Esveldza: 'The Lonely Child of Fire'

Chapter II- Small Irritations

Chapter II

Small Irritations

A week passed and then it was the weekend, I was constantly busy with house-work and school but I didn’t mind because I enjoyed school. It was Monday again and Sir Millayes took us to the outdoor training area to practise.

“Okay everyone, we’re going to have a try at the three basic combat types- melee, magic and range. It’s ok if you’re not good at one because you’re here to learn.” Sir Millayes said as we each grabbed training swords. Everyone learnt the basics in previous years but it seemed most people forgot them over the holidays.

Johnro and Jemro were hitting their sword on this boy who looked to be their victim for the year; they had been disturbing him since the second day. Sir Millayes broke them up; I felt bad for the kid and wanted to help him out but at the same time was happy it wasn’t me, if I did help him the bullies would turn onto me for sure.

We began hitting the dummies that were set up for us, Silipho it turns out was more brains then strength.

Every stroke counts Akaiya, know what you’re doing and control your body. A male voice said in my head. I didn’t remember who this person was but their voice sometimes popped up in my head, I guessed he was a teacher to me when I was younger.

Just like the voice told me, I hit the dummy with precision and strength, moving my feet and arms like a choreographed dance.

“Well done, Akaiya.” Sir Millayes said from behind me. His voice startled me and I let go of my sword, it hit Johnro who I hadn’t even realised was on the dummy next to me.

“Sorry!” I apologised, quickly bending down to pick up my sword, my face burning with embarrassment. It was such a foolish reaction, shame hung upon me as I thought of my failure.

Johnro’s foot held the sword in place; I looked up at him to see his eyes piercing into mine angrily. He removed his foot but I knew that I was now on bad terms with the twins.

Magic was our next combat method to practise; Silipho was pretty good at this. She was better than me, but she was annoyed I was not far off behind her; clearly she thought she was going to be much better than me in that area.

Next was range, my favourite. I picked up a longbow and chose my arrows carefully. Some of the arrow’s fletches needed changing but most students didn’t seem to notice or care. I looked at the targets in front of us, they were only fifteen metres. I could shoot forty if I wanted.

I looked at Silipho who was stumbling with her arrow. “You’re holding it weirdly, when shooting with that bow you have to put one finger above the arrow and one under.” I said to Silipho, trying to offer my help.

She shot her arrow and thanked me when it prized her with a red. I noted there was a hint of annoyance in her voice and decided to next time to leave her alone.

I knocked my arrow and breathed slowly. Pulling the string back to my chin, I lifted the bow up and closed one eye. The target was too easy but I shot it anyway. It hit the gold.

“Well done Akaiya.” Sir Millayes said and I smiled at him.

Jonhro and Jemro had turned to look over at me. I got ready for another shot, but I wanted to shoot something harder. My eyes searched the terrain around us until something caught my eye. I released the arrow, it shot across the yard and past the target.

“Hah! You completely missed the target; the first one was a fluke!” Johnro cheered, laughing at me.

I frowned at him. “No I didn’t.”