Shadows of the Light

Page 7

The crowd roared in delight as Vexel walked proudly off the field. He was pumping his hand at the crowd and spurring on the wave of energy swept through the crowd. Even Lucienne was clapping enthusiastically. He had done what no other candidate so far had done: he had actually bested the old sword instructor. The old man accepted defeat graciously and took Vexel's offered hand. He said something quietly to him and said his timeworn speech on Vexel's promotion to the next class. Lucienne was still laughing gleefully like a child. "My mother said that the sword field wasn't the place for a woman."

Sakiya laughed, still filled with delight for his friend. "But you know differently now, don't you?"

"Yes, I do. At least I'm not totally uninterested in your hobbies."

"Why thank you, Luce," he said seriously, though there was laughter in his eyes. He turned to Fornin who was sitting quietly on the row below him. "You've been really quiet, Fornin. You nervous? Don't worry, you don't need to emulate Vexel. I didn't," he added grinning.

"I know," Fornin replied curtly.

'He must really be nervous,' Sakiya thought, 'I'd better just leave him alone.' Lucienne gave him an encouraging pat on the shoulder. He didn't even bat an eyelid. A well dressed man entered the mini coliseum and unrolled a scroll. In a loud voice, he announced the next five candidates to prepare and one of those was Fornin. He got up and left without a word. A few moments later, Vexel thumped on the seat where Fornin had been. Sakiya punched him lightly on the arm and Lucienne congratulated him ecstatically. "What did Master Kenroth say to you?" Sakiya asked curiously.

Vexel gave a hearty laugh. "He said, all the best for your entrance into the Brightspears."

The sun was setting when the four were finally making their way back to their respective home with Fornin sporting a bandage on his head. He had done a good job - not as good as Vexel - but probably better than Sakiya. He had utilised his speed to deal out flurry after flurry of slashes. The examiner in question, Master Kenroth, had taken quite a while to sneak a blow in. A pity that the blow was the one which ended the bout; a solid whack to the head. Fornin had passed. He wasn't awake to her it. Despite that, his earlier moodiness had dissipated and he was now moaning about his mistakes. "And I did the feint so perfectly!" He groaned. "It didn't even matter."

"At least you managed to pull a feint," Sakiya said incredulously, "I nevet even got the chance!"

"Really?" Lucienne asked. "Everybody at the testing grounds seemed to think your fight was something worth talking about."

"He had a more straightforward fight," Vexel quipped, "The 'block, strike, parry' you'd expect from a sword fight."

"Oh. Well I don't really know much about that."

"It's alright. Sakiya will teach you since you'll have him all to yourself after Ascension Day."

Sakiya's retort died on his lips as Lucienne gave a satisfied purr. Vexel lifted an eyebrow and laughed while Fornin blushed. He ended up letting out a sigh and a wistful smile. "Well, if she'd deign to listen to my speeches."

"Of course I will! Even if I didn't, I would still nod politely."

"I don't think that reassures him much, Lucienne," Vexel said with a grin.

"The yawning might give it away," Fornin added.

Lucienne laughed. Sakiya glared at the two but let it go. Soon they reached the fork of the road and Fornin went off. Sakiya, Vexel and Lucienne all waited until he waved before he entered the building. Then at an unspoken signal, they set off again. Sakiya kept mostly to himself as they walked, though he and Lucienne still linked arms, and let Vexel and Lucienne discuss about Vexel's tutor issue. The three were at Vexel's manor before he realised something. "Sakiya," he asked, a little surprised, like a drunk sobering up, "Didn't we pass by your house?"

"Yes, but I have to escort Luce home."

"Ah," he said in understanding, "Never leave a woman without company - good show, Sakiya!" The door opened for him and he walked through, waving goodbye. It was already dark and the lamps were burning as Sakiya and Lucienne made their way to the Medhen residence. They partook in some light conversation but they walked mostly in companiable silence, just enjoying each other's presence. When they reached the Medhen residence and just before Lucienne crossed the gate, she faced Sakiya with a big smile. "Thank you for today, Sakiya. I really enjoyed it."

He graced her with a small bow and an equally sized smile. "Of course. Not a problem at all." He gave her a kiss on the forehead. She giggled. "I wonder. About the wedding."

Sakiya gave her a sheepish grin. "I don't have the first clue of what's going to happen."

"Of course not," she said with an air of mock arrogance, "That is a woman's area. One that you'd have absolutely no knowledge in."

"But who knows? I might enjoy it, just like you enjoyed today."

"Oh you will enjoy it," she replied with a gleam in her eye, "I'll make sure of it." She laughed and went in. Sakiya stood there, finally accepting the fact that he was the luckiest man alive, and walked down the road.