The Unknown Realm #4 (Waverly Stump and The 7 Realms)

IX

Immediately the duel began, Waverly perceived that the Gypsie was holding back on all her strikes because she thought Waverly a novice and of course, a child.

The crowd maintained a respectful silence as they watched the duelers contest almost noiselessly save for the clashing of their blades. Waverly felt that her sword was too heavy for her to make any thrusts without it falling limply so she did most of the parrying.

Soon, mild grumblings of disappointment rose from the crowd until an uproarious complaining filled the air.

The young man with the silver sheath stepped forward and interrupted the fight, spreading his arms wide with a polite smile on his face.

"This is no fight to the death, we all are aware of that but the people desire a real show." He said to the woman then turned to Waverly. "How good a swordstress are you, girl?"

Waverly glanced from him to the Gypsie then her eyes subsequently fell on another sword that had been left lying on the wooden platform of the stage. She walked to it and picked it up then put the old one in its place. The new sword was lighter and as long as Calaire in sword form.

She brandished it in the signature way she was taught to during her time with the Tyros. The crowd collectively gave a short, surprised gasp.

"I guess we will have to find out now." She replied calmly.

The man nodded satisfactorily and backed away. "Proceed then."

Waverly stared pointedly, almost daringly at her opponent. Her lip lifted into a brief and subtle smile.

"Come on then, do not underestimate me."

The woman smirked back and attacked without warning but Waverly was expecting her just then. She moved out of the way and blocked a few charges then began to forcefully advance herself. She was not sure of how fast she moved but the Gypsie kept retreating as they dueled earning tensed gasps and yelps. The crowd often dispersed to allow them more fighting space.

The Gypsie made the fatal mistake of stretching her arm too far out over Waverly's shoulder and the latter wasted no time in grabbing it. She knocked her opponent's sword from her grip. In a flash she had forced the Gypsie to her knees with the blade of her sword pressed lightly yet dangerously close to her neck.

The crowd broke into a wild cheer and rounds of applause. Waverly helped the woman rise and politely handed back her sword. The Gypsie appeared stunned as she received her weapon.

"That was very impressive." The young man exclaimed, stepping forward again. His face was bright with excitement as if he were the one that had just won the fight.

The crowd suddenly plunged into a low rhythmic chant. It took a few minutes before Waverly realized what they were saying.

"More! More!"

The man glanced at the crowd then back at Waverly. "You have victory over our second best swordsman but you hear them chant that they want more. Do you think you can go up against the very best?"

She thought about it for a moment. "How fast is this prize horse?"

"Heloy can run two leagues faster than any of his kind without tiring even under the rain." He replied.

Waverly deliberately searched for Judson in the crowd and found him at the extreme end. The expression on his face was not so detectable but he lifted both thumbs in encouragement.

She turned to the man again.

"Alright then. Where is your best swordsman?"

The man glanced briefly at the Gypsie then unsheathed his own sword. "He speaks to you now."