The Queen and The Guard

Chapter 2

Chapter 2

Annabeth walked back out to the main room, looking about with disdain. They were growing. Soon enough they would no longer fit in the underground facility. The Templace would have to be destroyed within the year or they would have to move out and risk being discovered and attacked. 

Her right hand man, Joshua, walked up beside her and bowed his head. “I don’t like him. Not one bit.”

She looked up at him and shrugged. “He’s as good as you, if not better. We need him. Besides, you saw his face when I mentioned the Templace. He fears their organization just as we do. Give him a few weeks to adjust. If we still can’t trust him, we’ll dispose of him. The God’s may not like it, but it may have to happen.”

Joshua nodded and she began walking towards the stables. He remained by her side as they walked, waiting for her to continue. “If you could, go to Ares temple tonight. Ask him if Axlan belongs to him. If not, send me someone from Zeus and Poseidon.”

As Joshua walked away again, she ran her hand through her hair and set about the day’s duties.

Before she knew it, it was time for everyone to sleep. Night guards were stationed at the entrances and torches were put out. Her bed was soft and warm as she fell into it.

She awoke late the next morning and mentally cursed herself. It was rare she even slept through the night, let alone into late morning. She forwent breaking her fast and simply joined the class of men and women she led.

The advanced swordsmen were already gathered and simply standing about, waiting for her. This left her slightly angered. They easily could have begun without her.

As it was, they all stood at attention when she strode up. All except Axlan. He just stood there, looking at her with something close to boredom. She ignored him.  “Pair up. Spar with your partner. Don’t hurt each other too badly.”

The 14 members did as she had asked, leaving Axlan alone. John had paired with Eska and Joshua with Adam. The others hadn’t even spared him a glance. It amused her to see him look mad. “I guess you’re left with me.”

Usually, she was free to watch them and correct them, but today, she would have to make short work of Axlan before she could do that.

Almost lazily, he drew his sword. There was no trace of her blood that had covered it the day before.  Her own sword was just as clean as his and she raised it even with his. The wariness he had held the day before was gone. It was he who charged first, with a quick downward slash.  She stepped back, out of his range and quickly brought her sword up for a counter attack. He beat her to it. Blows rained down from him and she was forced to take the defensive. It seemed as though a good night’s sleep had done wonders for him.

His reign was short lived. She was soon the one beating him with her own blows. He could block her with his sword, but it was dual handed, her’s was but a hand and a half. One hand could wield the sword and the other could land a punch into his abdomen.

She was not as strong as a man, but her punches were strong enough to get his attention.  The black leather gloves on her hands offered a bit of padding when her fists landed on his ribs. He had no more fat on his body than she did. Now that he no longer had on his thick cloak, she could see his shape fully.

He was taller than she was by several inches with thick dark hair that nearly fell over his eyes.   Broad shoulders with sharp collarbones jutted out from the top of his shirt as he moved around her, trying to find an opening in her defense. He was hard pressed to find one. Being able to heal herself easily often caused her to take risks she usually wouldn’t and past experience cause her to guard her center closely, for some wounds were not easily healed.

Soon enough, her sword caught his cross guard, jarring his hand into dropping the sword. The rest was simple. He stared down at his hand, then back up at her with shock clear on his face. Obviously he wasn’t used to being beat.

“Congratulations. I think you lasted longer than yesterday. Sit tight and observe the others. Learn how we fight, how me move. It’ll do you some good.” She got closer as she spoke to him, trying to get the message across. Her father had taught her how to fight, and his father had taught him. The line of their family went back for ages, each altering the fighting style to suit their own use, but keeping it distinct. They way she fought was entirely different than anyone she had ever faced. It was evolved, developed for protection. She had been raised to be the future Queen’s guard.

“Could I have your name?” His question caught her off guard, but she answered anyway.

“Annabeth.”

He smirked at that and shook his head. “So it’s not something crazy like, Killer or Slasher then? I wasn’t sure, considering how everyone looks at you.”

She glared at him for a long moment before speaking. “Just sit on the floor and watch.”

Luckily, he listened this time and sat on the floor, away from the fights. You could almost not notice him. She shook her head and turned her attention to the others.

Two of the men had their swords locked and were pushing against one another, each trying to prove that he was stronger than the other.  She sighed and walked over to fix them. Neither one noticed when she walked up. Both were thick with sweat and groaning with the effort. She did the most sensible thing she could. She knocked their feet out from under them, letting them land in a heap on the ground.

“By focusing all your energy on one opponent, you leave yourself open to attacks from someone else.” She looked down at them with a straight face.

They stared back with disgruntled looks. “What are we to do when our swords are locked then?”

She looked around at the others. They had all stopped and were looking at her expectantly. Except Axlan. He had his arms crossed and a smirk on his face. “Well why doesn’t our new addition come over and show you.”

She watched as his smirk faded and he stood up, glaring at her. However, when he finally stood in front pf her, he seemed confident.

She took her stance and he came at her. Their swords locked and she stared up at him, waiting for him to try and disable her. Being taller than she was, it wasn’t hard. He simply tilted sword down over hers and shoved, unstesadying her. She stumbled back and gave him a nod.

“See? Get above your opponent and disable him. While he struggles for balance, you can kill him.”

They just looked at her and Axlan like they were crazy. “Alright. Class over. Joshua, Eska, John, and Axlan stay here.”