The Gods Pugna – Kel's fifth year

By Imperfectionist

"Joren, wake up. We're leaving now." Yelled Paxton. The squire moaned in protest as he tried to stand up. He quickly dressed and went to saddle his Knight master's horse as well as his own. They started their journey accompanied by two squads of the Queen Riders.

From that day on, Joren of Stone Mountain fought and defeated different Immortals, countless Raiding Parties and every one of his duels. He protected Villages from things that were a threat to them. He met a range of interesting people like the Rogues and attracted many young maidens. Before he knew it, a year had almost past and it was soon time for him to be returning to Corus for his Ordeal.

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"Hurry up Owen. It's not that much further now!" shouted Kel from the curtain wall and she ran along it bravely and fearlessly. For the last year since the 'accident' she worked hard and learnt everything she could. She ran down the stairs and headed for the stables to give Peachblossom a treat. She had just got there when she saw a travel-worn Knight riding her way. She went about her own business, as this was not an unusual thing because more and more Knights were returning everyday. Especially at that time of the year when the weather was getting colder. She went into Peachblossom's stall and dug for the apple in her pocket; the horse ate it satisfyingly.

"Well, well, if it isn't the Lump?" Kel turned round surprised and faced Joren of Stone Mountain. To Kel he looked bigger, experienced from many battles and more masculine. However his body language told her that he was still the same cruel person.

"Still here Lump? I thought you had gone home." He said smoothly.

Like stone she repeatedly thought to herself. She didn't reply but got out of the stall and ran past him for her next lesson. She definitely didn't want to associate with unlucky stars such as Joren.

She came across Owen who was leaning against a tree to catch his breath. "Where have you been?" he asked.

"To the stables to see Peachblossom." They ran hastily together to the fencing courts where Lord Wyldon would surely give them punishment for being late. They arrived just in time, as everyone was about to assemble in a line. Luckily for them, Lord Wyldon didn't catch sight of them.

"Pages. Pair up with someone you have not been with before and you will fight in any combination of moves." Shouted Ezeko the Sergeant. The pages did this efficiently, Kel stood next to a tall fourth year page. She struck fast at her opponent as he clumsily blocked it. She attacked a few times trying to the Page's sword out of his hand. Her partner was taller and more strongly built than her but he wasn't as fast as she was. He blocked her reasonably well and suddenly he lunged at her torso. She blocked it just in time, cursing in Yamani and thinking how she should be faster and more alert. She continued to concentrate on this duel, gaining the upper hand.

At the other side of the court stood a blonde squire studying the girl page's every move. As a knight-to-be he was seeing who would make the best squire. He had some in mind. Though surprisingly the least person had caught his eye. He watched her lunge at a taller page than her. Clearly he was impressed by her sword ship but she wouldn't make a good squire; because she was a girl.

Does it matter that she's a girl? Said a part of his mind. The question was then thrown to a side.

"I want the best squire I can get," he said to himself. He continued to carefully observe the other fourth years; though Kel's moves were fixed in his mind.

*~*~*

Thanks for the reviews people and I'll keep writing.

Thanks Ally for beta reading this. You're a star!

I'll see everyone real soon.

Imperfectionist ;P