Ataraxia

∞|Chapter 13: Don't Leave|∞

We landed in an open field not too far from the dragon's nesting grounds, and leaped off the dragons. I patted the dragon in praise as Eowin walked toward me.

"Now while we still have time," said Eowin, "We should give you basic sword training."

I nodded, and unsheathed the sword that hung from my left hip. The sword felt heavy in my clumsy hands, but the texture of the marbled handle felt smooth under my skin. Eowin reached into her bag and pulled out a sword of her own. Eowin taught me the basics to stances and swinging the sword. The tree I practiced on was shredded on the sides from the impacts. The more I handled with the sword, the stronger I felt and got used to it.

"Now try to hit me," said Eowin, holding up her sword in a basic stance.

"I can't do that!" I complained, "What if I hurt you?"

"I have healing properties, now give me all you got."

I nodded, and took my stance as well. In mere seconds, I lunged at her, swinging the sword at the last minute. The swords collided like thunder and lightning, and a large clang filled the air. The impact from the swords sent a ripple through my body, but I held a strong posture.

"Very good," said Eowin, "You get the advantage of being Uden. All Uden creatures have a strong build and a fighting potential. Teaching you fighting skills will be a breeze."

I smiled at the compliment, and threw another attack at her side. I slipped in the mud, crashing into the ground, letting out a short scream, yet she effortlessly blocked it and nudged the sword's hilt at my stomach. I automatically threw my defensive hand to my stomach, letting the impact hit my hand instead. Eowin's eyebrows lifted, and a surprised expression lit up her face. The rain pattered onto my face and ran down the sides of my face.

"That was quick," she said, "I swear I thought I would have hit you for sure."

I chuckled and explained to her,

"I'm used to getting bullied, so defending my stomach is easy. I guess it's just an automatic response."

Eowin nodded, then smiled.

"With your basics of sword fighting, using them against Dust's useless troops will be easy," Eowin sheathed her sword, placed it in her bag, and pulled out a water bottle and flung it at me, "He gathers anyone and treats them like slaves. They know othing more than what you know now. You should be fine as long as you don't fall off your dragon, or anything happens to it."

I took a long gulp of water from the water bottle. In confusion, I asked,

"My dragon will do the fighting?"

"Yes," replied Eowin, "Dragons can only fight in the air. Therefore, you'll have to use your sword on the ground."

Eowin placed her bottle back into the bag, and offered to take mine. I handed my water bottle to her, and stretched my arm above my head.

"You should name your dragon," said Eowin, "It makes a strong bond between a dragon and its rider."

I nodded and looked at my dragon.

"Mine's Avrae," said Eowin, glancing her dragon a light smile.

I stood and looked at my dragon thoughtfully,

"I like Rhaegos," I said, nodding in approval at my dragon.

Eowin nodded, and hopped onto Avrae,

"We should depart and regroup with Ayda's troops."

I nodded, and clambered onto my dragon. We set off into the setting sun that melted the sky with its colours.

A few hours went by and Ayda's troop came into sight. The ground was a large, black blob that occupied the lonely, brown ground. As we neared, the dragons landed alongside Ayda; at the front of the group. Ahburn was with her, as well as Amnesia.