Prophecy of the Flame - Book One

Chapter Twenty-Five

Prophecy of the Flame - Copyright 2011 by Lynn Hardy

Chapter Twenty-Five

“Charles, how’s the training?” I shout as we approach the small group of new recruits.

The paladin gives some final instructions to his trainees before joining us. “Darn good, considering only two of them had touched a sword before.”

“I’ve got your lampposts.” I indicate the four poles with mage globes attached to one end. We set them up around the perimeter of his designated area while Charles fills us in on the details.

“After they got over the shock of knowing what to do, they increased in proficiency tenfold. Now they are better than the majority of the troops. What they lack in strength, they more than make up for in speed and skill. Even with my additional power and reach, I’m hard pressed to best them.” With a leer, he adds, “But there’s not another soldier I’d rather be hard pressed with.”

Chuckling not so much at the dark man’s pun, but at his return to good humor, I shake my head. A moment later, when Harold returns with the requested staff, I unbutton my cloak. “If you think they’re up to it, it’s time I got in a little practice myself. It will let me see firsthand how they adapt to a different opponent with a new weapon.”

“This should be interesting.” Szames takes my silver cloak while Charles nods in agreement.

“Tell you what, let’s make it really interesting. With my mage talents, I have lightning speed and agility, heightened intuition, not to mention six inches of reach. They all have a paladin stone?” When Charles replies affirmatively, I give a firm nod. “I will take on three of them.”

“I assume you have a stone or something?” Charles arches an eyebrow.

“Paladin stone,” I pronounce in my native tongue. I give a cockeyed smile. “I’m good to go.”

The three of us enter their sparring area. The women form a line, coming to attention.

“At ease, ladies. I’m just here to get in a little practice. Mikaela, Auricle, and. . . Rucela, wasn’t it? You three against me. Don’t pull any punches. I won’t either.” The recruits jump to obey my no-nonsense tone.

The indicated women circle my position in a triangular pattern while I stand with my feet shoulder width apart, braced for their attack. Mikaela gives a minute nod of her head. All three edge forward. I rush at the closest warrior, Auricle, to buy a few seconds before I have to deal with all three.

When the woman’s eyes dart to her partners, I land a bone-crunching strike across her wrist. With the shield active, the blow is reduced to a bruising force that causes her to drop her sword. “Hai-ya!” A quick karate kick to the stomach takes Auricle down and a jag to the head with my staff out for the count. I pivot to face the others.

Sparring with the remaining two is like nothing I have ever done. Taking a deep breath, I let go, allowing my body to react without my mind’s supervision. Swifter than thought, I parry the dual attack. Sweat beads up on my brow as I fail to find an opening to disable either one. Minutes drag by. I sense a crowd of onlookers gathering. I force my mind to stay focused on my opponents. Patiently I wait for the opening I know will bring the mice within reach of my claws.

Men begin cheering, some for me, some for the Cuthburan women. Rucela darts a quick glance in their direction. My staff swipes her feet out from under her. The next strike knocks the wind out of her.

Mikaela’s attack takes on a desperate fury as we square off, one on one. When I see Rucela moving to rise, leaving herself wide open, a quick swing that would have split her head, were it not for the paladin stone, leaves her unconscious. Mikaela is good, a master swordswoman by any standard. But with my enhanced abilities, she is outmatched. Another five minutes and her sword hits the ground. Still the fiery redhead is unwilling to yield. When I aim a strike at her head, she blocks with her wrist, and although pain nearly blinds the woman, her face is set like stone.