The Demon King's Paladin Part 2. All Out War.

Chapter 509. How To Fill The Time Before A Battle

                                                                         John Ericsson's Point Of View

" Your stance is shaky!"

/ CLANG!/

" Not that much!"

Ruby smiled as I blocked her sparring blade with my own.

" Well... Try blocking this!"

/ CLANG! CLANG! CLANG!/

We began to clash swords over and over again. Ruby wasn't going as hard as she possibly good, granted neither was I, no matter how much Angel's Swordsmanship wanted me to.

/ CLANG! CLANG! CLANG! CLANG!/

Our clashing became more and more intense as we tried not to give any ground to each other.... Until, finally...

/ CRACK! SNAP! SWOOSH!/

" Haa... Haa..."

" I... Guess... It's a draw..."

Between our deep breaths as we try to calm our heartbeats I was able to say that it looks like our match is a draw this time.

" There's a first time for everything, I guess? Here, both of you, towels and some water."

Just as we were finally calming down, Sarah had come up from our side and handed us some water and a towel to wipe away our sweat. Today was the 2nd day of us being here at the Western Border. It was the afternoon, the sun was high in the sky and while there was a bit of a chill from the wind, training and sparring seemed to be the perfect way to keep ourselves warm. The way this all came about, besides the fact that training was somewhat a part of everyone's daily life, was due to the fact that I didn't really have much to do today. My only real responsibility for today was informing everyone about the plan I wanted to enact for the assault on the Elves. Once I had informed everyone how it was going to work, I still had the whole day to deal with after we had our lunch. Ruby had asked if I wanted to train until dinnertime, I couldn't say no to that, so a small group of us decided to train. All together it was, me, Sarah, Anna, Ruby, Flare, Edmon and Captain Martin surprisingly. At first, only Sarah, Anna and I didn't have an issue with training with Captain Martin, but Ruby and the rest weren't too excited about the idea. After asking Captain Martin to grab the sparring swords, I was able to explain to them that Captain Martin wasn't the enemy here. From that, Captain Martin was no longer looked at like an enemy and was looked at more like a guest for my training group. Not the best thing, I'm sure, but not the worst either.

" Yes, to think that he's finally made a draw with me, granted, the sparring swords were a bit old and suspect, but he still held his ground... It just goes to show that once he makes a serious effort, Lord Matthew can become a great Warrior in time!"

Ruby was quite happy about the draw, but I think she was only complimenting me so much because of the passing soldiers and Captain Martin. The fact of the matter was already sort of alluded to by Ruby. The sparring swords were old and worn down, they weren't in good condition like the ones in Paradise. I can understand why, when it comes to guarding the Country and now with the attacks from the Elves, I'm sure that new sparring swords or upkeep on the ones that are already here, would be high up on the totem pole of concerns. Since that was the case, I wasn't too shocked when the swords broke, though I guess I shouldn't be too surprised. Something tells me that the breaking of the swords wasn't an accident. Just before they broke, it looked like Ruby had an opening before I was able to strike her blade... I should also mention that Ruby wasn't moving as fast as she normally does today... Again... I think it might be due to the curious eyes we've sensed looking at us. Regardless, the training was going well. I have been growing, with the journey, I've been able to return to doing my exercises that Crest had taught me... Well, not just that, but some of the new Kata that Ruby taught me. It was difficult to do right, since it involved very precise and sharp movements, but Ruby said that they were worth practicing to enhance my swordsmanship. I did feel a difference, for instance, I could use explosive movements more easily now when it came to my sword swings. All in all, I was definitely growing, but I know deep in my soul that Ruby was still the better Swordsman, and it wasn't a small gap.

" His movements weren't bad at all, is it true that you've only began to learn the sword 2 years ago, Marquess Drake?"

Captain Martin made his own observations as I wiped the sweat from my face. I guess now would be as good a time as any to explain that Ruby and I were the first to spar today. Pretty much, I'll be sparring with everyone today. I didn't mind, since I need as much practice as I could get. Sure, I have magic to rely on, but I can't just cast a bunch of spells during the battle and think I'll be alright, this is going to be a clashing of 2 small armies after all. Keeping up my stamina will be important. Regardless of all of that, I need to respond to Captain Martin.

" More or less, granted, I haven't been able to practice the sword everyday, because of my duties as a Fief Lord as well as being a Marquess, but I've been reapplying myself as of late."

" Ah, due to the war?"

" That and some other things..."

Sure, the war is one thing, but along with that, I'm not sure if bringing up the whole captured by and escaped Alfheim thing is that good of a topic. I'm already looked at suspiciously here after all. The last thing I need is a bunch of Demons to start thinking like Rodrick did when I made it back home.

" Well then, if everyone doesn't mind, I'd like to try my hand at sparring you next, Marquess Drake?"

Everyone didn't seem to have a reaction to Captain Martin's question, looks like they're waiting for my reaction. I didn't see a reason not to, I mean, he did want to join us, it'd be weird for him not to spar someone.

" Ah, get me when I'm already worn down? Good idea."

" What? No! You can have as long as a break as you'd like!"

" Relax, Captain Martin, I'm joking. Besides, because of my Job, I'm already good to go."

" What? But you were just out of breath not even 5 minutes ago?"

" My Job is a special one."

Captain Martin was dumbstruck when I told him that i was ready to spar. Maybe he thought I was faking it? Regardless, I'm ready to go. I just needed a small break after all. Paladin's Recovery is really helpful.

" We can take a minute for you to warm up if you'd like, Captain Martin?"

" Well, I do need to warm up slightly, but I don't want to make you think that I-"

" Ah! Captain Martin! You're going to be sparring Marquess Drake are you?"

Just as Captain Martin and I were going to begin getting ready for our sparring match, a woman's voice fill my ears. As I turned around to look and see who it was, I noticed that the crowd of passing soldiers had all stopped in their tracks so that they could see our reaction. The person who asked the question was Captain Rena, the person who announced to the whole of the Western Border that I was going to be the one leading the charge against the Elves in 2 days. The fact that her name was also on the petition to have me take that position was something neither here nor there to me. Sure, it's nice that Chief Sharp and Captain Martin have said that I might have allies here at the Border, but it's still safer to treat everyone with suspicion here. That might not be the most flattering way to view everyone, but I need to keep myself and everyone with me safe. Speaking of safety...

" Yes, Captain Rena, right? We are going to spar, Captain Martin asked if it was alright, I didn't see a reason to turn him down. Are you going to watch us, by chance?"

" Well, I've finished my duties for the day, unless an emergency comes up that is. Would it be alright if I observed you?"

" I don't see a reason why not?"

" Marquess Drak-"

Before Captain Martin could voice a complaint, I quickly turned to look at him, he stopped before he could utter my name. Seems as if my expression told him that it was fine. Win, lose or draw, it's a sparring match, so it doesn't really matter to me who wins. Granted, I would like to see where I stand against the top brass of the Western Border. Sure, Captain Martin is the newest Captain, and he gained that Title not too long ago from what I can tell, but Chief Sharp chose him for a reason. And now it looks like I'll be able to see what he can do up close and personal, it should be pretty fun.