After Gus' death Eric decided something. No matter how brilliantly pure Snow was, that wouldn't protect her from the Queen's men. The whole reason the dwarf died was because he stood between her and an arrow. Eric shook his head. The simple lesson he'd given her on how to kill somebody wouldn't be enough. An army probably wouldn't be enough. He was going to have to do for the moment.
It had been a quiet trek since Gus' death. Although it had spurred them on it had also filled them with grief, a grief that silenced the group. Eric sighed. Now was as good a time as any other.
"Princess?"
"Yes?" she replied, looking up at him.
"I think it's high time you learnt how to fight."
He'd been expecting an argument but instead she simply nodded. The cause of Gus' death evidently must have been praying on her mind too.
"Very well. How shall I learn?"
"Like this." Eric replied and lunged forward. Snow leapt backwards. He smiled appreciatively. "Good reflexes, that's a start." She gave him a small smile in return.
Eric turned to face one of the dwarves.
"Can the Princess borrow your sword?"
"I shan't have need of it shall I?" Snow asked.
Eric rolled his eyes.
"Of course you shall! At the very least you need a weapon to defend yourself with." he replied, handing her the dwarf's sword.
Reluctantly she took hold of it.
"Wait a minute! Why can't we teach her?" asked another of the dwarves.
William also looked a little indignant at Eric's decision.
"You will be of more use later, once she has learnt the basics. Then you are free to take charge and watch her defend, if nothing else."
The dwarves grumbled but did not press the matter.
Snow tightly gripped the sword in both hands and held it upright before her body.
"I'm ready."
"Good."
With that Eric raised his dagger and came at her. Despite the difference in the lengths of the blades the huntsman quickly disarmed her. He had his dagger at her throat and William started to make his way forwards but Eric released her.
"Let's try again. Hold your sword with one hand only, this should allow you to be more agile."
Snow did as he told her and the fight commenced again.
As the sun lowered in the sky the pair duelled and it was clear to all onlookers that she was improving in technique and skill. Eric was impressed.
"You're a fast learner Princess." he told her.
"Thank you huntsman."
"But you are still on the defensive, what if you were attacked by the Queen? She would not hesitate to slit your throat!" he added, with a hint of irritation in his voice.
"You are not the Queen."
Eric sighed.
"Let's stop for today. We can continue your lessons tomorrow in better light."
Snow glanced up at the sky, she had not realised it was darkening. She had been too focussed on the flying blades. Eric smiled. That was a good sign. Maybe she would survive, unlike so many other people he'd strived to protect.