Chapter 2: sword master initiate
None of the characters etc are mine thay all belong to Kristen Britain
Karigan arrived at the practice grounds as the bell struck 1 hour. Drent was there waiting, a grim smile on his face that made Karigan want to flee in the opposite direction.
'Welcome Rider Sir G'ladheon.' Was that a hint of mockery in his voice? Karigan didn't have time to ponder at this as Drent continued, 'from now on you'll meet me at 9 hour for armed combat and again at 1 hour for unarmed combat.' Karigan was about to object but was silenced when Drent raised a hand. 'Captain Mapstone has agreed. As long as you are not needed for an errand you will follow the schedule. You're a sword master initiate now, and as such you can't continue training at a leisurely pace.'
Leisurely! What was he calling leisurely? Coming out here rain or shine to get battered by a plank of wood in the shape of a sword?
'Yes sir' she replied through clenched teeth.
'Now we begin by teaching you how to disarm an opponent so you can use that weapon to defend yourself.'
Drent came at her with his practice sword poised before him.
Karigans face was one of shock as Drent came at her. She had thought he was mocking her by going over basics she had learnt at Selium. What he hadn't said was that she had to disarm HIM!
She quickly stepped to the side but forgot to keep him in her line of view. The wooden sword tip was on the back of her neck before she could blink.
'Kill point'
When the bell tolled two hour Karigan sighed with relief. The rest of the hour had gone very much the same, with Karigan getting nowhere near Drent and being batted by the sword none too lightly to make the message stick.
Karigan lurched off towards the rider wing intent only on soaking in a bath for the second time that day. She didn't notice Fastion standing in the shadows up ahead.
'Karigan can I talk to you, Karigan!' Estora stepped lightly onto the path.
'Lady Coutre I was just heading for the rider wing, I'm really in no state to talk right now.' Karigan stepped past Estora and carried on, quickening her pace and leaving Estora behind.
Why can't she leave me alone, she has no idea what's going on. She thinks I'm free to do as I like. Ha! She should train with Drent, than she'd realise her mistake. A fleeting smile crossed Karigans face at the thought of Estora fighting against Drent.
Karigan did feel guilty later on as she thought about the hurt she'd seen in Estora's face. But it's the only way. I can't be friends with her, not when she's betrothed to Zachary.
He probably doesn't even like me anymore, I was just a crush, and he's not sent any word not since I came back, not since Estora came back. Karigan felt tears roll down her cheeks and angrily swiped at them with a hand. Why is everything so complicated? Why do I love a man who I can never be with!
Karigan picked up the next account book and started wrestling with the numbers.
Unbidden her thoughts lingered on everything that had passed and onto the vision on the planes.
'Slain warriors in black that had been protecting one man, all cut down by some force greater then themselves. In their midst lay King Zachary, splendid in his silver and black armour, his amber hair swept back from is face, a trickle of blood flowing from the edge of his mouth into his beard. His body bristled with arrows.'
How did this come to be, or was it only a trick of that white world?
'Merdigan?' she asked incredulously.
He squinted at her. 'You again? Did you cause this mess?' he swept his hand to take in the battlefield.
'What? I –"
'Figured as much,' he grumbled
'Gods I can't seem to do anything right.'
Than a knock sounded at the door.
'Yes?'
A green foot runner entered her room.
'Yes Holly what is it?' Karigan asked the child kindly. Holly was not the most confident in the green foot, who Karigan had gotten to know when Captain Mapstone had been ill.
'A letter for you Rider Sir G'ladheon.' She said and held the letter out with a bow.
Karigan took the letter, 'Thank you Holly.' Karigan automatically turned the letter over to see the seal.
Dismissed Holly straightened and left the room.
Karigan still stood staring at the letter in her hand. The seal was that of Clan D'Yer.
'Alton?'
please review! thankyou to everybody who has or has put this story on alert. thankyou!
new chapter soon.
