Legend of Antalasia

Chapter 3

2 years later

Princess Antalasia watched yearningly as her elder brother, Prince John and her father, King Charles dueled against each other. Everyone was sweltering from the hot, relentless summer sun and covered in grime.

King Charles and Prince John each held a broadsword with a leather-bound hilt. The tapering edges of the blades glinted against the afternoon sun as the swords flew at each other in a series of fluid motions. The powerful strikes resonated with harsh, jarring clanks. Fine dust lingered in the air as the opponents flew at each other on the leveled dry practice ground.

"John, keep your wrist firm, but flexible. Flex your wrist when you deliver a cut to protect your arm from the excess force," instructed King Charles as they continued to spar.

Tired from the relentless attacks, John took a few steps back and breathed choppily. 

Knowing his father wouldn't spare him even for a moment, John quickly stepped forward and leaped high bringing down his sword. 

A grating clang resounded as King Charles brought his sword up, parallel to the ground to block the attack, even as he stumbled back.

"Good John. The power behind your attacks is impressive," praised the King.

The father-son duo continued to parry with King Charles instructing and encouraging his son. Antalasia looked on with unwavering focus determined to absorb all the lessons her father was teaching her brother.

With a final sweep, King Charles knocked off the sword from Prince John which went spinning through the air. 

A high kick sent Prince John flying to the ground who then lay there breathless, gasping for air. 

Princess Antalasia clapped her hands hard and cheered her father. Seeing Antalasia's longing expression, King Charles said, "Alright Princess, you can have a turn as well." 

With a delighted yelp, Antalasia jumped into the ring and swiped her brother's sword. She then took her stance and waited cautiously for her father to begin. 

Rolling his eyes, Prince John shouted as he got out of the ring, "Seriously sis, when will you start acting like a girl?"

Ignoring him, the princess focused on her fight. 

Princess Antalasia's swordplay was a sight to behold. Though lacking the power seen in Prince John's attacks, The Princess more than made up with her lightning-speed moves and reflexes. Never staying still, she seemed to dance with her feet lightly touching the ground.

"Antalasia put in more force. Use your body, not just your arm," instructed King Charles.

With cuts and thrusts that were at times a blur, the father-daughter duo exchanged quick, successive parries. Sharp, piercing sounds whistled through the air right before the metallic clinks when the swords struck against each other.  

"And she falls. The sword is slipping. You are going to trip now," teased John hoping to distract Antalasia.

Clenching her jaw in irritation and with flashing eyes, Antalasia began to fight more aggressively. Slipping away from their furious exchanges, Antalasia feinted to the left, pretending to attack. As soon as King Charles raised his sword to counter the move, Antalasia jumped to the right and crouching low swept King Charles to the ground, kicking him off his feet.

King Charles jumped up promptly ready to counter, only to freeze to a loud screech that had everyone in the vicinity cover their ears.

With the sword still in her hand, Antalasia looked up to see the Queen, dressed as elegantly as always, striding out of the castle towards the practice grounds.