A Swords Curse

The Ring

   At the age of eight I was taken from my family, it was the kings orders that the eldest child of each family shall be taken and raised to be a soldier for him. I was the eldest of four children, my parents tried to persuade the kings soldiers that I shouldn't be taken. They offered to take my younger brother but I stepped in and gave myself. I couldn't let them take my only brother it was the only way to keep my family name on the earth.

   Eight years later I was within the top five of my group. Among us I was the only girl. There weren't many girls on my group. The top of our group was a cocky kid named Aslan, he thought he was the best and didnt like the fact that I was in the top five. He tries all the time to get me knocked out of my ranking. 

   I woke up the Aslan and his friends tying me to my bed. I tried to scream but the covered my mouth. Trying to get free I kicked and squirmed, I got one leg free and kicked the closest kid in the throat. Moving on and doing the same with the others, I finally got free. I grabbed my sword and put it to Aslans throat. "Tell me one good reason why I shouldn't kill you?" I hissed at him.

   Suddenly the door burst open and our captain walked in " What in Gods pure name is going on!" he shouted waking up the others. I looked at him Aslan took the advantage and hit my sword out of my hand and knocked me to the ground. "Enough! Aslan and Tate what is the meaning of this!" he shouted and all the attention went to Aslan and I. I looked down Aslan started telling him how I tried to kill him in his sleep, in order to get to the top of my group.

   "Is this true Tate?" he asked with anger in his voice. "No its not true the tied me to my bed and covered my mouth until I got free." I told him. "Hmph. Well one of ya's are lyin' both of you will face each other tomorrow in the ring the winner will be top rank on the loser will be placed in the shack for a week and placed at the bottom of the rank. Now save the fighting for tomorrow n go back to bed." he told us "What that isnt fair she should be put in the shack she is the liar!" Aslan protested. The captain left our barracks.

   "What are you actually scared to lose your ranks to a girl." I teased him. He raised his fist to hit me but someone caught it. "Enough Aslan save it for the ring." he said to him. Aslan stormed off to his bed. "I didnt need your help." I told him walking back to my bed. "I know." he said "Then why help whats it matter to you." I asked "I want him to be humiliated tomorrow in front of everyone." he said and walked back  to his bed. I layed own and fell back asleep.

   Morning came too fast and I was not ready for the fight. There was a rally held while Aslan and I got ready. It was days like this that everyone loved, it gave them a day off from harsh training. The guy from last night walked to the room I was getting ready in. A slight knock came at my door, "Come in." I answered expecting it to be soldiers. He came in, "You again. What is it you want a thank you?" I asked.

   "Actually I wanted to warn you about Aslan, he fights dirty." he told me. Now that I seen him in the light he looked familiar. Then it hit me he was number two in our ranking class. His name was Elijah. He was the only one that could last more than five minutes in the ring with Aslan. "Thanks for the heads up." I said to him. He nodded and started walking away, "Wait! Can I ask you something?" I asked him. He stopped but didnt turn around.

   "Why me? Of all people why did you help me" I asked him. He turned slightly and smiled, "Because I want him to feel humiliated when he loses to a girl." he said and walked out closing the door. I smiled and finished braiding my silver hair. I tied it at the end with a piece of clothe my mother had given me. I sheathed my sword as the soldiers came to escort me to the ring.

   The closer I got to the pit the louder the shouts were. Everyone was here, including the King. We reached the gates, I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. As soon as my name was announced the gates opened. I walked into the pit, my opponent was standing there smiling. Some people boo'd at me but some cheered. I looked around and found Elijah he was standing at the railing to my left. He nodded at me, "Warriors ready. Begin!" the announcer yelled.

   Right away Aslan swung at me. Giving me no time to dodge, he hit me in the arm with his club. "Ach!" I hissed. He swung at me again this time I jumped out of the way. "Come on baby, dont embarrass me in front of everyone just give in." he taunted me as he swung. I kept dodging him. "And let your ego get larger? Ha, I think not." I told him. This only pissed him off even more.

   As  i wanted he started swinging harder using more of his strength. I kept jumping back, here and there he would hit me. I would moan in pain. He started getting tired, he swung at me again. This time I swung right after dodging, catching him off guard and cutting his torso. He stumbled back in shock, I started hitting him over an over. He blocked one of my hits and swung his club hitting the left side of my jaw. 

   I slammed onto the dirt floor. My ears ringing my jaw pounding, I shook my head and tried to get up, Aslan put his foot on my back pushing me back into the dirt. I spit out blood,  the crowed roared with excitement. Aslan raised his club in victory. I looked over and seen Elijah, he looked away. "Thank you for another victory." Aslan said to me taking his foot off my back and walking towards the gate he came in from.

   I pushed myself up, cracked my neck and spit out more blood. The crowed grew louder, Aslan turned back around, "The thing is Aslan when you put your foot on a tigers neck you dont take it off until its dead." I hissed. His face turned red with anger. He ran at me, I smirked. Right as he swung I ducked and sliced his leg open, he fell onto his knees.  

   I punched him in the face knocking him down onto the dirt. I stood there ready for another attack waiting for him to get up but he didnt. The crowed roared with more excitement. The horn blew ending the match I raised my sword in victory. Two soldiers came out and carried Aslan away. I smiled and looked around. I was the top rank in my group.