Our second world- book one: Past beginnings

Chapter 32: Haren

He stood barefoot in the soft green grass, tall bushes of white roses on three sides, panting as sweat began to form on his face. Christopher stood opposite him, two wooden short swords in his hands. Though his foot was still pretty sore, it was feeling much better now that it had been given time to heal.

"Tired already?" Christopher asked.

"Nah, I'm jest getting started," Haren replied, raising his longsword.

"Good. Come at me," Christopher said.

"Right," Haren lunged forward in a telegraphed jab that Christopher saw coming and blocked.

"You aren't taking this seriously," he observed when Haren jumped away again." Are you going to stop toying with me, or am I going to have to make you, young master?"

"There's no need for that. I'm just gauging your abilities is all," Haren shrugged." Is that a problem?"

"Not at all," Christopher replied." Have you had enough time? I can give you another minute if you'd like."

"I'm good. Ready for round three?"

"En guard, sir. I'm coming to you this time."

"Have at me," Haren answered, widening his stance so he was closer to the ground.

Christopher nodded and leapt forward. Leading with his dominant hand, he swung low, aiming at Haren's feet while his opposite hand came from the other side aiming for the head. Both swords cut through air with a scissoring motion as Haren twisted out of their path. Haren swung his own sword as Christopher rose and blocked the attack. A clang rang out over the garden as the three swords connected. If they had been real, sparks would have been flying.

"That was well executed, sir," Christopher remarked.

"Thanks," Haren replied, a glint of yellow in his eyes." I tried."

They broke apart and clashed in two more exchanges. Neither able to gain ground over the other, though Haren was close due to sheer muscle strength. The longer they fought, the more a glowing gold crept into the sapphire blue of his eyes. His attacks became more ferocious and he was putting more force behind his swings. Christopher was starting to have trouble keeping up and was slowing down. That, or Haren was getting faster. He didn't know. One moment he was locked swords with Christopher; the next, the head butler was sprawled out on the ground.

"Well done, sir. I yield," Christopher said, throwing down his swords in surrender." It seems I will need to practice more if I hope to remain a compatible sparring partner for you."

"I call dibs on the next round!" came a shout from behind them.

Haren turned to see the princess running towards them. Her black hair had been tied back in a neat bun and she wore a loose white top with tight fitting brown pants and black riding boots.

"Are princesses allowed to call dibs?" Haren asked, raising a brow.

"I mean...she is a princess," August shrugged.

"We'll call it: testing your abilities," she said with a bright smile." So?"

"Aren't you here on official business?" Haren asked.

"That can wait for one round, can't it?"

"One," August said, handing her a wooden rapier before retrieving the swords discarded by Christopher.

"Awesome!"

Haren nodded and they both separated to opposite sides of the small area.

"Ready? Begin."