Kiss of Death

Part 5

Tyson leads me to my room. The hallway is long and white with gold encased windows. Tyson opens white double doors and steps aside to let me look in.

It's majestic. A gigantic four poster bed sits on a platform surrounded by windows with white curtains. The light blue of the comforter contrasts with the dark brown frame. Pillows of various shades of blue decorate the bed. There is a vanity covered in jewelry. I walk across the soft white carpet and pick up a gold necklace with a red gem in the middle. There are double french doors to my left and I go through them. A balcony with a blue couch awaits. From here I can see a garden and a lake. It's gorgeous.

I hear a cough and remember I'm not alone.

"The king has informed me that your training starts today. Please follow me."
Tyson spins and begins to walk down the hall. We walk outside where Nolan is waiting.

"We'll start with an assessment of your abilities. Step into the sparring circle."
I look around for the first time.

A wall of weapons is to my right. To my left is an obstacle course. A giant wall with two ropes towers over barbed wire over mud pits. I can't see past the wall.

In front of me is a circle that's lined with red. Nolan sits in the circle leaning his head on a sword. His red curls dangle across his face. Why is my heart beating faster. It must have been the walk.

"Choose a weapon Runella. Let's see how badly I can beat you." I can't wait to wipe the smile off of his face.

I look at my options. On the right a variety of bows and arrows are hung. I could use those but they're better for hunting. I look past the clubs, I don't have the strength for that. I look at more of the weapons, many of which I have never seen. And then I come upon the swords. I'm about to grab a sword with a silver handle when I see it. It's small but it's perfect. A dagger with a white and gold marbled handle is hung on the wall. The blade has a small phrase written on it. "Quia digni sunt" it says in small golden print.

When I was small my father and I would spend hours upon hours training with sticks pretending they were daggers. My brother had trained with me but he wasn't made for fighting. His expertise was charming people. Mine was fighting. I felt in control when I was fighting. My weapon is an extension of my arm it's a part of me. It needs me as much as I need it.

I pick up the dagger and walk to the circle. Nolan stands up. He looks me up and down and smirks. We both ready our weapons. I study his stance. His feet are shoulder width apart with his left foot slightly forward. He holds his sword with his left hand on top. He's a lefty. Interesting.

"Get ready you two." Tyson is standing off to the side watching us.

"Are you ready darling? I'll go easy on you." Nolan smirks. He's got a big storm coming.

"Absolutely dearest."

And then I strike.