Altiris Knights:Civil War

Book 4:Chapter 2:Training

Alkaeta gripped her staff tighter and swung. Valhares evaded the attack and retaliated, his spear missing her face by inches. He evaded another strike and blocked a few more, before knocking her back with a fire wave.

"Unfair. I can't wield the elements like you" she pouted. "Life is unfair, Alkaeta. Sure, I could make it more fair, just for you to be content. But I have to make sure you are as prepared for war as possible. There are other wielders out there, some of them far more powerful than I am, and more skilled too, for that matter. What happens if you meet Lynaxa? She won't play fair. No one does. True, you shall be at a major disadvantage against most of your opponents, but you can make up for that, through training, and practice. I shall do what I can to help you on the way. Now, attack me again, and remember, you can evade my fire attacks" Valhares replied, and raised his spear, waiting for her attack.

Alkaeta took a deep breath and swung, more controlled this time, and blocked his counter. She kicked him in the chest, pushing him away, and ducked beneath a fire whip. He inclined his head in approval, and attacked her again, his spear clashing with her staff. His foot found her shin, and he blocked her staff with his forearm, and swept her off her feet, lowering his spear to her neck.

"Not bad. Not bad at all. Now, I want you to broaden your focus. Pay attention to the larger details, don't just focus on my spear. Also... pay attention to your surroundings" Valhares said with a sly grin. Alkaeta instinctively flipped to her feet, just in time to avoid a fire spurt rising from where she lay a few seconds ago. The green flames singed her hair and armor, but Valhares quickly drew the fire out. "I'll have you for this" Alkaeta said, glaring at him. "Let's see you try" he smirked, and attacked.

Alkaeta ducked and blocked his next strike, pushing his arm away as a fire spurt came out of it. She struck him on the shoulder and turned, ducking beneath another fire spurt, and thrust her staff in his gut, and pushed him away with a kick. He managed to maintain his balance, and blocked her next strikes. Alkaeta sensed his next attack coming, and closed his palm into a fist before he could release the flames, and leapt over him, swinging with her staff. He blocked the strike and held his spear tip to her neck, just as her staff found his sternum. They both panted, their hearts beating. "You have improved greatly. There is nothing more I can teach you. I will ask if Judeor is willing to allow you to accompany him on his next mission" said Valhares. "Thank you" Alkaeta replied. "Don't get too excited yet. He might test you before his makes his final decision."