The Secret Sin

S i x

My first training session with the candidates is today. It's been a few days since we brought them in and they've settled in nicely.
The candidates lean against the fence, watching me train my knights and Arthur. He asked for help with a sword so I gave it to him. Some of the candidates look unhappy about Arthur's extra lesson, but they can piss off.

"All right, training is over. Go home and rest up, you've worked hard today."
I dismiss my men. It's easy to see that they've improved, it brings me peace of mind to know they can survive a battle and use initiative.

"Addie, how am I meant to move my wrist?"
Arthur calls to me. I look and watch as he strikes out with his sword.

"Soften it a bit."
I reply and he tries again.

"Good. Now put that away, candidate training starts now."
I order. He nods and returns the practice sword to the rack.
The candidates are all lounging lazily on the fence, dressed in slacks and a shirt. None of them are gonna pass my training, except maybe Arthur and maybe the candidate who's double the size of everyone else.

"Line up!"
I bark and they slowly move to form a line, a pathetic one.

"I said line the hell up!"
I yell louder and they straighten the line slightly. Arthur takes his place on the end.

"So, do any of you know anything about running a kingdom?"
I question. All the idiots start speaking.

"Shut up!"
I yell and glare at the idiots.

"Since none of you have a clue how to run a kingdom, I'm gonna train you in that."
I smirk as they look shocked.

"But you're supposed to train us so we're strong!"
One idiot yells.

"Yeah, what the hell is this gonna help with?"
Another demands. I grin and sit with my legs crossed.

"One of you idiots is gonna be the new king of Camelot, learning how to run a kingdom is absolutely necessary. Physical strength is not everything. Do any of you know how to run a kingdom? Clearly the answer is no, you don't. But I suppose we can work on your fitness levels for now."
I say.

"Fifty push ups, let's go."
I snap and spin around into a push up position.

"C'mon ladies, let's go."
I smirk and do a push up. The candidates noisily drop onto the ground and start groaning and grumbling. Arthur keeps up with my pace and we're finished in record time. The others are still halfway.

"So, how's this gonna help me?"
Arthur asks as he scoots over to me.

"I dunno, I'm not an expert in pulling magical swords from mystical rocks. I train men for war and kill things."
I say dryly. Arthur looks slightly taken aback.

"Train men for war and kill things? For how long?"
He stutters. I bite my lip, debating if I should tell him. Maybe not.

"A while, since I was about ten."
I say cryptically, technically it's the truth. I was trained in the art of war when I was ten. Arthur looks surprised again. Before he can ask another question, the other candidates finish.

"Sit ups, now."
I order and start my sit ups. Arthur follows my pace and we're finished quickly. A few other candidates finish soon after. The other half finish a little after them.
After a few exercises working on the core, I decide to test out their sword skills.

"Everyone grab a training sword from the rack, Arthur grab a sword."
I order and the candidates obey. I've kinda trained them, at least they don't question what I say now. Except for one idiot.

"Why does Arthur get a real sword?"
His annoying voice complains. He is not going to be King. I roll my eyes and turn on him, blade against his neck.

"Because he's capable of dodging and blocking my blows with a 'real' sword, without hurting himself. Besides, the blades are blunted so he can't cause too much damage."
I hiss before removing my sword.

"That was awesome, your speed was incredible."
Arthur breathes as he grabs a sword and we circle each other. I smile sweetly at him.

"You have no idea what I'm capable of."
I grin and attack. Arthur barely manages to block my blow, but he does and holds it away. My grin widens further. We exchange a more blows and the other candidates look amazed.

"This is why Arthur can use a 'real' sword. He can anticipate an opponents move and either strike before, or dodge or block. This is the combat skill level of a Holy Knight, someone who's honed his skills with years of training."
I explain to the annoying shit who always questions me. His mouth is hanging open and he nods amazed.

"You're pretty strong though, you must be holding back."
Another candidate says.

"I've never truly gone all out in a fight, I've always held back."
I grin and flicking Arthur's sword away. A light applause runs through the group of candidates.

"I want you all to practice simple strikes on the dummies. Begin."
I order and lean against the fence. Water splashes onto my arm and I look to see Merlin.

"He's impressive, he is. You almost had to try."
She teases as I greedily down the mug of water.

"Almost. He's got potential, more than the others. They're just useless, Arthur and that big guy over there are the real candidates. The others aren't gonna be King, it's between those two."
I say and close my eyes.

"You look tired Addie, perhaps you're working too hard."
Merlin says kindly. I open my eyes and roll them.

"I'm fine. The least I can do is finish the training session."
I say before I yawn loudly. Merlin laughs.

"Go to bed, you're exhausted. I can't have you tired, who would command those idiotic Knights of yours if you were to faint?"
She jokes and grips my arm.

"But-"
I start but she cuts me off.

"Training is over for today. Don't even think about bothering Addie, she needs her rest."
Merlin yells before teleporting us to my room. I stumble slighting as Merlin lets go. She gives me a look.

"What?"
I ask as I drop onto my bed.

"Proof, you always land perfectly."
She grins and teleports away. I sigh and curl up in a ball. Maybe she was right, I do need a sleep.

A/N-
This is more of a filler chapter, because I'm lazy and can't think of anything more. But the next chapter will be about the sword, and then it's onto the proper storyline. This is more like an extended prologue.
I hope you're enjoying my book and keep reading it.