Esprit Abbey

Chapter 10

Cailean and Ava followed Kallonia into the barn-like training arena. A torch was burning to the right of the large double doors. Kallonia picked it up and touched the flame to a metal trough. Instantly the contents ignited, sending a brilliant flame around the room. As the space brightened, Cailean noticed that the trough inclined upward before leveling out several feet below the ceiling. It then moved along the walls until it came full circle, spanning the entire length of each wall. Above the trough was a mirror that reflected the light down, illuminating the entire area. Small chimneys were located above the flames, allowing unwanted heat to be released.

This was the first chance Cailean and Ava were able to get a good look at Kallonia. The hair on her animal half was beige with a noticeable shine and faded to white as it moved down her legs. Her chocolate brown hair matched her eyes; eyes that projected an unexpected kindness, a kindness that Cailean knew should not be mistaken for weakness.

She wore a brown leather corset that covered the torso of her human half; with matching leather gauntlets, one on her forearm and a smaller one placed on her upper arm. A thick white fabric that was stitched around the bottom of the corset fell in a skirt-like fashion, just past her equine shoulders. She turned Cailean and Ava to a wall that was lined with swords, maces, spears, and many other battle-ready items.

"Choose a weapon," Kallonia said flatly. Cailean walked to the wall while Ava turned back toward the centaur.

"I don't want to hurt anyone," Ava said.

"Do you want to save your Abbey," responded Kallonia, "or are you satisfied with it—along with everyone inside—being destroyed?" Kallonia brushed Ava's hair. There was something about this girl that intrigued her. She sighed. "No weapon is necessarily lethal. Pick something to at least defend yourself and the ones you love." Ava nodded and walked along the wall, carefully examining each armament.

Cailean walked back to Kallonia, predictably carrying a sword. Kallonia held out her hand, retrieving the sword from Cailean. She carefully examined the piece, checking the balance; the make; its construction, and weight. "This sword is too heavy for you," she said looking down at Cailean. "Pick another."

"I like this one. It feels good, it's not too heavy," argued Cailean.

"Prove it," she responded, tossing the sword back to him. He caught the sword by the grip and was immediately pulled over as the blade hit the ground. Kallonia rolled her eyes.

"I wasn't ready," Cailean said, trying to excuse the embarrassing event.

Kallonia pulled her sword from its sheath and held it downward by her side at an outward angle. "Begin," she said.

Cailean struggled to lift the sword but refused to acknowledge its weight. Supporting the grip on his shoulder he rushed at Kallonia. Shifting his weight, he brought the sword down in an overhead swing. Kallonia easily sidestepped Cailean's attack and watched as the tip of the blade hit the ground, sending Cailean catapulting over it.

Standing, he wiped dirt from his face and picked up the sword. He began his attack again, swinging the sword from side to side and occasionally thrusting it forward. Kallonia calmly moved her sword back and forth, deflecting his movements. She was obviously bored. Noticing Ava had walked up she thought to herself, enough of this. On Cailean's next attack she spun her sword, catching Cailean's blade on the hilt guard, and launched it into the air. With a loud clang Cailean watched his sword hit the ground over ten feet away, leaving him defenseless.

"You're not swinging that sword, it's swinging you," said Kallonia. "Now please, pick another one. There's no shortage to choose from." Cailean didn't argue as he walked back to the wall.