Sharp Flowers

Part 9

This side of the yard rests downhill alongside the fence. The window of the dining hall is but a blurry view from down here. Sebastian strolls at his own leisurely pace, with Peter begrudgingly crawling at his heels. Jessie turns, and we draw our weapons. Her sword is shorter, more blockish-looking. I glance toward Peter. His face is uncharacteristically unemotional, much like a lonely tree in a dry desert. How did I end up here, challenging a master sword swoman. My years are nothing in comparison. I am but a child here. This is too real, too soon. Am I making a mistake here?

"Did you craft your sword yourself?" I wonder.

"In fact, I did. The original, limited edition," Jessie boasts. I have the advantage of length, but surely she knows this. Jessie will find a way to compensate, and I must match her tactics. "You won't find many like my tanto," Jessie informs me with this devilish smirk creeping upon her painted lips.

"Why not make more then?" I suggest, feeling my brows furrowing.

"If everyone had one what would be the point of having one then?" she scorns me, "They'd be worthless," she spits distastefully, "Now then, onto business, dear child," she laughs, staring into me again, "If I win the legendary demon sword is mine."

"I can't agree to that deal," I decline, fighting to keep my eyes locked on her.

"I accept the terms of the deal," Sebastian speaks up. I break, and my eyes snap to him. My heart pounding against my rib cage, I bite my bottom lip.

"I-I accept," I force myself to agree with him. I stare hard at Sebastian, hoping he'll perhaps come to his senses! When I said you could trust me, I didn't think you'd put your very life in my hands like this. This is too much. Despite the circumstances, he still stands so cool and handsome.

"And if we win, you'll cooperate in the war efforts," Sebastian wagers.

"Fine, I'll cooperate with you, you snake," Jessie agrees. We turn to face each other. "I am Jessie Senmeka, daughter of Jayden Senmeka. Accomplished swordsmith of the Northern Crest of Oak Sienna. I accept the terms of the duel."

"I-I am Raven," I start -my tongue burning. Jessie stares at me, her bright eyes blazing into me. I suck in a deep, uneven breath of cool air. Everyone's eyes are staring at me, into me, down at me, and through me. "I am Raven Wrenwood. Daughter of Liam Wrenwood, first in the court, Knight of the Wrenwood clan. I am who I am," I declare.

"You aren't-," Ari breathes under his breath. With the slight dip of the head, we roar, hearts set ablaze. I dart in to make the first swing, swinging high. Our swords clash too close. I dart back, putting some space between us, but she's coming in. Blades clink and clank, bringing Jessie closer and myself stumbling. I meet her with a block and thrust the sword forward. The blade barely grazes her hand, and unphased, she's darting straight at me. Her eyes watch me, wide open like the stare of an owl in the night forest. She aims for my chest. I slide out of the way. I press back, relentlessly trying to use the range of my sword to keep her at a distance. But she's not letting me have the chance. She strikes high, leaving her gut wide open. I reangle, aiming to hit with the hilt and knock the wind out of her. She slides out of the way, butting my wrist out of the way. I throw my elbow back, nailing her in the stomach. Blinking rapidly, her focus rattles! I stagger back. I can't fight her! Every step closer she comes is too close. I'm stuck defending myself without an opening. My stomach churns almost nauseatingly. She could kill me and walk Scott-free with the sword. I, on the other end, need her alive. We but sword again, trying to drive the other back. Her expression remains relaxed and confident. Sweat runs down the back of my neck. If I die here and now, it'll be Peter praying over your body. Don't do this to him. I slide across the courtyard, putting a wide gap between Jessie and myself.