A/N:
Continuation to Fairy Blood! You don't have to read that story to understand what's going on in this one. But there were will be random moments when you will be kind of confused (if you haven't read it). I would put in responses from chapter 15's reviews, but I'm excited to post this. ) Anyway, read on...
A more detailed summary:
Tania has been living in Kyrria for a couple of months now. She hasn't seen anyone from Geldrin ever since. She has put her past life behind her. Everyone in the city thinks she's human, and even she has ignored her true heritage. She keeps telling herself day by day that she is a human, and not a fairy.
She now works as an apprentice for Devlin's captain, who had taken her under his wing many months ago. He has taught her many things with the sword, and she has improved very impressively.
She is no longer the helpless little girl who always had to be rescued by a certain, blond-haired youth. She is now a great fighter, one that is respected by many.
Chapter One
She held the sword professionally with both hands and a perfect stance: knees slightly bent, one foot in front of the other. She knitted her brow as small beads of sweat poured down her forehead. She set her mind in deep concentration as she stared at the opponent before her, challenging him with one steely look.
Round three, she thought.
All of a sudden, the boy—actually, more like young man (he was nineteen, after all)—before her leaped forward, clashing his sword with hers. She met his blow with almost equal strength and held her position as he tried to bring her down.
But she wasn't that easy to beat. She was holding on quite well. The trick was to not lose footing. Her opponent was using his physical strength, and she knew that he was much stronger than her. Luckily, she was more agile. She had a quick footing, as her instructor always said. And this she used to her advantage. She never liked strength versus strength battles anyway.
In one quick movement, she swooped her sword gracefully underneath, then aimed nimbly for his neck. Her opponent, however, was an experienced swordsman; hence he was able to recover from the sudden change. He blocked her attack, but waveringly. Had he acted a split second later, she would have won.
"Almost lost there, didn't you Lucas?" she said haughtily as she skilfully brought him one powerful attack after another.
Lucas smiled as he blocked her vertical cut. "You don't have to act so arrogant about it, Nalyan," he said, calling her by the nickname he had given her months ago. "Fighting isn't your life, you know."
"Yes, it is!" she exclaimed hotly as she aimed a kick at his head. He ducked instantly, then blocked her other kick with his wrist.
"Oh, really?" he said as he then aimed for her abdomen. She quickly avoided it by stepping to the side. "Four months ago, you had no idea how to use a sword."
"I did to!" she said angrily as she ducked his swiping attack. Crouched down, she aimed straight for his…erm…manhood. He yelped and blocked it in time.
"Are you insane?!" he cried out loud. "You could have castrated me!"
"Well, you blocked it!" she argued as she blocked his four angry and consecutive attacks. "Besides, I would have stopped the attack in time if the need arose."
He snorted as he swiped for her left knee. She jumped in time, and his sword swiped nothing but air. "You're crazy, you know that?" he said.
She grinned impishly at him. "I've known that since forever." She advanced towards him as she sent him one quick attack after another, which he blocked. "But you know what they say: craziness often coincides with bravery."
"Whoever said something like that?"
She swiped for his neck, and when he ducked to avoid it, she instantly kicked him straight on the head. She did another powerful kick by his knees, and he fell to the ground. She raised her sword and aimed for the crown of his head, but he blocked it in time.
She had the advantage now. A big rule when sword fighting: stay off the ground as much as you can. When you're on the ground, you're at a weaker position.
This case wasn't any different. In three deft and consecutive moves, she had her sword pointed at his neck. It wasn't easy; she had to use all of her nimbleness to outmanoeuvre his moves.
But she succeeded in the end. She smiled devilishly at him as he remained still on the ground, staring at the pointed end.
"Me," she said.
His blue-green eyes met her brown ones. "What?"
"I said something like that," she replied as she drew away her sword from his neck. "When you're crazy, you have nothing to fear. When you have nothing to fear, you're brave."
"That's poor theory," he said, getting up from the dusty ground.
"But it works," she shot back as she sheathed her sword. "At least for me."
"You have nothing to fear?" he inquired. He smirked. "That's hard to believe. What about death? Are you not afraid of that?"
"I'm not exactly easy to kill."
He snorted. "Very modest, Nalyan."
She rolled her eyes. "I wasn't basing it on my skill with a sword."
"Then what were you basing it on?"
She remained silent. She couldn't answer that without telling him who she was, could she? No, she couldn't. And there was no reason for telling him. Her past was behind her now. She had a new life, a new identity. She wasn't Tania, the fairy daughter of two deceased parents. She was Tania, the apprentice of Devlin's captain.
She suddenly heard hearty applause from behind. She whirled around and saw the person himself.
