A Princess Named Harry: Book 2

Chapter 64

This was the second time they were facing off, and just like the last time, the field was filled with tension and suspense.

Harry would've argued that she hadn't lied to him in order to win; she was telling the truth, but she saw no reason to tell him that. It's not like he would believe her anyway.

Just before Nathaniel stepped forward, Harry ran towards him and swung her sword at him. The blow was way weaker than she had intended it to be.

Nathaniel had guarded well. "You think a weak little attack like that is going to be enough to defeat me?"

No, she knew it wouldn't be. She watched his sword begin to glow with the blinding golden light. "I'm not taking any chances this time," he said grimly. "Sorry, Princess."

He swung his sword at Harry's face. She leaned back to dodge, but with Nathaniel's power being active, she was propelled backwards along with some dirt and leaves. Somehow though, she had managed to keep her footing.

"Impressive," Nathaniel remarked. He gave her no time to think as he immediately cut their distance in half and began attacking again. He had learned his lesson from the last time; if he wanted to win, he would have to be relentless and cruel. Last time, he gave her ample chances to stop and gave her time to formulate plans. That leniency had been his downfall.

His attacks weren't one-sided; Harry was also able to deal him many strong blows.

"Just give up, Princess!" he shouted.

"No!" Harry shouted back. "I won't!"

"Tch! Suit yourself then."

With a wave of his arm, Harry was blasted back once again. This time, instead of simply being blown back, she was thrown and then swallowed by a large sinkhole. The sharp rocks and bits of tree roots had been uncovered by the hole, and all pierced through Harry's uniform. She was partially buried by the dirt that was being stirred around by Nathaniel's mighty wind.

Harry sat up and tried to wipe the dirt off, but it was no use. She was covered in it. She stared up at the high climb she would have to make. Harry tried to climb up, but the dirt was too frail to support her weight.

She could hear Nathaniel's voice echoing from above. "Just stay there, Princess."

Harry grimaced; although Nathaniel acted like he would be ruthless, he continued to try to end their battle as peacefully as possible.

She tossed her sword up. It landed just inches from the opening of the hole. Nathaniel had started to walk away, when he heard the sword. He stopped without turning around and began to tell her how useless it would be to fight him.

"You don't stand a chance against me. Don't you remember what happened the last time? You barely won! You used dirty tactics! You tricked me." Nathaniel sighed, "Just give up, Princess; you'll gain nothing from beating me anyway. Even if you do, you'll still have many more opponents to face before you can even dream of reaching the boss."

As he continued to speak, Harry began to dig in the dirt and create foot holes to step in. Little by little, she was building a staircase to freedom. When her head finally reached the top, she started to respond to Nathaniel's words as she climbed out. "That may be true," she replied quietly. "But . . . but I still have to try to beat you. If I don't, if I can never get past you, I'll probably never be able to see him again."

Harry stepped up on the last dirt step and pushed herself up onto the ground. "If I don't reach him before he gets to the palace . . . he'll-" Harry frowned. "He'll be lost in the darkness-he'll be gone forever." Harry took up her sword. "So . . . so I have to at least try. I'll do my best for Varian!"