Heart Of Embers (Slow Updates)

Chapter 5

Aelix drew two long swords from the shelves and approached them. He handed each one of the girls one, and stepped back, his arms crossed again.

"We will learn today the basic sword fighting techniques. I will teach you first how to hold a sword correctly and how to swing it properly without injuring yourself."

Amethyst held her sword in her hand, the cold metal feeling odd in her warm palms. It was heavy indeed. She tried to hold it higher, but winced at the pain that shot through her entire right arm. Very heavy. Aelix's eyes trained on her, watching her every move.

"Yes, I know the sword is heavy at first. But with time you will get used to it and it will become as light as a feather."

He started walking back and forth, explaining a little about sword fighting.

"Sword fighting demands grace. You are going to use it in your footwork and techniques. You are going to learn how to duck, dodge, parry and trap. Fighting style may differ from one weapon to the other. Every strike is made to do damage. The power is needed for two reasons" he stuck up his index finger "putting a man down fast and" his middle finger joined his index in the air "you would often have to attack an armored opponent. It will take strength to cause harm to the man inside the suit. As for defense, the main trick is to not be where the strike would fall."

Aelix made his way to the shelves of weapons and chose a sword similar to theirs. He held it with so much ease. He regained his position in front of them.

"I will be demonstrating the way you should swing a sword and hold it. Look attentively."

Amethyst stared at him with analyzing eyes, trying to memorize his every move and the way his fingers were gripping the weapon. He started swinging his sword with so much grace it amazed her. It was like he wasn't holding a heavy weapon in his hand. His movements were smooth and fast. His feet did quick steps she did not get the time to remember them. It was like him and his sword were one. It was an amazing sight. He suddenly stopped and faced them.

"It's your turn now. Try to mimic my every move. Laial go first."

Amethyst stood next to Aelix and watched Laial train. The girl was having a hard time holding the sword steadily, her hand shaking from the weight. She stood in the same position Aelix was doing when he started, then she started swinging the weapon like he did. Her movements were rough at first, and she stumbled a couple of times. Her sword escaped her hand a few times too. After few tries and remarks from Aelix, she was doing better than before. The sword was still heavy in her hands but lighter than earlier. Beads of sweats started to appear on her forehead and she wiped them with the back of her free hand. She was panting, inhaling and exhaling big gulps of air.

"That was good for a beginner. Amethyst, your turn." She sighed, rolling her shoulders and exchanged places with an exhausted Laial.

She tightened her grip on the handle and clenched her jaw. She started moving her arms just like she saw Aelix doing earlier. She found it hard at first, and took short breaks to rest her aching arm and shoulders. She'd continue seconds later more determined to get better. Aelix and Laial were watching her silently, and when the princess dared to snap her eyes a fraction of a second to them, they both gasped, both noticing the faint yellow glow starting to brighten in her eyes. Aelix frowned. It was the third time these days. She only did that when she was feeling a strong emotion he figured. He bit the inside of his cheek, never taking his eyes off Amethyst. She was doing everything correctly, every move, every step, and every swing. He has never seen a beginner this skilled. It was impossible. She should have some difficulties at least. Even her grip and control over the sword was extraordinary. It took him months to adjust to the weight of the weapon. He chose the heaviest swords so he can see how much these girls could handle and they shocked him. For a small girl, Laial was sure strong.

Amethyst didn't stop swinging, even when her arms started screaming in pain. She was now panting, cold air refreshing her throat and filling her lungs. Her feet were hurting her and she was sure blisters were starting to appear.

"Amethyst. Stop, you're going to hurt yourself." Aelix commanded a worried expression on his face.

The princess did not listen to him and continued. Black spots started to fill her vision and her breath was getting harsher. She was suddenly stopped by a sword blocking hers. She snapped her eyes to the person, and found blue orbs looking angrily at her. Surely, her eyes were still glowing, and now their intensity was brighter. Witches did not have that trait. What is she?

She let her sword fall to the ground and she sprawled on the floor, her chest rising and falling rapidly. She closed her eyes, letting herself cool down. Her whole body was numb and flashing with pain.

When her breathing was somewhat back to normal, she stood up, almost falling face first in the process. Her eyes met Laial and Aelix leaning on the wall, waiting for her. She searched for her sword on the floor but she did not find it. She noticed Laial and Aelix's words were also missing. They must have put them back.

"We are done for tonight. Go take a bath and get a good night sleep. Meet me here tomorrow same time." Announced Aelix and exited the room. He did not wait for them. He needed to get back to his room. He needed to figure out the princess's secrets.

Amethyst and Laial were walking painfully slow to their rooms, dragging their feet beneath them. They were in intense pain. No one said a word, the only sounds heard were their breath. They parted at their doors. Amethyst removed her sweat covered clothes and walked to her bathroom. She filled her bathtub with hot water and drowned in it, her face the only body part outside the water. She lead her head back on the cold bathtub and sighed. She could already feel her muscles starting to relax. Hot water was always the solution.

She finished her shower and made her way to her vanity to brush her hair. She was looking at herself in the mirror when she suddenly stopped stroking her hair. She looked more closely, and widened her eyes. They were glowing a faint yellow. How could her eyes change colors just like that? It was the first time something like that happen to her. Did it happen before now? Did her friends see it? She closed her eyes and opened them again. They were back to their original purple color. Was she just imagining that? She must have, she is exhausted and is dying to sleep.

She dragged her feet to her bed and cocooned herself in the covers. Closing her eyes, all she could think about before passing out was two glowing yellow orbs.

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Hey guys! I'm so sorry this chapter was really boring! Tomorrow I'll post another chapter. And it will be about the meeting with the villagers and the plans to kill the witches!

What do you think Amethyst is?

Don't forget do comment and vote! I love you all and thank you for supporting me!

-Tanya xx