He was a tall man with a rugged appearance. He was rather handsome, even more so if he got rid of that beard of his. Actually, his beard wasn't bad; it was a tidy golden beard, but Tania knew he would look way better if he got rid of it. When she told him that, he just scoffed. "Don't want ladies running after me," he had said. She decided not to pester him after that.
Yes, Bill Farvon was one devoted captain. He was so devoted that he didn't have time to court ladies when he was at the marrying age. He seemed to be in his very late twenties, and he was still single. Not that he cared anyway. He was satisfied with his life.
Everyone in Devlin turned to him whenever there was trouble. He was a feared man to criminals and a respected man to citizens. He had power, but he wasn't one to abuse it. He had taken Tania as his apprentice almost four months ago, when he found out that she had no family to go to.
And yes, this is the same Bill Farvon that Tania had read about in the encyclopaedia. The same fearsome warrior who earned his way to be mentioned in books. He wasn't one to take in just anybody as apprentices, which made Tania wonder why he never hesitated to take her in. She never bothered to ask, though she suspected that it was because of her sex. He probably wanted a challenge or something.
"Bill!" Tania exclaimed in surprise. "I did not see you there."
"You weren't supposed to," he replied, "and for the last time, Tania, it's Farvon."
She shook her head. "I don't understand why you hate the name 'Bill'. What's wrong with it, huh?"
"It's not warrior-like, enough said."
She burst out laughing. "Well, I think it's a nice name, Bill."
Her master scowled, but said nothing. Lucas watched the exchange, disbelief etched in his face.
"I don't believe it!" he suddenly burst out.
Tania gave him a curious look. "What?"
"First time I called him Bill, he almost murdered me. And you, four months later of calling him by that wretched name…and you're still alive!"
She grinned. "Well, first of all, it's not a wretched name. And second of all, maybe he has a soft spot for good fighters."
Farvon shook his head. "Lucas is also a good fighter, Tania. But keep in mind that I tolerate you more with the name issue because you're a girl."
Tania scowled instantly at that. "You do realize that you just insulted me, Farvon? Just because I'm a girl doesn't mean I'm weak. Let me remind you that I've only been your apprentice for four months, and I've already beaten Lucas a couple of time times, who has been your apprentice for nearly a year. So don't you dare treat me or acknowledge me as some…pathetic weakling!"
Her instructor held up his hands in defeat. "All right, all right," he said, sighing. "I did not mean to offend you. But if it makes you feel any better, I'm impressed, especially with today's duel. You really are a good fighter, at least in the sword fighting area."
"She is," Lucas admitted. He shot Tania a look. "What's your demon?"
Tania raised an eyebrow. "Excuse me?"
"People who work themselves to death have an inner demon," he said simply. "I've watched you work yourself to death for four months straight, practising from dawn to dusk. What are you trying to forget? What is it that you're trying to push to the back of your mind?"
More like trying to remove from my mind, she thought wryly. I don't want my past anywhere, not even at the back of my mind.
She shrugged at her fellow companion. "I just want to be a good fighter," she said. "That's it."
He scoffed. "Do you expect me to believe that?"
"Not really," she admitted, "but I'm not telling you anything."
"Fine." He scowled. "You do realize that that was a blow for me? Don't you trust me?"
Tania rolled her eyes. "I do, you're like a big brother to me, but…oh, don't give me that look!"
"What look?" he asked innocently.
"If-I-give-this-look-I'll-make-Tania-feel-guilty look!" she cried angrily.
"Is it working, Nalyan?" he asked with a grin.
She scowled. "No."
He sighed. "Fine." He turned to his master. "Do you need us, Farvon?"
"Actually, yes," Farvon replied. "There has been a brawl at the Dragonfire Inn, and during the fight, someone stole a valuable necklace from one of the guests. I need you to question everyone involved…the works, Lucas. Do you understand? Once you and Tania are done, give the report to me, and I'll take care of the rest."
Lucas nodded. "All right." He turned to Tania. "Let's go."
"Wait!" Tania cried out. "I have to change first. I'll be quick." She headed inside the small, simple house she shared with Lucas and Farvon.
She changed into black breeches and a black button-up shirt. She put on her black cloak, tied her wavy, shoulder-length hair (which she cut months ago) into a tight bun, and pulled the hood up. She then put on her black manly boots. Finishing touch was the mask she tied on. It was a black mask that covered from the bridge of her nose and down.
She stepped out, and both men turned to look at her. Lucas groaned.
"I don't understand this whole secret identity thing," he said. "Why don't you just show your face? I know you're ugly, but..."
