Magic and Mortality (DISCONTINUED)

Chap. 14 - Practice

KEY = Subtitle/POV change | Author's note |"Speech" | 'Quote/Thoughts' | Text | Emphasis

AELFRIC'S POV

I swung the blade of the heavy — yet balanced — sword into the tree. The thunk rang out around the clearing, followed by more as I practised the technique my father's general had pressed me to learn. Each move was clunky and heavy and could easily be evaded by a swordsman with my training. It would have to do for now.

The dents in the softwood tree soon grew until the tree was littered with them. I sat down, panting. 

"Aelfric! How's sword practice going?" Belinda walked into the clearing, two of her combat knives in hand.

"It's good." I blinked. "Do you want to practice knife throwing here? I can leave, I've had practice."

She chuckled. 'Her laugh is so cute,' I marvelled. "I didn't mean to intrude. I was wondering if I could try practising with you. My father taught me some knife defence against swords."

"Of course," I stood, brandishing my sword. Belinda locked her knives in a cross, the throwing knife on top of the dagger as I slowly swung my sword towards her. She dodged the strike, deflecting a cut towards her neck easily with her dagger, locking my blade between hers. Our gazes crossed, eyes only moving once I moved my sword. Light flashed across the clearing as the three blades flew in a wicked dance. 

I pushed Belinda until her back was pressed against the tree I had been using for sword practice. My sword blade was within a few finger's width from her neck. "I win," I teased. Belinda smirked. 

"Mhmm, you're so sure?" She left me no time to answer as she ducked underneath my sword, holding her blades near my neck, her back pressed against my arm. 

I laughed. "Ouch, I thought I had won." My eyes peered into her deep brown eyes. They were dotted with the smallest flecks of gold. My hand moved of its own accord, brushing her hair behind her ear and lingering on her cheek for a few seconds before I stepped back. "Sorry." I smiled sheepishly, scratching my neck.

"Oh, it's fine." She looked away, a faint blush spreading on her cheeks. "Um, I'm going to go get dinner ready." She walked towards the campsite.

I sighed, sitting as I rested my head in my hands. After a few moments, I heard a sound — like the quack of a duck. I looked up to see Duckins looking at me, her feathered head tilted knowingly. I picked her up, holding her feathery body close to my chest. "What is happening to me Duckins? Every time I look at Belinda, my heart starts beating like crazy. I hate it — feeling that uncomfortable. And then she looks at me, and nothing else exists." I find myself looking up in a daze. This feeling makes everything look so amazing — beautiful, even. 'Especially Belinda.' 

I shake my head, swallowing. My palms become sweaty for some reason as I pick up my sword. I rest it on my shoulder as I walk back to the camp. By the time I reach the camp, the sun barely reaches the sky.