“I lost my parents the same way when I was young.”
Aquila’s eyes widened slightly. “You’ve never told me the full story.”
“It’s hard to talk about. I’d rather not—”
She touched his lips. “Then don’t. Just promise me one thing.”
“What?” he asked.
“When you’re ready to talk, come find me. I will be here to listen.”
He nodded. “Thank you.”
They gazed at the stars for a while, enjoying the silence. The night wouldn’t last much longer. Each day had only nine hours of darkness for their thirty-six-hour day during the fall. Once winter arrived, the nights would be a little longer.
“It’s late,” Devarius said. “We should both get some sleep. We have a long day tomorrow.”
Devarius stood, then offered a hand to help Aquila to her feet. She accepted, smiling at him.
“Yes,” she agreed. “You need your rest. The captain is really working you hard.”
Devarius grinned. “Yes. I’m glad he is. I need it. Many of you already came with skills. My family was farmers, all I know how to do is grow grain.”
Aquila tilted her head. “There’s nothing wrong with that. Harvesters are needed as much as warriors here.”
“I know.” Devarius sighed. “But I want more. I want to be a part of the action. I want to make a difference, to tip the scale in the Resistance’s favor.”
“High ambitions.” Aquila smiled. “But I understand the feeling.”
She leaned into him and kissed his cheek. He felt her warmth spread through him at the touch.
“Good night,” she said as she sauntered into the darkness.
“Good night,” he whispered, touching his cheek where she’d kissed him.
Chapter 25
Devarius stood in the courtyard as the first sun rose. He breathed steadily as he admired his new sword. It had taken the blacksmith three weeks to perfect it. The first four blades weren’t balanced enough for the blacksmith, so he’d remelted the metal for other things. However, the fifth blade had a perfect balance. The blacksmith was rather proud of it, but he’d admitted it took the other blacksmith and the two apprentices working together to create the perfect mold for the weapon. Devarius had thanked every one of them.
The blade wasn’t sharp yet. He’d requested to use the blade before the blacksmith sharpened it. He wanted to practice with the captain with his new weapon before it was sharpened. Actually, he wanted to defeat the captain with his new blade before having it sharpened. He’d come close a few times with a practice sword, impressing several of the recruits, but unlike Paedyn, Devarius hadn’t bested him yet.
Tynaer stepped in front of Devarius. The captain studied Devarius’s new weapon. Tynaer held out his hand.
“May I?”
Devarius handed the weapon over.
Tynaer inspected it closely, running his bare hand across the side of the blade and bringing it close to his face to inspect the craftsmanship.
“Did Smithy make this for you?”
“Yes,” Devarius said. “Actually, it took him, the other blacksmith, and their two apprentices to get it just right.”
“Hmm.” Tynaer tested the balance of the weapon. “It’s well balanced, and beautifully crafted. I hope it’ll be worth it.”
Devarius raised a brow.
Tynaer looked at him. “I’d hate for them to spend so much time to create a new weapon, taking away from their tasks of creating all the weapons our army needs, to forge you a blade. It would be a shame if you never improved enough to properly use it.”
“I will. Watch me,” Devarius growled.
Tynaer grinned at him as he handed the sword back.
Devarius gripped the sword, wielding it in front of him, staring coldly at Tynaer.
“Are you so eager to lose?” Tynaer asked.
Tynaer walked to the clearing as everyone else paired up to practice. Devarius followed close behind. Tynaer didn’t give Devarius a chance to position himself as he leapt forward, his broadsword striking inches above Devarius’s exposed neck. Devarius stepped backward, but he felt the air shift in front of him. He repositioned himself and stepped forward, thrusting his new weapon in an upward arc. Tynaer blocked it before it reached his face. Devarius didn’t stop though, and slid the blade upward, forcing Tynaer’s broadsword to slide down Devarius’s until it reached the waves at the bottom third. The vibrations made Tynaer’s arms vibrate until his sword struck the crossguard. Devarius pulled the blade away, stepped to his left, and swung, first left, then right. Tynaer blocked both strikes, but on the second, Devarius slid his blade upward as well, forcing Tynaer to vibrate against the flame blade.