Tania rolled her eyes, the only features visible on her face. "In case you've forgotten, Lucas, society does not do well with females holding a sword. If they find out that I am a girl, they won't take me seriously anymore. People will mock and scorn me. Especially the criminals we're after. Instead of fearing me, they'd laugh at me. And we don't want that, do we?"
Lucas shrugged. "I guess…but…aren't you hot in that?"
"Not really. It's no longer summer, Lucas."
Farvon spoke up. "Get going, you two."
Lucas nodded and fixed his sword belt. "All right." He grinned suddenly. "Hey…maybe I should have a disguise as well. I hear that girls like mysterious guys." He looked at Tania. "What do you think?"
"If you like having girls chase after you, then sure," she said, shrugging. "I personally don't like the experience. It tempts me to take off my mask every time."
"Hmm…but wait! If I wear a disguise, how will they see my astonishingly good looks?" he said seriously.
Tania groaned and pushed him out of the way. "One more word of arrogance, and I'll tell Cindy all of your embarrassing moments."
Lucas' eyes widened as he watched his partner walk away. "I'll shut up now!" he said, going after her. "I promise!"
"Good!"
Farvon shook his head as he watched the two walk away. They would really pass off as brother and sister. Both already had the attributes.
Lucas and Tania were done with the report. They had received amazing details from all the witnesses, and they were sure that Farvon would be pleased. They walked through the city of Devlin, report being kept by Lucas.
They passed by a huge crowd of people. They were surrounding a wooden stage, where two duellers were sparring. One man Tania recognized as Alvinn, a regular sparer (though he wasn't very good). He was a middle-aged weapon maker. He made good weapons, especially daggers, but Caelan's weapons were much better. Too bad Tania was never able to get that sword she wanted.
The other man she didn't recognize. Tania suspected him to be a traveller, just crossing the city. His sword was impressive. It looked like it should belong to a duke, which was odd since the man was dressed in commoner's clothes, close to peasant's clothes.
She observed the man as he fought Alvinn. He was strong…very strong, actually. But he was too slow. And his left foot was clumsy. He hadn't perfectly mastered the defence stance yet. However, he was above mediocre.
He beat Alvinn in no time. A few people from the crowd cheered, while a few groaned. Payments were made here and there. Tania smirked as she watched the man raise his sword triumphantly in the air, grinning smugly at the crowd.
Confident, she thought.
"Which one of you poor losers will come next?" he bellowed.
Very confident.
A man from the crowd (who had betted on Alvinn) suddenly turned, his eyes meeting Lucas's, then Tania's. His lips curved into a smirk. "Lucas or Viper can beat you!" he announced confidently. "And none of them will even break a sweat!"
The crowd turned and saw Tania and Lucas. They whispered to each other excitedly. The victorious man on the stage met Tania's eyes, and he shot her a cold, challenging look. Tania raised an eyebrow and crossed her arms.
"Viper! Lucas! One of you! Fight for us!" someone yelled.
Tania turned to Lucas and gave him a look. Lucas raised an eyebrow and shot her a defiant stare. Tania rolled her eyes and sighed. Lucas shrugged.
The audience had no idea that these two were conversing. However, they waited patiently and quietly as the two talked to each other with body language.
Tania frowned at him. Lucas sighed again, then held up a closed hand. It was Tania's turn to sigh. She let out a grudging one and held up her own closed hand.
They shook their fists two times, and on the third and last time, Lucas's kept his hand closed, while Tania opened hers, fingers spread out.
Triumph flooded her eyes. "Ha!" she cried out.
Lucas groaned and shoved his hands in his pockets. "Why do I always lose in rock, paper, scissors?" he mumbled.
"Because I'm better than you at anything," she joked lightly.
He rolled his eyes. "Just don't hurt the poor guy too much," he said. "And don't aim for his nuts."
"Why, I would never!" Tania said mockingly. She smiled (though it wasn't visible) and mock saluted her partner. "See you in a bit!"
She walked towards the crowd. Applause and cheers broke out, with people yelling out, "Go, Viper! Go, Viper!" Bets were made here and there, and almost everyone was rooting for Viper. Some were talking animatedly to each other, saying, "The guy has no chance. Let's just hope that Viper goes easy on him."
Tania calmly walked up the steps and stood confidently on the stage. She crossed her arms as her opponent studied her. She saw that he was a tall man, almost a foot taller than her. And he had a strong frame.
"You're Viper?" he asked. He eyed her up and down, disgust evident in his dark eyes. He was clearly not impressed.
Tania scowled. "In the flesh," she growled, making sure the tone of her voice was a few pitches lower.
He rolled his eyes. "You're Viper? You're nothing but a scrawny little boy! How old are you? Thirteen? Fourteen? Hell, your voice hasn't even broken yet!" he sneered. "You're not worth my time, kid."
