Adrian Langer and the war of Aaton

12. Sword training

All the kids were assembled in the same room where they had performed their tarantella test, namely the main court. Croper was stood on a podium with his hands folded behind his back and he looked sharper than ever. He was the only one that didn't seem to be bothered about that the day was still dawning. Everyone else was yawning and trying to straighten their clothes which they had put on in a rush. They had woken up to Brewland's lethal expression in the morning.

“Thank you all for coming punctual. I am sorry for the disturbance this time of the day, but it was necessary” Croper said.

Adrian was trying to straighten up his sleeves when Matthew pushed through. When he saw Adrian he smirked.

“Well look who we have here.”

“Shut up.”

Croper’s strict expression changed into a proud smile.

“The reason for you being here is because of good news from Aaton.”

Julian, Brewland, Milinton, Helen, Widepep and Grenwald stood lined up behind him and they were smiling just like Croper.

“The war in Aaton is coming to an end. Lord Mortar shared this with me through the connection. The people who were in alliance with Dravor are giving up. Without their leader they were being demolished. Even with the small forces they managed to beat them. Now I know most of you did not even know about the war and I am sorry about that. You must know why you are training and who your enemy is.”

There was some murmuring in the crowd whilst Croper discussed something with Julian. He still looked pretty weak. His face was almost hanging down and each time he said something it looked like it was very difficult. 

He stepped forward and cleared his throat.

“Now in celebration of this great news we have decided that we will have a competition. Since you all liked the battle sessions we have had; we will have a battle championship where you all will participate!” 

As Julian said that a spotlight came out of nowhere and pointed to a trophy. The trophy was almost as big as Julian’s legs and it was completely silver.

Everyone cheered.

“In a week we will have the qualification rounds. It will be hard, but all I can say is may the man win best.”

A few people chuckled, but the rest were too tired. Adrian figured Julian just didn’t know all the English sayings.

Julian was about to stroll off when Matthew cleared his throat loudly.

“Ah yeah. I would like to congratulate Matthew who has completed a secret test. He came to me personally and told me that he’d like to test his powers. Naturally I said yes.”

Matthew grinned widely at Adrian. He gritted his teeth and clenched his fists and unclenched them right after.

“So he took the test and proved that he has the same skill as Aatonans at his age. Well done!”

Adrian heard some faint clapping at the back and a voice that was recognised as Michael Angles’. Matthew put his hand on Adrian’s shoulder, but Adrian moved it away.

“I’d be worried too if I were you” he gloated.

“I’m not worried. The only thing I’m worried about is that the powers might give you some knowledge.”

Matthew raised an eyebrow in confusion.

“Haven’t you heard the saying: If you were clever you’d be dangerous.”