The battle continued on, much longer than they normally fought. The others around them had already changed partners over three times. Devarius knew Tynaer was weakening. He could see the sweat creasing the captain’s brow. His arms were shaking as he fought, the vibrations from Devarius’s lower blade affecting him. Devarius pressed harder, using the top of his blade for a flurry of strikes.
Tynaer misstepped and twisted too far to the right. Devarius pushed himself forward hard at the opportunity, slashing his blade from left to right. Tynaer couldn’t right himself in time, and with one final downward swing of Devarius’s sword, Tynaer’s broadsword slipped from his grasp and tumbled to the ground. Devarius grinned as he readied his sword to touch Tynaer’s chest for the winning mark. Before his blade could reach his foe, the captain dove to the ground and rolled forward. His leg swept under Devarius, clashing with his legs. Devarius crashed to the ground. Tynaer grabbed his broadsword and touched it to Devarius’s chest as he lay on the ground, stunned.
“Nice try,” Tynaer said. “But you got cocky.”
Devarius took Tynaer’s outstretched hand and got to his feet. He brushed off his shoulders and sheathed his sword.
“I thought I had you,” Devarius said.
“You thought wrong,” Tynaer said.
Devarius frowned. He had really believed he was getting better.
“Don’t give up,” Tynaer said. “You have worked harder to improve your swordplay than anyone here. Don’t think I haven’t noticed. I’ve seen you practicing sword forms with the other swordmasters after our practices are over. If you keep it up, you will best me in no time. However, keep in mind ... I’m not the best swordsman here. Just because I’m captain doesn’t mean I’m the best with a sword. It means I’m the best at strategy.”
“Understood,” Devarius said.
“Do you want to be the best?” Tynaer asked.
“Yes, sir.”
Tynaer nodded. “Tomorrow, you will have a break from dueling.”
Devarius’s frown deepened.
“Instead, I want you to go to the eastern courtyard and meet Orrick. He is a blademaster. He will teach you several different sword forms. I know you’ve learned a couple, but it’s hard to learn them while dueling.”
“Yes, sir.”
Chapter 26
Devarius stood in the eastern courtyard during daybreak. He was alone. Both suns hung in the sky. He wondered if the so-called swordmaster would even show up. His thumbs began tapping together as he waited impatiently.
Something touched his shoulder. Devarius’s body tensed. He looked to his shoulder to see a blade resting on the top of it. His body jerked as he twisted away. Before he could fully spin around to see who was behind him, the hilt of the sword slammed into the back of his head. He crumpled to the ground. Everything around him became blurry. When his vision refocused, he saw the point of a sword floating inches from his face.
“Good morning,” a voice said.
Devarius’s eyes bulged. “Orrick?”
“Yes,” the man said as he sheathed his sword.
Devarius scrambled to his feet and brushed himself off. He studied the man in front of him. Orrick was short, at least a head shorter than Devarius, with white curly hair dangling to his shoulders and a large white mustac
he. He looked old.
“You’re the swordmaster?”
“Don’t sound so surprised, boy. I wasn’t always old. I have a lot more experience than anyone. Over the years, I have learned every sword form I could. I may be too old to join the ranks in the army, but I’m never too old to train new recruits.”
“Then why aren’t you the one training us?”
Orrick laughed. “The captain doesn’t like to waste my time. Unless someone shows promise, he doesn’t bother to send them to me. Besides, I prefer to train only one person at a time.”
“I see,” Devarius said.
“No ... you do not see. If you saw, you would have seen me coming.”
“Huh?”
“Seeing is more than just your eyes, boy. You must see with your mind, your ears, and your touch. When you’re in battle, there are threats all around you. If you refuse to look anywhere but forward, dead you will be.”
