ALMIRA THORN- Knowledge of Another Kind. [Editing]

Chapter 16- Touché

As I waited outside the door to the training hall, I let myself take a few minutes to gather my thoughts alone. They were all waiting behind that door to be taught what I knew, it was always me who waited for Papa to come in and teach me the skills I know. But knowing I held the teachers place was a weird feeling in some ways, weird like the feeling of wearing trousers instead.

 I looked down and inspected the light leather trousers that hugged my legs, I usually wore trousers in training, but these felt different, lighter for faster movement and stronger to durability, I almost feel jealous Papa never let me wear trousers like these before. The leather trousers were matched with a white shirt, the sleeves baggy and the material also light, its texture soft against my arms.

 Before Lucy had left me, she’d explained the layout of the house, it’s hallways easier to decipher and now, I felt a slight hint of pride at finding the door, knowing Ray had taken weeks to learn it. Smiling, I pushed open the oak and walked into the hall where I’d first confronted them.

Everything was exactly like it had been the first time when I’d walked in afraid and wanting answers. The only thing different was the selection of weapons on a table to the right of the room, the windows too high to see through but enough to let the sunlight drown the room in heat and let the swords sparkle with temptation. Ray and Michael stood together, both in leather training gear with waistcoats over the shirts that looked designed for combat. As I walked into the room they turned and smiled, not showing any alarm in their faces like the last time I’d walked in. however Lucy and Lucian weren’t here.

“Where’re the others?” I asked casually.

Michael smiled, “Lucy had to go into the market for materials and supplies and Lucian’s in the study writing out to the allies, they said to continue without them.” I looked at Ray and he shrugged.

I laughed, “they’re missing all the fun, but I guess you might find this different.” I walked over to the table and picked up the familiar short sword from my venture the first day, smiling at how in so little time, the need for the sword had changed. I gripped it tight, in the familiar hold taught before I could read and write; letting it bring me the comfort I sought as I turned to face them.

I moved into the center of the room and faced them, “Before I begin teaching you anything, I need to see your abilities at work, then I can determine which weapon you’ll suite and how to teach it to you.” At that they smiled, obvious male pride to show the talents they now have. Michael stepped forward after only a moment, a grin lighting his face as he moved past me to the table, he looked around for a moment before picking up a crossbow and a bolt. He held the bolt for a minute and then brought it up to his nose, inhaling a long and hard breath, closing his eyes and losing himself in it. Once his breath was full, he opened his eyes and exhaled, his smile dropping to become serious as he turned and walked towards me, sliding the bolt into the crossbow and handing it over, running to stand at the far end of the room.

 I could hear Ray chuckle under his breathe at my confusion, “Oh you’ll love this.” He folded his arms and leant against the wall, his gaze moving to Michael, as I turned my own. He was in the process of wrapping a cloth around his eyes, tightening it sharply and then letting his arms move to the side as he centered his stance.

“Shoot me with the crossbow.” It took me a few seconds to register what was said and I sputtered,

“Are you stupid?!” I sputtered. Michael’s response was a laugh as he opened his mouth to speak,

“I can track anything I know the scent of, trust me Almira, if I miss, I’ll heal anyway. Just don’t shoot my neck or heart.” The amusement in his tone shocked me, was he serious? I turned to look at Ray and he nodded, encouraging me to do it.