MullenGuard the Kings return.

Ambush

They stopped at an open area where there were weapon racks, targets, bows and arrows, training armor, and a spinning rock to sharpen the weapons.

    “Alright, choose your weapon.” Gaylen said.

    “You said you’d teach me how to use a sword.” Joseph said.

    “Aye, that I did, good listening.” Gaylen grabbed a sword in sheath and threw it at Joseph.  “Catch.” Joseph stumbled and dropped the sword.

    “I’m not all that good of a catcher.” he said.

    “We’ll work on that later.” Gaylen said, he pulled out a sword from the armory and a vambrace.  “You’ll need this, lad.” he threw the vambrace, Joseph moved out of the way and tried to catch the vambrace but it rolled on the floor.  

    “What’s this?” Joseph asked.

    “It’s a shield.” Gaylen said as he pulled the sword out of its sheath.

    “No, this is a WonderWoman bracelet.” Joseph said as he put it on.

    “You have so much to learn, laddy.” Gaylen said.  He held the sword strong and walked slowly towards Joseph.  “Alright, try and strike me.”

    “What?” Joseph said in confusion.

    “Follow my movement with your feet, mirror my legs lad.  You don’t want your enemy to circle you like a vulture after a famine.” Gaylen said.  Joseph held his sword and mirrored Gaylen’s movements, his foot over and in front of the other.  “Good, now try and hit me with your sword.” 

    “Are you sure?” Joseph asked.  Gaylen nodded his head yes, Joseph came running forward and lunged his sword towards Gaylen’s stomach, Gaylen swiped the sword out of Joseph’s hands and struck him on his back.

    “Don’t make it obvious, keep a good grip on your hands, tight but flexible.” Gaylen said.  Joseph got up, picked up his sword and was ready for another go. Gaylen got slightly closer towards Joseph.  “One hand when you’re face to face, lad.” Gaylen held one hand in the air while the other one held the sword, Joseph copied his pose.

    “Now what?” Joseph asked.

    “Try not to die.” Gaylen said.

    “What?” Joseph asked.  Gaylen lunged forward Joseph leaped back and smacked Gaylen’s sword. 

    “Forward attack calls for a step back and moving your sword to the left while the blade is straight up.” Gaylen said.  He lunged forward again and Joseph did exactly what Gaylen said to do. “Fast learner, good.” 

    “I’m actually a mildly slow one.” Joseph said.

    “Your actions say otherwise, lad.” Gaylen said.  He took two steps forward and swung his sword down from the right, Joseph blocked it perfectly.  Gaylen swung his sword down from the left side, Joseph blocked that perfectly and bumped Gaylen with his shoulder.  “Are you sure that you never fought with a sword before, lad?”

    “I think I never have.” Joseph said, he looked at the sword even more curious than before.  

    “Lift up your left arm lad.” Gaylen said.  Joseph held his left arm high, Gaylen grabbed his axe and swung it down on him, there was a sound of metal hitting metal.  Joseph looked up and saw that the vambrace had a shield on it. It was nicely detailed, clean, and looked ancient. “Elven shield from years ago, they’re good at hiding things.”  Joseph looked completely shocked. “Now, let’s speed things up, eh?”