“I understand.”
“I certainly hope so. I do not like training fools.”
“How are we to begin?” Devarius asked.
Orrick tossed Devarius a small net on a pole. “We’re going to catch butterflies.”
“Are you serious?”
“Quite.” Orrick pulled a net of his own from his belt. “I need more for my collection.”
“Your collection ...?”
“Every swordmaster should have a butterfly collection.”
Devarius’s jaw dropped. Orrick spun around. He strode toward the city gate. Devarius stood, frozen, for a moment, before ambling to catch up with the so-called swordmaster. When they left the city, Devarius braved another glance at the old man.
“Where are we going?” Devarius asked.
“To a meadow, of course.”
“A meadow?”
“Where else do you reckon we’ll catch butterflies? Not many like to come in the city. However, they love the flowers in the meadow. We’ll find plenty of butterflies in the meadow.”
“You are serious?”
“Of course I am, boy.”
“How am I going to become a blademaster by catching butterflies?”
Orrick ceased walking. He spun to face Devarius. “Tynaer tells me you want to be the best. Is that true?”
“Yes,” Devarius replied.
“Then you need to shut that overconfident mouth of yours and listen. I’m only going to say this once, boy. There will be no questioning me, no revealing my training to anyone, and you will follow my commands without question. I will not train you otherwise. Do I make myself clear?”
Devarius narrowed his eyes. “Yes, sir.”
Orrick clapped Devarius’s shoulder. “Now that pleasantries are out of the way, let’s go catch butterflies.”
Once in the meadow, Orrick made Devarius lay his sword on the ground next to his own. He showed Devarius the proper way to catch butterflies with the net. In the beginning, Devarius tried to stride over to a butterfly and catch it, but Orrick stopped him. He showed him he had to use limited motion with his bicep, and use all of his motion with his forearm, either with downward strokes or upward ones, depending on the situation.
At first, Devarius resented the old man for having him do such a menial task, but soon he realized Orrick was showing him form. Devarius bit his tongue as he accepted every suggestion the old man gave. The first half of the day, he caught butterflies by using the net with one hand, but the second half, Orrick wanted him to hold the pole with two hands and practice the same movements of upward and downward strokes.
By the end of the day, Devarius’s forearms were sore. He sat on the ground next to Orrick as they watched the second sun set.
“You did well today. We have caught many butterflies.”
Devarius clenched his teeth and nodded.
Orrick looked at him, studying his features. He picked up the large jar of butterflies and held it in front of him. “They are beautiful, are they not?”
“They are,” Devarius admitted.
The jar held dozens of butterflies of every color, some a solid hue, while others had intricate patterns weaved onto their wings.
Orrick smiled as he loosened the lid on the jar. “There is nothing quite like watching butterflies fly into the sunset.”
Devarius’s eyes widened as the old man took off the lid and the dozens of butterflies flew out of the jar. His fist clenched when he first saw all the butterflies escape, all of their hard work escaping into the sunset. But his rage relaxed after a moment. He watched the butterflies. The old man was right, the butterflies were a beautiful sight as they flew into the sunset.
“What’s on the agenda tomorrow?” Devarius asked.
“Tomorrow we’re going to swat bees with a stick. I know where a large nest is in the city. The bees are becoming a problem, so we need to take care of them.”
“With a stick?” Devarius asked.
“The best way to take care of a problem is one swat at a time.”
Devarius gulped. He knew he’d be sore tomorrow, but now he would need to add a few hundred beestings to his plan.
“How long until we start using swords?” Devarius asked.
“Are you getting impatient?”
Devarius gulped. “No ... I’m just wondering if I should bother bringing my sword for a while.”
Orrick smiled. “There will be no need for a blade until I tell you to bring one.”
Devarius nodded, brushing his fingers through his hair. He wondered how long that would be. Devarius really hoped the old man was the best. Whenever he completed his training, he wanted to be able to do more than swat bees and catch butterflies.
