vander walked over to where Eliza lay on the ground and offered her his hand.135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCqgALHT8SM
She looked up at him for a moment before clasping it. He allowed her to lean on135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTnIOF0Dc6Y
him as the two of them limped towards the castle where Topal would be waiting for135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBHIdARdS7O
them in the infirmary.
“That was quite135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzfxgh63gEO
the fight.” She said. She hissed in pain as he adjusted her to climb the steps.
“You put on quite135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqtNQKQnjcz
the show, we could learn a lot from you.”
“What do we do135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQhVfnfn2gm
about our bet?” Eliza asked. “There was no clear winner.”
“How about we135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBCTFWpoDB0
both get a request?” She thought for a moment before nodding.
“This is going to135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzivoPbQtm1
be fun.” She grinned.
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