The Way Back

Chapter 4: Chai

Kieran had returned two days later with a fine sword. Nirra must've given it to him. She was always very good at choosing the perfect weapon for your body type. She was a fellow Daughter. She was the Daughter of the Mind, and she was an excellent choice for a swordsmith.

The one she chose for him fit perfectly. A ten-inch double-blade with a spiraled handle. It was a true work of art. I approved its craftsmanship wholeheartedly. I was confident he would use it well. Darius was sure I could teach Kieran to fight. I hope he was ready for my teaching skills.

I was ready this morning. I slept well enough the night before. I didn't hardly sleep anymore, so any sleep was good for me. I heard the footsteps before he knocked. I opened the door before he even had a chance to knock, "You're early. I guess Darius didn't need you today?"

"Wouldn't reckon. I left before he got me. Are we starting soon?" He seemed really ready to start. He also looked nervous.

I nodded. He was definitely braver than he looked. That could make this fun. No, I wouldn't hurt him just to be spiteful. I would teach Kieran to fight, to defend himself, but I wouldn't be like him.

When we got to the training area, I made sure not to make Matthew's mistake with Kieran, "You're going to need to defend yourself. Don't think because I'm a girl, I'll go easy on you. That will be your downfall. I'm highly trained, and I will teach you not to underestimate me. Don't hesitate to hit me." I raised my hands the way I was taught. One protected my face, the other was protecting my chest.

Kieran lowered his hands and shook his head, "I won't hit you."

That was just what I was expected. A good time to teach a lesson, "Oh well. Go tell Darius to put you as a Cook." I pretended to turn away, but at the last second, I swung my fist at him. It hit his arm hard. His reflexes were very quick. I kicked his feet out from under him. Standing over him, I grinned, "Still afraid to hit me?"

He got up quick. He raised his hands and threw a punch at my stomach. Rather than throwing his weight into it, he threw only his fist. Although it stung, it didn't do the damage he could have inflicted.

I shook my head, "Stop. That won't do anything in a fight." I walked over and stood so I was right next to him. The only time I let people touch me, or get close, was in training. I could let my mind go, and I could focus on the training. "The first thing you need to know is how to punch correctly. You're throwing just your fist, which won't do much. You need to throw your weight into the punch. If you lunge forward, you should be able to do more damage. Let's try again." I moved back to face him.

He shifted his position and raised his fists like mine. His legs were tensed, ready to move quickly if he needed to. He was quick on his feet, so the challenge was going to be hitting each other, as I liked to use my small size to my advantage.

The punch came so quickly, I had no time to defend myself. I felt his knuckles connect with the bottom of my jaw. I wasn't expecting a hit there! It felt like I was falling, but I couldn't put my arms out to catch myself. The light was fading fast. In the darkness, a memory emerged.

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I had been at the camp for two weeks, but I hardly knew anyone there. By then, I should've met at least one person I like. Only two days before, the training officer had come to my house. I chose the house farthest from the other huts. The only house I had near me was a treehouse, but it didn't look like anyone lived there. I didn't want anyone around me to hear my screams at night. The nightmares would come, I knew they would. I didn't need everyone here knowing my secrets.