Blood Ward

Chapter 19

We all settled back down to awaitthe arrival of Beri and Daeron and the news they brought. Catching upwith Val was fun, and then she decided she wanted to see me inaction. Reif took up a spare sword, and to make things moreinteresting, Anders joined us. I pulled both my dagger and sword andsaid, "Don't hold back, boys." My grin was devious.

Our dance started slow, bothAnders and Reif, testing me and making sure I was able to keep upwith both of them. I took the challenge easily, fending both theirattacks and getting in a few good swipes of my own. Val looked onwith glee, as if our sparring was part of a tourney. Dodging andspinning, I started to feel at home. I ignored everything around meexcept the next wave of attacks. Magic and steel worked togetheragainst me and I defended as if my life depended on it. They workedwell together with fluid timing. Finally, I saw my opening. Reif gottoo close and I slashed out with my sword, stopping just short ofdecapitating him. Anders tried to take advantage of my distraction,but my other hand shot outward touching my dagger right over hisheart.

"Out!" They both cried atonce as I stood between them, arms outstretched. I breathed heavily,but was immensely proud of myself. I lowered my weapons and sheathedthem.

"Marvelous!" Val squealed,clapping her hands.

"That was brilliant, my lady."A not so familiar voice came from across camp.

I glanced over, a triumphant grinplastered to my face. I saw Val's brother Brian standing withDaeron and Beri on the edge of camp. "Thank you, my lord." Ibowed.

He strode over as everyone elsebowed respectively. "I've never seen such a display of skill. Anaddition of your strength to my father's army would be a greatasset. Am I to understand you are Anastasia Drakor?"

"I am," I admitted proudly.

"I'd heard what happened toyour family. My deepest apologies," he said sincerely. "Yourfather was a good man."

"Thank you," I said again.

"Commander." Beri piped upfrom behind Brian and I glanced at her. "An agreement has beenreached."

"The elves and humans willfight side by side in this battle," Daeron announced.

"Wonderful," I said."Strategies must be decided..."

Brian laughed. "There is stilltime for that, my lady. Our scouts tell us the vampires are stilldays away... Now, I would like to discuss you joining our army."

"A woman?" Val asked insurprise.

"A sword is a sword, dearsister. It cares not who wields it," he said.

"Father will not agree," shesaid.

"I shall speak with him,"Brian said dismissively. "If, of course, you wish it lady Drakor."

I nodded enthusiastically. "Yes,sir."

"Good, now come sister, fatherhas asked after you..." Without waiting for acknowledgment, heturned and strode off. Val scurried after him with a hurriedfarewell.

Beriima watched him with a scowl."Arrogant human..." she muttered.

"This is a terrible idea,"Stefan's voice came from behind me.

"What?" I asked turning toface him.

"No matter your skill, theking's army will never accept you. They will not defend you in theranks. If you stay with us, we can keep you safe," he said dryly.

I scoffed. "I don't need yourcoddling, Stefan," I snapped.

Instead of arguing, Stefan sighedand returned to the woods. I dropped angrily onto the rock I'dperched on earlier as everyone else went awkwardly about their ownbusiness. Reif sent me a psychic pat on the shoulder and went to histent. Anders lingered silently until everyone else was out of sight."That was magnificent," he said softly, joining me on the rock."You're right you know..."