Echoes of Valor: A Love Remembered

CHAPTER 5

The training grounds bustled with the clashing of wooden swords and the grunts of exertion as young warriors honed their skills. Among them, Terry stood out, his movements fluid and precise, a natural-born fighter.

"Watch your footwork, Winchester!" bellowed Sergeant Hadryn, his gruff voice carrying across the yard.

Alesandrea, her auburn hair tied back in a practical braid, pivoted on her heel, blocking Terry's strike with a resounding crack of wood against wood. "I've got this, Sarge," she shot back, her emerald eyes glinting with determination.

Terry couldn't help but admire her tenacity, even as he pressed his advantage. "You're slipping, Reya," he taunted, using her childhood nickname.

"Am I?" she retorted, her blade a blur as she countered his attacks.

Their sparring match continued, the air thick with the scent of sweat and the rhythmic thud of boots against packed earth. Nearby, Lady Elara watched, her gaze fixed on Terry's every move, her heart fluttering with each graceful strike.

Suddenly, a loud crack echoed through the yard, and Terry stumbled, his sword clattering to the ground as a large branch fell from the towering oak tree overhead. Without hesitation, Elara darted forward, her lithe form propelling her into the path of the falling timber.

"Terry, look out!" she cried, her slender arms outstretched as she shielded him from the impact.

The branch struck her with a sickening thud, and Elara crumpled to the ground, her delicate features twisted in agony.

"Elara!" Terry's anguished cry tore from his throat as he rushed to her side, cradling her in his arms.

Alesandrea stood frozen, her sword hanging limply at her side as she watched the scene unfold. Elara's eyes fluttered open, and she managed a pained smile.

"Terry... you're safe," she whispered, her voice strained.

"Elara, why would you...?" Terry's words caught in his throat, his eyes shining with unshed tears.

"It was instinct," she gasped, wincing as she shifted. "I—I just couldn't let anything happen to you."

A thick silence enveloped the training yard, the sounds of spar ring dulled as trainees gathered around, concern etched on their faces. Alesandrea knelt beside them, her breath caught in her throat.

"You need to stay still, Elara," A lesandrea urged, her hands trembling as she assessed the situation. "We need to get help. Now."

Terry's fingers tightened around Elara's hand, desperation in his voice. " "No!" Elara gasped, her eyes bright with panic. "You can't leave me! I need you here, Terry."

Alesandrea's heart raced as she looked between them, swallowing the rising tide of unease that choked her.

 "Stay with me," Terry implored, his voice a fierce whisper, his eyes never leaving Elara's face. He brushed a lock of hair from her forehead, his touch gentle, as if the world had narrowed down to this moment. "Just breathe. You're going to be okay."

But Elara's breath hitched, and her eyes flickered with discomfort. "I can't ...feel my legs," she gasped, a tremor running through her voice.

Terry's face went pale, and he leaned closer, urgency etched in every line. "What do you mean you can't feel your legs? Just focus on me, Elara. Help is coming."

Alesandrea pressed her palm to Elara's ankle, gently probing for any reactions. She caught Terry giving her a frantic glance, his expression a mixture of disbelief and fear. "Is she going to be okay? She has to be okay!"