Chapter 27
Devarius stood in his room, alone, his mind wandering. More than a month had gone by since he’d begun his training with Orrick, and his skill with a blade had significantly improved. He’d only learned three of the sixteen forms, but he’d mastered each one. Catching the Butterfly, Swatting the Bee, and Pouncing the Wild Cat had become second nature to him. However, he still had much to learn.
A knock at the door disrupted his thoughts. It was night and he was ready for bed. He had no idea who would visit him so late. When he opened the door, his brow furrowed when he saw Tynaer standing on the other side.
“Captain?” Devarius asked.
“May I come in?”
Devarius nodded and stepped aside. Tynaer ambled inside, and Devarius closed the door.
“How goes your training with Orrick?”
“It is interesting.”
Tynaer grinned. “I imagine so. His teachings are rather unconventional, but he is the best.”
“I can see. I’ve definitely noticed an improvement.”
“Good.”
“Why are you here?” Devarius asked.
“I wanted to tell you that you’re doing a fine job here. You and your party have been most welcome. Many have found invaluable jobs in this city. I know when you first came, I acted like your help wasn’t appreciated. We—we just have to be careful these days.”
“I understand.”
“Your determination is astounding. Many people with dreams to become the best blademaster have given up by now. I just wanted to reassure you that if you continue with your determination, you will succeed. Orrick, while strange, is the best, and if you allow him to, he can make you the best blademaster in the army.”
“I certainly hope so.” Devarius smiled.
Tynaer nodded. He began to leave, but froze mid turn, his eyes lingering on Devarius’s desk. “What’s that?”
Devarius turned and saw the large sapphire on his desk.
“Oh ... I’d almost forgotten about that. I found it on an island when we were running from the dragonriders. I hoped it may be worth something. Perhaps if we sell it, it would help fund the Resistance.”
“Island?” Tynaer asked.
Devarius scratched his chin. “I suppose we haven’t talked much about our journey over here ... have we?”
“No ... you haven’t.” Tynaer sa
t on Devarius’s chair.
“I suppose now is a good time.”
“I suppose it is.”
“All right. Well ...” Devarius paused before deciding to sit on his bed. “We started in the north, near Caspar. We fled south, but the dragonriders were on our tail. One of the dragonriders caught us outside of Kaed, and one of my party confessed our plans to them.”
Tynaer’s eyes widened. “Who?”
“She is no longer with us. That’s when we decided she would be a liability. We snuck into Trevium, me and Paedyn, and brought her with us. We knew she’d betray us at the first chance she had, if for no other reason than self-preservation. We saw two dragonriders in the city, and sure enough, she disappeared from behind us. We hadn’t planned on it happening so swiftly, and hoped for a little more time, but we had to spring into action. We took a wagon out of the city and west to the river, where we met with the rest of our party. We hadn’t let the woman know we planned to travel south. We had told her we planned to go east next. The plan worked for a time, long enough for us to reach Vaereal.” Devarius brushed his fingers through his hair. “Anyway, once we reached Vaereal and found who we were supposed to talk to to find the Resistance, the dragonriders were approaching the village. We had nowhere to go. We rushed to the west coast and commandeered a ship. Our plan was to travel west through the storm and then south to move around the village, but the storm caught us and dragged us straight west.”
“And this is where you found this island?” Tynaer asked.
“Yes, sir.” Devarius shivered. “The island was surrounded by mountains rising out of the water. When we crashed on the island, I searched the area.”
Tynaer tilted his head. “What did you find?”
“Dragons.”
Tynaer’s eyebrows rose. “Dragons? You found Dragonia? You found where the Dragonia Empire trains all their dragons?”
Devarius shook his head. “No. There were no riders. All we found were dragons, though all the ones I saw looked a lot smaller than the dragons that were chasing us.”
Tynaer’s eyebrow twitched. “How small?”
Dragonia: Rise of the Wyverns (Dragonia Empire Book 1) Page 12
