Kedryn opened the door across the hall from Aodhan and stepped through. Eion watched as they walked into the rooms and started to step into the one beside him. He stopped and hollered after Carrick before he stepped out of the building.
“Carrick. Thank you.” he said and Carrick turned nodded at him and left. Eion stepped through into his chosen room.
In his room Kedryn threw his pack by a twin sized bed in the corner and looked around. A small square table sat in the corner with an oil lamp on top of it and two wooden chairs. He walked over to a door that was close to the table and glanced into a small closet. There was a second door across the room and it was a bit of a surprise. A bathroom.
“Huh. This realm isn’t as uncivilized as I thought.” Kedryn said.
Curious he walked into the small bathroom and studied the cylinder shaped toilet with a small ring on top of it. There was a pipe at the back that ran up the wall a couple of feet and over to a pump near a sink. He pulled the handle to the pump and watched as water flowed from the faucet into the pipe and down through the toilet. Kedryn let out a chuckle and took a closer look at the sink. It also had a small pump similar to the one for the toilet.
There was no bath but there was a wash basin, towel and what looked to be a lump of soap near the sink and something else. Kedryn lifted the top off of a small silver bowl and looked at the light green goop inside. He swiped up a small amount with his finger, stuck out his tongue and carefully tasted it. Kedryn belted out laugh. “Toothpaste!”
Hearing Kedryn’s exclamation Aodhan stepped through the door into Kedryn’s room and looked around. He watched as Kedryn stepped out of the wash area.
“Everything ok here?”
“Yes. I wonder what mom’s is like. She’ll be very happy if there is a tub in that cottage and not just a bowl.”
Back at the cottage Shanna pointed to a soft lavender colored door off to the side of the bedroom. She motioned for Lara to step through the doorway first and stood back to observe her reaction.
“This little cottage has all of the necessities a woman could need.
Through the door is a little addition to the cottage that my sister just had to have.”
Lara walked to the door and was immediately captivated by the first thing she set eyes on, a large square tub. All she wanted to do was fill it up with hot water and sink in. Letting out an elated laugh she skipped back out and gave Shanna a huge hug.
“What on earth was that for?” asked Shanna as she smiled at Lara.
“There is a tub. OhmiGosh there is a tub. I am in serious need of a nice relaxing bath. God bless your sister! You don’t happen to have any chocolate do you? You would be my favorite person in this realm if you do!”
“Apologies, I do not. I did just bake a few pies.”
“That would be perfect. I have a special treat to go along with it.”
“What would that be?” Shanna asked as she glanced through the window in the kitchen area.
“Tonight when we have dessert we will warm up some water and have some, well, I think I’ll make it a surprise if you don’t mind. Annie will enjoy it too.” Lara said as she gave her a wide grin and walked back to the kitchen.
“Anything that makes Annie happy will make me happy and I love surprises.” Shanna said as she glimpsed out the cottage window “Let’s go I think the boys are waiting.”
Lara looked through the window and caught a glimpse of Aodhan swinging Annie in his arms. He was staring at the cottage with a look of impatience on his face. Lara walked up to the window and noticed that a few feet behind Aodhan that Kedryn, Eion and Carrick were all talking by the fire pit and glancing over at the cottage too.
“Let’s not keep them waiting any longer.” Lara said as she looked longingly to where the tub was.
She followed Shanna out the door. When they reached the boys Lara walked right up to Aodhan. She gave him and Annie a huge hug almost throwing him off balance and looked at him hopefully.
“There is a tub! Can I have a bath now? Training can wait right? Pretty, pretty, Please?” she asked giving him the most pleadingly pathetic look she could manage. She heard Annie giggle in Aodhan’s arms.
“What would be the point of taking a bath now? You will just end up getting all dirty again when we train.” he said as he carefully dislodged her arms from around him trying not to drop Annie at the same time. He looked at the longing on her face and almost gave in.
Lara backed away from him and looked at Annie giggling in his arms and around at everyone else. Shanna was standing next to Carrick by the gardens. His arm was around her waist and they were giving Lara an amused look. She heard Kedryn let out a loud laugh and looked over to where he was sitting on a bench next to the fire pit talking to Eion. Everyone was so happy and it was hard to believe that in a couple of days there was going to be a battle.