"My age doesn't matter," Tania said coolly. She unsheathed her sword. "Shall we get started?"
"I'm going to crush you like an ant," he boasted.
"Oh, really?" she said, danger in her voice. "You better make sure your left foot doesn't get in the way then."
"What are you talking about?!" he demanded.
"Your left foot," she said calmly. "You put too much weight on it. Balance is important, you know."
"YOU BRAT!" the man screamed, furious at being criticized. He lunged at her angrily, giving the first attack.
Tania blocked his attack easily, though she was somewhat surprised at the strength in it. However, she maintained her focus as he gave attack after attack. He was angry, that she knew. She could almost see smoke flaring out of his nostrils. She almost laughed at the mental image.
"No, no," she said as she blocked his attacks, "don't shift with your left foot! That's your weakness, so try not to put all your weight in it!"
The man growled at her. "Shut up! I know what I'm doing!"
She shrugged. "Fine, fine," she said wearily. She swiped at his shoulder, which he blocked. She then did a twisting motion and aimed for his male part, ignoring Lucas's loud "Why do I even bother?!" comment.
Tania's opponent gave an incredulous look, but said nothing.
"You're still being clumsy with your left foot," Tania said. "That could cost you."
"SHUT UP, SHUT UP, SHUT UP, YOU BRAT!" he hollered angrily.
"I'm sorry!" she replied. "I'm just trying to help." She aimed a kick at his stomach, but he sidestepped. He then raised his sword and swiped at her neck, but Tania ducked. When she did, she kicked the back of his left leg. The man yelped and crashed instantly to the wooden floor. Since he was slow, he didn't have time to stop Tania from pointing her sword to his chest.
"Told you it would cost you," she said quietly. "Had you not put all your weight in your left foot, you would have only stumbled a bit, instead of falling down." She then drew her sword away and sheathed it back to its scabbard.
The crowd, after a moment of silence, broke into loud cheers. Tania shrugged and calmly left the stage. She avoided the audience, in fear of someone pulling her hood off and taking off her mask. She knew that many people wanted to see her facial features.
She approached Lucas, who was giving her a curious look. She turned to him and raised an eyebrow. "What?"
"You could have beaten him in five moves. Why didn't you do it?" he asked.
She shrugged. "I wanted to give him a chance to correct his footing. Didn't appreciate my advice though."
"You were kind of being smug about it."
"You would have been too," she countered. "The guy's a jackass. He looked at me as if I was a speck of mud on a polished boot."
He sighed. "We should be going now." He shoved his hands into his pockets and started to walk away.
Tania followed after him. "How did I do?" she asked.
"Like how you always do," he replied smoothly. "You did well."
She smiled. "Thanks."
"Though I wonder if you have something against men in general."
"What do you mean?"
"Did you see how the men from the audience cringed when you did that move?" He looked at Tania's blank and clueless face. "Didn't think so."
He calmly walked on.
"Glad you're here!" Farvon said, taking the report. "I have news."
"What about?" Tania asked as she took off her cloak and mask and placed them on a chair. She pulled out another chair and sat on it.
"I got a letter from the king, and he wants me to go to Frell."
This caught his apprentices' attention. Lucas looked very interested.
"Really?" he said. "What for?"
"King Charmont wants me to be one of the judges for the Autumn Fest Tournament."
Lucas's eyes widened. "You're joking!"
Farvon raised an eyebrow. "Why would I joke about something like that?"
Lucas groaned. "It's an expression, Farvon. Anyway, I've always wanted to join the tournament."
"It's not just a tournament, Lucas," Farvon said firmly. "This is the tournament. Everyone from all corners of this continent is coming to compete. The best warriors will be participating."
"I know, I know," Lucas said impatiently. "But I still want to join! Can I join, Farvon?"
Farvon sighed. "If you wish. We're leaving in a few days, so start packing."
"Yes!" Lucas cried out. He bolted to his room, no doubt wanting to pack.
Farvon and Tania were alone now. She turned to her teacher, who was smoking his pipe and reading the letter. "Bill?"
He didn't answer. Tania rolled her eyes.
"Farvon?"
He looked up and smiled pleasantly. "Yes?"
"Did you say everyone from all over the continent is coming?"
"Yes, I did," he said, nodding. He gave her a curious look. "Why?"
"Nothing," Tania said quietly. She stood up slowly, ignoring Farvon's brown eyes that were currently asking her an unspoken question. "Nothing at all."
A/N:
I made up that language, the one that Tania hears near Emerlin Forest (in "Fairy Blood," I mean). Anyway, hope you liked this one! Dragonfirechick: Hope you don't mind me using your name a bit. If you do, tell me and I'll change it. Please review!
