Rahallow, Tortall
Fall, 458 H.E.
Kel spun away and brought her sword up. Evin blocked, pushing her sword aside, and darted back, refusing to press his advantage. Kel also withdrew, breathing heavily. They both lunged forward again at the same moment. Their wooden practice swords met with a sharp thud that bounced off the garden walls. Their hilts locked and Kel smiled, pushing down with all her weight. Evin grinned and dropped, rolling away from her. Kel had seen him use the move on dozens of opponents before, but she adjusted her weight as he dropped and didn't lose her balance. Evin blocked her sword from a kneeling position and turned as he stood, keeping their blades touching between them. Kel continued to press him, not wanting to give him a chance to fully regain his feet. He blocked each blow. He was a much better swordsman than she, and he was quick and agile, but she'd learned to fight on Yamani. Using a burst of speed and energy she'd been holding back, she darted in close, coming up underneath his guard to press the tip of her sword lightly against his throat.
Applause burst out around the garden. Kel had forgotten there were so many people watching. She lowered her sword. "You gave me that one." She accused.
Evin grinned at her. "I never 'give' anything away. Helped a little, maybe." Someone brought them jugs of water and Evin poured half of his over his head before drinking. Kel took two huge gulps then splashed some on her face. The water was from the tavern, ice cold and flavored just slightly with lemon.
Evin handed his empty jug to the woman standing behind him. "Lunch," he declared. There was more scattered applause and a few shouts. Half a dozen people, Kel was still sorting out names, went into the tavern to bring out food.
The members of the Rider's Own in the Rahallow area had been gathered for training in the courtyard since dawn and sheets were spread out between the trees. A few tents were set up against the back wall for those who had come from more than a day's ride away, including two young women who worked at fief Treabond. Kel sat down with them on a bed roll they'd drag out from their tent. She knew their names were Kira and Kate, but she couldn't remember which one was which. She thought Kate was the redhead.
"That was nicely done." The other girl said. Kel was fairly sure it was Kira. "You're the first person I've seen who can dance around Evin."
"He's still a lot better than me." Kel argued.
"I was just talking about footwork." Kira said. "Aint no one who wasn't a warrior before that's a better swordsman than Evin."
"And aint no one period that's a better archer. We're lucky to have him up north with us." Kate said. "Jaimie said you're from further north—Mindelan area."
"That's right."
"Said you're noble and such." Kate continued. Kel nodded, not sure what the two girls would think about that. "And that you lived and trained in Yamani."
"Yes."
Kate glanced at Kira then turned back to Kel and smiled. "Now that's all that matters, then," she said. "Welcome to the Rider's Own."