The Emerald Thief - Merlin BBC [1]

Chapter 28: Feast of Beltane

His sword bears down on me, my legs working quickly to pull me away from danger. The air of the metal whizzes past me, but luckily, I was faster than his strength, allowing me an opening to send my sword in his direction. He easily catches the metal with his sword, dodging my kick I send in his direction.

The knight and I spread out, circling one another with smirks as we both assess the other. Leon appears to be waiting for me to make a move, which I accept. I attach front on, Leon quickly defending himself. I know that a front-on attack won't accomplish anything. This is simply a distraction.

I manage to swing his sword up, ducking under his arm, bringing the hilt of my sword down on his hand, disarming Leon. Still, in motion, I turn around, dropping down as I bring my leg around in a sweep, bringing the Knight's legs out from under him.

Leon hits the ground with a loud thud, a grunt escaping his lips from the contact of the earth. I stand, looking down at the knight with a wide grin of accomplishment.

"Lesson from me, don't expect your opponent to fight with honour. They are, after are, possibly a dishonoured bandit or smart thief," I tease.

Regaining his breath, Leon grins, shaking his head as he looks up at me. I let my guard down too much in my victory, not prepared as Leon knocks my left thigh. The past injured one. It causes me to drop like a tree. I try to retaliate, not prepared as Leon catches me in a tight grip, one that would mean game over in a real fight. But we're not attacking to kill right now.

"Lesson from me, don't expect your opponent to be done once he's down", Leon suggests in my ear, releasing me from his tight grip.

I pat my thigh, cursing the day when I acquired that long-lasting injury. It's not painful, but an uncomfortable pinch that temporarily causes my muscles to seize up. "Fair play...I'm surprised you remembered about that," I observe, stretching my leg out.

"It's important to observe your opponent", Leon explains. "I noticed you relied more on your right leg, which then sparked my memory. I'm sorry if I hurt you-"

"Not at all", I chuckle, brushing it off before Leon can feel too sorry for me. "Noted, I'll have to work on that."

Leon smiles softly. "Let me know if you ever need a practice partner again."

I pick up my sword from the ground. "I will do. If I learn to defeat you, I'm sure I can take on anyone," I joke, beginning to walk toward the weapons rack.

"I wouldn't say that", Leon chuckles, following me.

"Don't be modest, Leon", I chuckle, placing the sword on the weapons rack.

"Serious, if you're looking to defeat someone good, Arthur would be your best bet."

I nod, having heard Arthur is the best fighter, having won most of his duels and all sorts of other challenges. He has been renowned as the best of the best. Much of his reputation he has lived up to since I've lived in Camelot, and I wouldn't want to question it. Anyone to do so would have to deal with extreme consequences and sore limbs the following day.

"Well, it's settled then. Arthur has no choice but to help me gain some made swordsmen skills," I smirk. I'm not sure what I say will come to pass or not.

Until today, I hadn't touched a sword, not since a good few months ago. I didn't wish to gain any new skills. I was just doing this for fun, but now I'm questioning if I should work on my fighting skills some more. It would only add to the long list of things that distract me for the day and my fondness for Camelot.

"He'll agree", Leon reassures. "Arthur wants to spend as much time with you as possible. Who wouldn't?"

The heat rises to my cheeks at the suggestion, not sure how I feel about his words. I watch Leon return his sword to the rack, his gaze returning to me. The two of us become silent, unsure of what to say now.