Valkyrie's Judgment

Chapter 11

In the following weeks, her training got more advanced.

Shaw taught her about stealth, how to move soundlessly. He taught her how to blend in with her surroundings and take on personalities of others to disguise herself. He taught her where to stab a man to immobilize him or kill him instantly. He taught exactly how to inflict the most pain on a human being without killing them.

The more she learned, the more she started to understand her master's world. It was a world of control and perfection. A single mistake could make the difference in who would be losing their life. You or the target.

Even though she was beginning to understand, she still hadn't managed to get a strike in during a match against Shaw. He had berated her several times, telling her she lacked the intent to hurt him.

She knew he was disappointed in her, but she still hadn't expected the words that came from his mouth, as they were preparing for yet another training session.

"Today I'll try to kill you." He said as if he was telling her they were having soup for dinner. He threw a sword at her, and she nearly forgot to catch it, as she gaped at him.

"What?!" She exclaimed as she stared at him. Was he serious?

"I'll try to kill you. Since you obviously lack the motivation, I though surviving might be a good one." He said casually as he picked up his sword. Aeliss was gaping at him.

Part of her wanted to laugh, while the other part knew her master didn't make jokes. If he said he was going to kill her, he was deadly serious.

Still in shock at his declaration, she only barely managed to dodge when he leaped at her. She swung her sword quickly and it clashed with Shaw's before the next hit rained down on her.

The force of the blow sent her stumbling back and she quickly backed away to make some distance. Shaw was having none of that.

Blows were raining down on her and she just barely managed to block them. She realized just how easy he had been going on her until now.

She was too slow to block the last hit and the blade cut a long line down her arm. She gritted her teeth to keep from crying out as the skin tore and blood starting running down her skin.

She didn't get time to recover and her shirt tore as Shaw cut a deep wound in her stomach.

Unable to contain her hiss of pain this time, she leaped out of Shaw's reach. It suddenly dawned on her that she was going to die if she didn't begin striking back.

Tightening her grip on the sword, Aeliss sprinted towards him. She swung her sword to strike, but Shaw blocked it effortlessly. With ease, he pushed her blade aside and sent a kick towards her. Despite her attempt at dodging, it hit her square in the stomach.

Air rushed out of her lungs as she went flying to the ground.

She barely had time to think, before Shaw's blade went flying towards her. She rolled out of the way and it imbedded itself in the ground.

She quickly got to her feet while Shaw tore the sword out. "If you really can't do any better than that, you're no use to me. I might as well kill you off now." He said harshly. Cold, emotionless eyes were watching her and she felt her breath in her throat.

He was really going to kill her. She had to do something.

Reasoned with herself that she was dead anyway, she rushed forward with a frustrated scream. She didn't think about what she was doing, the only thing on her mind that she had to hit him.

She kept slashing at him, again and again. He blocked every time, but she didn't give him time enough to get a hit in himself.

The sound of metal clashing was filling her ears and even though she could barely breathe, she didn't allow herself to stop. She kept swinging, slowly forcing him backwards.

Finally her lungs gave in and she slouched forward, breathing heavily. It was no use...

Drip. Her eyes widened and she watched the tip of her sword in wonder. Blood was slowly running down the blade and dripping onto the ground. She had hit him...

She lifted her head slowly. Shaw was watching her, a hand pressed over his chest. Blood was running out between his fingers.

"Not bad, girl." He said, a grin stretching across his face. "I knew you had it in you."

Surprise and joy flooded her chest and she allowed herself to return his grin, before collapsing on the ground.

ℓ

She stayed in bed for an entire day to recover from her injuries, but despite the fact that her entire body ached, she felt almost good.

She had gotten a major beating, but she had also gotten her master's approval.

She was just exiting her room, when she was greeted with the sight of Shaw getting ready for a job.

"Are you going to be gone for long?" She asked him. He didn't turn to look at her as he answered.

"No, only for tonight." He said. He picked up a bag from the floor and threw it at her.

"What's this?" She asked as she caught it. It was light and felt like it might contain clothes.

"Get dressed. You're coming with me this time."

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NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR:

Wow, I have been gone from Wattpad for so long that it took me 15 to figure out how to update a story. 

First off, DON'T get excited. 

This chapter was one I have had lying around for 4 years and I just proofread it quickly and uploaded it as a thanks to all those who still comment on this story. It's a wonder you haven't given up on me! 

Valkyrie's Judgement was a side project I started while writing another fantasy series. Since then I have written 3 books in that series(almost, the last one will hopefully be finished next month). Only because people are still reading and commenting am I considering coming back to this book after I finish my current project. 

While I still love the plot, I must admit that I cringed when reading through this chapter. It's just so clear to me that I wrote this long before I knew much about writing... I'll probably have to rewrite the whole thing, but if people really like this story, who am I to say it's bad? 

I'm not promising anything, though. But if the audience is still there for this story, I'll make it my next project. However, I have both my other series, my real life job and convention work I do in my free time. 

If you need any reading while you wait, feel free to download Resounding Echo, the first book in my other series(which hasn't been on Wattpad for years). You can get it from Smashwords for free if you use this coupon code.

Coupon: QR75J

Link: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/106995 

Alrighty... This note ended up being almost another chapter.

Sorry you had to endure my babbling!