The Magician's Prince

Chapter 2

The sword whipped through the air right where he had been standing a few moments before. He raised his hands around his own blade to his head as he moved preparing for the counterattack. Ryoku was much stronger and more experienced than when he used to fight with sticks under the docks of the Iron Pier. His blade swung down catching the incoming thrust and driving it straight to the ground. Ryoku pushed his body forward driving his elbow into his opponent's neck. Sato will be feeling the bruise for days. Ryoku pulled back just a little on the follow through to avoid a serious injury. At least we're even for the black eye! Sato dropped his sword as he stumbled back. Ryoku wasted no time in bringing his own sword around to rest on Sato's neck, just where his elbow had landed a few moments.

"Good. Very good Ryoku, " said Master Horbus.

Ryoku allowed himself a brief smirk at the blade master's compliment. Ryoku tried to remember the last time Sato had bested him. Was it three weeks? A month? It is almost impossible to recognize the precise moment in time when something changes forever. It appears it will be my failure, not Sato's success the next time he beats me. He considered the other students around the room. They range wildly in age and came from all over the countryside. Most were the sons of wealthy or noble families. At first, Horbus had placed Ryoku against the youngest of them. Ryoku had quickly proven himself a fast learner and in only a few years was considered one of Horbus' best students. Up until now though there had always been a student Ryoku considered better than himself. I wonder what challenge Master Horbus will have for me next. Will I start to duel the master himself?

Sato backed away from Ryoku's sword a few steps and bowed toward him. Ryoku returned the gesture. "I can't seem to find an opening at all anymore," said Sato.

"We cannot always count on our opponents to make a mistake for us," said Master Horbus. "We shall make that the lesson for today's session."

You must consider what you know of your opponent. Knowing yourself is not enough to ensure victory. The words ran through Ryoku's head finishing the adage. Master Horbus had said this to Ryoku many times during their private sessions. It was no secret to Ryoku that Master Horbus held some of his best lessons back from the class. I wonder what lessons he holds back from me.

"I think that is quite enough for one day," said Master Horbus. "Dismissed." He turned and walked back to the desk which sat in front of the studio's only window. Ryoku's eyes drifted to the sword and scabbard which was placed on the wall to the side of the desk.

Ryoku turned to find Sato already on his way out of the studio and hurried to catch up.

"Sato!" called Ryoku. "Hey! Wait up!" He slowed down as he approached Sato. "Hey."

"What have you been doing these past few weeks?" asked Sato while rubbing his neck a bit. "You've always been good, but I've never lost to you this much before."

Ryoku considered his latest lessons with Master Horbus. Recently there had been a lot of focus on Sato's technique and how to take advantage of its aggression to create openings for a counterattack. Of course, he wasn't allowed to talk about any of this. Not only had Master Horbus warned him against it but he was pretty sure the Magician had cast a spell or something that would have instantly made him throw up if he tried. "I don't know. I just thought you've been slack off lately," he replied.