Of Master and Apprentice (Book 3)

Chapter 22

When the refugees were sleeping in the camp they've set up, the rebels remained awake, reasoning that they were on the night shift. They walked around the campsite, making sure to be in proximity of a demon with their weapons at the ready.

Luna stood next to a winged demon that was lying asleep. She looked at Miranda, waiting for the signal. Miranda nodded, then in-sync, the rebels plunged their sharp weapons into the demons. Those who shrieked with pain were immediately struck again before they could wake up the entire camp.

One demon woke up and realized what's going on. The demon gave out a loud cry and the rebels realized that no one was near it during the time of the execution. Luna, who the closest to it, drew her revolver and fired several rounds, killing it. The loud banging of her gun woke up the camp. People started panicking and questioning what's going on.

"It's alright everyone," Miranda said, trying to calm them down. "They're all dead. Go back to sleep."

Half of the rebels laid to sleep while the other stayed with their shifts. Luna was among those who rested, while Miranda stood guard.

She woke up to the cold air before dawn and took her shift. She felt that she was a different person somehow - from the orphaned baker girl raised by Europa, to where she was that day. Usually, she would awake when the sun's up and help Europa do the household chores along with the girls before heading down to the bakery. Now, she would wake up earlier than her usual time as part of the Resistance. She could already imagine, that when her apprenticeship is over, she would head back north and teach Elara how to fight and drag her into the Resistance. A decision Europa would be clearly against.

The refugees made their breakfast with whatever food they could gather from the woods and salvaged from the city. Luna sat down and ate her breakfast while observing the rebels and refugees do about their business.

"If I may have everyone's attention," Miranda said in a loud, audible voice after she finished her meal. "As you all know, your home has been destroyed, meaning that you don't have a place to stay. As refugees, the nearest city is Kinderley. We will make our way there. But our journey will be perilous, as you know, we are in demon territories and they can be very hostile toward us. So that is why, my friends and I from the Resistance will teach you all how to fight. Take your time to enjoy you breakfast, once you're done, approach a Resistance member and they'll instruct you."

She got down from her elevated position and walked towards Luna. "Luna, I trust that you can handle training them."

"But I'm still learning," Luna argued.

"At the very least you're capable." She walked passed her.

"Hey."

Luna turned around and saw a girl slightly younger than herself. 

"So can you teach me how to fight?" the girl asked.

"Sure." Luna smiled. She went looking for some sticks she could use as a makeshift sword. She found a pair and gave one of it to the girl. She taught her how to strike, parry and block - the basics, just as Miranda had taught her. More girls and women came to her and she trained them by engaging a volunteer in combat while demonstrating the moves.

Before midday, the refugees were making their way towards Kinderley with Miranda taking the lead. They encountered several demons along the way which the refugees gladly slew as a form of practice, not to mention taking their weapons to call their own. When they settled to rest for lunch, some of them started sharpening sticks and making improvised spears along with bows and arrows. By sundown, they had already set up camp for dinner and the archers started honing their skills.

Luna did her fair share of duty by training a new set of girls and women. Most of which preferred spears and sharpened sticks compared to swords, while the others were interested in archery.

The party continued on for two more days following the same routine of training before the city of Kinderley was finally in sight.

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Alright folks, we're about the reach the climax of this story. How are you enjoying it so far? If you happen to enjoy this book do consider adding it to your library. Feedback is always much welcome, so don't forget to comment what you think. And if you say that this story deserves it, hit that star button to vote and support this story.

I dedicate this chapter to brookelilac who is the host of an awards in entering. If this is your first time hosting, I wish you all the luck in the world 😘

-Zyrofern