Light filters in through the curtains making me groan. After yesterday's excitement, I can't wait to see what today has in store for us. Don't get me wrong, I loved the party the Elders put together for me—even if I complained to them. They even bought me some presents of clothes that are more suited for hot weather, not that I'm used to it yet. The Elders together gave me a necklace with three snakes wrapped around a ruby in the center that can be used as a talisman. What I find fascinating is the fact the necklace they gave me had my favorite animal. How could they have known that kind of information?
When I returned to my room, there was a large gift on my bed from Estel. Tucked away within a mess of red and black tissue paper were leggings, mesh tops and sports bras in various colors including a cute black, blue and pink camo print which is about the only way someone could get me to wear pink.
I wonder if I should keep my dancing a secret from everyone else any longer. If I did tell them, maybe I could dance more often. It's one of the few times during a busy week where I truly feel free.
I am brought out of my thoughts by Tally shouting through the door.
"Come on. What's taking you so long? The breakfast will be cold, and we need it since we start our next series of weapons training."
I smile and jump out of bed. Now that is something I can get excited about.
After eating as fast as we could, Tally and I are the last to join the group in the training area. There isn't a cloud in the sky, and although that should be a good sign, with the thunderstorm that came through in the early morning hours, it only spells a damp, sticky day to me. Yuck.
"Today you start using your weapons in close combat situations. You will eventually practice on everything, but for the moment train with what you have been given," EJ says.
He goes to each group of people to show them how to use the particular weapon they have in hand. Eventually, he makes it to me, Tally and Tanner, all having personal daggers.
"Remember the Daggers of Hamingja are just a myth." He smirks. "But seriously, it doesn't matter if they are a myth or just a family heirloom, because you all are going to begin training as if they are simply long daggers."
After bringing Estel forward with a dagger in hand, he shows us the basic techniques for handling the daggers.
EJ pairs Tally and I up to practice these techniques, and as we are practicing the strikes, my vision becomes foggy.
"Michaela, come play with us." My little cousin shouted from inside the fort at the playground. "Coming." I called back and climbed the ladder to where Tanner and Tally were playing. We were getting ready to play hide-and-seek when I heard the clang of metal against metal.
Looking out of the hole in the fort, I see Uncle Alex has Uncle Amby pinned to the ground.
"You can't get the best of me, old man." Uncle Alex taunted Uncle Amby.
As Uncle Alex was helping him up, Uncle Amby asked, "Best two out of three?"
"Don't you guys train enough? Go play with the kids." Aunt Laurel shouted out. Then I saw my uncles lay their swords next to my mom's sword and drag my dad with them to come play with us on the playground.
"Mick. Michaela. Are you alright?" EJ asks, and it takes me a minute to focus on him.
I look down at the dagger and then back up at EJ. "Did our parents use these in trainin'?"
"Yes, why?"
"I think I just experienced a memory 'bout our parents," I tell him as my head begins to ache.
YOU ARE READING
The Protectors: New Generation Book 1
Kỳ ảoTallulah James wants to know where she belongs and what her life's purpose is. The only problem, she doesn't have all the facts. But who is keeping secrets from her? How does magic play into her life? Will she finally find what she's been longing...
