Counterfeit ✓

Chapter 16

THE BOWL OF water stood on the floor as Mila sat in front of it. A minute ago, Oliver had instructed her to hit the water, and yet she didn't understand the added value of it. Sighing, she looked up, shaking her head.

They had been wandering through the forest all day. They had encountered nothing but a few insects and had stopped at the edge of a lake. Both Oliver and Thomas thought it was the safest option because intruders could only come from one side. When the sun disappeared behind the clouds and the moon set in, Oliver placed a bowl of water in front of Mila and instructed her to hit it.

Clenching her hands into fists, she slapped the water and quickly pulled her arm back, biting her lip. The pain rippled through her body as Oliver chuckled. With his foot, he pushed the bowl toward her again.

"Palms," he said. "Don't use your fist."

Mila rolled her eyes and swallowed the burning commentary. Refusing to act like a wimp, she smacked the water with her palm, biting the pain. After five times, all the water dripped out of the bowl. She stared at Oliver, blinking.

"Again."

Her mouth dropped open in surprise. Oliver stood up, filled the bowl, and sat back down with crossed arms as he observed her. Tilting her head, she repeated the same actions as before three times.

"Why? I don't see the point."

"Again."

"Why?"

Mila hit it again until the bowl was empty. Without saying a word, Oliver refilled it and signaled that she should repeat her actions. With a raised eyebrow, she pushed the bowl aside.

"Why?"

"I have my reasons. Again."

As of now, Mila preferred to trek through the woods rather than be busy with a bowl of water like some half yarn. Three more times, Oliver gave her new bowls of water and pretended that her life depended on it.

"The famous water bowl." Thomas entered the tent."Or should I say the infamous one?"

Oliver stood up."You should keep watch."

Thomas shrugged. "Your turn. I keep an eye on water girl."

Once Oliver disappeared from view, Mila pushed the bowl away."Why do I have to hit the water? Of course, it will be empty after a while. A wise lesson."

"Again."

"No." Mila frowned."Why?"

"Again." Thomas licked his lips."I've always wanted to say it without me being the fool."

"Thomas, it's your turn."

"Are you going to tell her already? You only told me after at least fifty bowls."

"Thomas. Guard."

"Yes, Captain, yes!"

Before leaving, he saluted one more time, and once he was back outside, Oliver pushed the bowl back in Mila's direction. Mila narrowed her eyes, crossing her arms to make it clear she needed to know why first.

"The Iron Palm training," Oliver explained."More than just technique. Your tendons, ligaments, and connective tissue become stronger. Your bones, especially those in the hands and forearms, will become stronger and denser."

"Does it help?"

"I trained everyone this way."

Mila took the bowl of water, slapped it, and rubbed the drops from her face."Sometimes it sounds like you were the first here."