The Masquerade Ball (A tale of Eswor Book 1)

The joy of being me

As I was walking down to the arena to train, my stomach growled. I sighed. Looks like I will be stopping at the kitchen for some lunch first. I walked quickly the smell of fresh bread motivating me.

"Kava!" I smiled when I heard the voice. It was Petunia, one of the bakers that I had befriended at the castle.

"Hi Petunia." My stomach growled as to explain why I was here.

"Here take a roll. Fresh out of the oven."

I grabbed one and some cheese from a dish held by nearby maid. "Thanks!" I chewed the bread slowly and savoured it.

When I got to the arena, a couple of men were practising with swords, some with their archery and some with hand to hand. I found a spot near the stands that wasn't occupied. I took my belt off and placed it on the stands.

I wrapped my hands with cloth to keep my knuckles safe. I sat on the bench and waited for Cole.

Soon enough the elf showed up and found me almost immediately. He had changed his outfit from the fancy outfit that he was wearing at the meeting. His shirt was loose and revealed part of his chest, and he wore dirtier boots and pants. He also wore leather bracers around his arms.

I smiled when he stood next to me. "Ready to get you're ass kicked?"

Cole looked at me up and down and smiled back. " I can't believe you use such vulgar language."

"Get used to it pretty boy." I said, sticking my tongue out.

We both walked a couple feet away from each other and got into our positions. Taking deep breath I looked up at Cole and nodded. Cole came charging at me with surprising speed, but he wasn't on the defensive and I took a few punches to his stomach easily knocking him to the ground. He stood up and brushed his pants off.

I threw punches at his stomach and legs making him go on the defensive. "I see your not used to going on the defensive." As I was able to knock him down. Again.

Cole smiled. "Of course not. I like to charge into battle and get it over with."

My defences lowered a bit which was a mistake as he kicked me in the leg, making me fall. As he was going to kick me again I rolled out of the way. I stood up swiftly and sent an uppercut and hit his jaw. He fell down for the third time, and stayed there panting. I didn't notice that a crowd had surrounded us until there were multiple guards cheering for me. I grinned and held my hand out to Cole. He gladly took it and I pulled him up.

"I guess I have a little bit more to learn."

I shrugged. "Practice makes perfect. But definitely focus on your defense more."

He nodded. "Will do."

~~~

I rubbed my sweaty forehead against my arm. The sun was beating down on us mercilessly. "It sure is hot out today." I said, taking a sip of my water from my flask.

"It's summer what do you expect?" Cole teased. I shoved him with my shoulder and handed him the flask.

"Want to go for a ride with me?" I asked out of the blue. I looked at Cole. "We haven't been riding together since I last saw you."

His eyes shone as he smiled. "Sure. I'm pretty sure Eclipse missed you." Cole stood up and took my hand helping me up.

"I know that Strider definitely has missed Eclipse." Derricks horse, Dominion just wasn't the same as Eclipse. As we approached the stable, I immediately ran to the stall that Eclipse was in.