I Was Reborn as a Daddy in Another World

Katya - Part 1

Night had long fallen and the crystal-lamps in the guild training ground were lit, casting dancing shadows into the corners of the open packed-dirt field.

A petite-built teenage warrior with long, blonde hair pulled into a high, loose ponytail swung an enormous blade to-and-fro, turning and switching hands as if the sword, near as long as she was tall, was as weightless as balsa wood. She ran through the elegant greatsword form with a practised ease, stepping forward as she brought the blade down, slipping backward as she raised it up and across her body in a defensive stance, dragging the tip through the dust as she spun and leapt.

The sword itself was massive, a double-sided, silver-edged blade inlaid with black and red filigree which matched with the long-sleeved red dress she usually wore under her silver armour. The weapon was heavily repaired, scarred with repeated patches and welds, and the leather wrap around the haft, on which her fists could fit three times over, was worn and frayed.

She drew the form to a close, leaping high into the air and swinging the sword in a heavy downward blow, and remained in the final position for a few long heartbeats. Her breathing was ragged, and a light film of sweat made her face shine, but she stood, drew the blade back and prepared herself to run the sequence again.

"Katya!"

The warrior, Katya, paused and turned her bright blue eyes on the only other figure in the abandoned yard.

The man was tall, broad and heavily muscled. High-waisted silk pants fit snugly around his tapered waist, and the brightly coloured, loose fitting top with a deep split in the chest he wore tucked into them gave him the appearance of a popinjay. His ornate clothing cut a stark contrast to his face, which was dark-skinned and sharp-angled, with a set of cold, steel-grey eyes set under heavy brows and close-cropped, dark brown hair. His mouth was a grim line, and his tone was serious.

"Come with me," he said, simply, and turned without waiting for a response, striding back into the dark passageway that led into the guild-hall proper.

Katya stood and watched him leave, then quickly swept up her blade and ran after him.

—

Katya entered Vasson's office without knocking, and found him already seated behind the large, blackwood desk. The surface was covered in maps, invoices, scouting reports and schedules, all of which were heavily annotated in scratchy black ink.

Her eyes widened at the sight, and she rushed over. Leaning her greatsword against the desk, she almost leapt into the seat across from him.

"Well," Vasson's voice was deep and almost musical, even through his serious demeanour "I was going to say 'take a seat', but..."

"Sorry," Katya replied, seeming anything but, "Sorry, I just... Is this...?"

Vasson nodded.

"Yes," he affirmed, "the route's been set, the expeditionaries have been notified and the first party is leaving tomorrow, just after dawn."

Katya jumped out of the chair, smiling broadly.

"Tomorrow?!" she asked, without waiting for a response, "I've got to get ready!"

"Stop," came Vasson's stony reply.

Her hand paused, hovering just short of her greatsword's handle, and she looked directly into Vasson's stern face.

"No," she started, "Vasson, you -"

"It's not a matter of discussion," he spoke, interrupting her, "The guild-wards are in agreement, you're not ready."

Katya stood up straight, staring daggers at Vasson, who remained impassive.

"What do you mean by 'not ready'?" Katya enquired, her voice humming with barely contained anger.