Here's the next part of the story…Don't worry there will be more action soon!
Chapter 32--A Lesson
Drizzt saw the trainee lunge at him with a dagger in his right hand and spun.
He caught the youth's knife wrist and twisted then grabbed his left wrist. The youth found himself with his back to Drizzt, left arm twisted behind his back and right wrist gripped tightly. His own dagger was at his throat. "Another little warning, never try to sneak up behind me. I'm very touchy about that. If you ever try this again I will consider it an attack and respond accordingly," he said. He released the trainee and shoved him away. "Go back to your place."
Scowling and flushed with embarrassment the trainee obeyed. He managed to ignore the faint snickers of the other trainees.
"Now, let's get down to business. How many of you have weapons training?" Drizzt asked. He was pleased when all the trainees raised their hands. That would make it easier for him. "Good, but you won't need them right away," he said.
Arian fought back a snicker. He had a good idea what was going to happen next and he was right.
Drizzt gestured to the edges of the training field. "Start running laps, but stop when you're tired. I'll tell you when to stop altogether," he said. The trainees didn't look pleased at the command, but they obeyed. Drizzt watched them to see who lasted longest. He wasn't surprised that the well-dressed trainee was one of the first to stop. He let them run until only six were still running. "That's enough, back to your places," he ordered. He waited for a while even after they had lined up, so they could catch their breath. "Each morning, I want you out here running before I arrive. Ten laps per day and that number will increase as you improve. Next each of you pick a partner," he said. He watched while they did then went over to some covered racks and pulled away the cover. It revealed a variety of wooden weapons padded with cloth.
"Wooden weapons? I already am pass the need for that," the arrogant trainee said.
Drizzt frowned and tossed the cover aside then walked over to the trainee. "What's your name?" he asked.
"It's Erik, son of Sir Kerrick of Waterdeep," the trainee said proudly.
"So you're beyond it?" Drizzt asked. Suddenly his eyes hardened. "I'll decide what you're beyond and I care not who your father is. Here you are under my orders. Pick a weapon and prove your boast to me and be silent, boy!"
"I'm no child! I'm seventeen!" Erik protested.
"I'm one hundred and twenty-four years your elder. Pick your weapon and stop wasting my time," Drizzt snapped, going back to his place. He waited until everyone picked a weapon that suited them and returned to their places. "Alright team up with your partner and spar. I'll be walking among you to offer advice," Drizzt said.
Soon the air was full of the sound of wood cracking against wood. Drizzt moved through the trainees offering suggestions and tips to those that needed it. A lot of them were good and just needed practice to get better. Drizzt was sure most of them would make fine rangers. After two hours he had them put away their weapons and dismissed them into dawn the next day.
Drizzt sighed and recovered the racks feeling weary for some reason. He was worried about Erik. He was to arrogant for his own good and that could mean danger for the other trainees. He was going to have to find away to get some of that attitude out. The soft rustle of cloth warned him he was no longer alone on the field. He turned. "Good day, Lady Delia. You're up early," he said, bowing.
"You're very alert of your surroundings. My father came here on business and I decided to accompany him," Delia said. She wore a frilly, fancy dress with matching shoes. She looked Drizzt over. "Rough day?" she asked.
Drizzt knew he was a mess after the training session. "You don't stay clean when you train warriors, Lady," he said.
"Obviously not," Delia said. Her nose wrinkled in disdain.
"Excuse me, I have some things to do before I go home," Drizzt said and walked away without looking back.
Delia sighed and continued her stroll, scolding herself for insulting him again. When will I learn to mind my tongue? she berated herself.
Delia was walking past an alley when she was seized from behind. A strong hand clamped over her mouth then everything went black…..
So who grabbed Miss Priss…uh, I mean Delia? R/R please also look for Troubles In Love, the prequel to my two Drizzt fictions…..