“Let’s go train I want that bath! General Carrick. Where is the training yard?” she asked.
“You and Aodhan can train in the flat yard just behind the barracks. And Lara, it’s just Carrick.”
She grinned at him and grabbed her dagger from its sheath. Lara walked past Aodhan smacking him hard on the rear with the flat side of the blade and quickly walked away towards the training ground.
“She must really want that bath. I did not think she smelled that bad.” He grinned to himself and headed after her.
Eion watched Aodhan catch up with Lara just as she turned the corner to the back of the barracks. He noticed that Shanna and Annie had walked off through the garden and turned to Carrick and Kedryn.
“Carrick, would you take over Kedryn’s training today? I have taught him all that I know. I believe that he would learn much from you.”
Carrick looked Kedryn up and down and noticed that Kedryn carried no weapons on him.
“Are you any good with the sword boy? Or do you prefer the battle ax? Do you have a weapon that you can work with?” he asked
“No I don’t. Eion and I have been training with any thick stick he can find and Aodhan’s father’s sword.”
“No weapon to call your own. How are you supposed to fight in the battle? Follow me.” Carrick said.
Carrick led them around the barracks towards what looked to be a large wooden shed directly behind the building. While following Carrick, Kedryn looked around and realized that the shed was across from the training yard where Lara and Aodhan were sparing. He studied the area and it was literally what Carrick had said a flat square of dirt. He looked over in the opposite direction and saw another training area. It looked to have more uses than a flat area of dirt.
Kedryn nudged Eion and they both watched Lara and Aodhan until Carrick stopped them in front of the shed. Kedryn looked back over at his mom. His attention was drawn back to the shed when he heard the loud metal screech of the hinges as the door was opened. He peered inside and saw that there was a huge assortment of weapons and armor.
“I wouldn’t even know where to start.” Kedryn said as he watched Carrick step into the shed and immediately grab a sword and walk back out.
“You can start with this one. It is similar to Lord Blaine’s sword. Since you have been training with a sword I believe that is what you should stick with.” He handed the sword to Kedryn and rested his hand on the hilt of his own.
“I would like to see how you handle that sword first. I will test you with some simple training exercises. When I am finished with you I will find a suitable sword.” Carrick said as he closed the shed back up.
Eion stepped up to Kedryn and slapped him on the shoulder. “I think you will be pleasantly surprised. Kedryn is worthy of your training and he catches on quickly. He is the Battle Raven’s son after all.” Eion said and watched as Kedryn blushed at the compliment.
“We shall see. You, Eion and I will exercise in the training area on the opposite end of the yard away from Lara and Aodhan.”
Carrick looked Kedryn over and made note of the way he was holding the sword. He turned and walked t
oward the training area that Kedryn noticed earlier. Eion stepped up to Carrick as they followed a narrow dirt path that led to the training area.
“If you do not mind. I would like to look in on Shanna and Annie. It has been years since I have seen Shanna. I would love to spend some time with Annie before we head out to the Duir Plain and into battle.”
“Come to think of it that is for the best. There will not be any distractions for Kedryn and I can really see how good he is.” Carrick said as he clasped forearms with Eion.
Carrick watched Eion walk off and led Kedryn over to a row of tall logs that were riddled with slash marks. Kedryn looked at the log in front of him. His Sensei back home used a similar method only with bamboo. The logs in front of him were tall and thick and were spaced at an equal distance. He counted and there were six rows in all. He had some idea of what was coming next and he watched Carrick walk up to him.
“I would like to see how you are with a forward strike. Show me and use any one of these logs as your target.”
Kedryn stepped up to the log in front of him trying to remember his training the best he could. He slashed down at the log with a forward strike and immediately brought the sword back up to a defensive position. He slashed down again. Carrick was impressed by Kedryn’s unusual precision and technique. He wanted to see more before he said anything to Kedryn about it.
“You have learned much from the Druid. Now show me downward thrust.” Kedryn thrust at the log a few times and Carrick stopped him.
“Time for some combinations. Do you have a dagger? If you happen to, God forbid, drop your sword in battle it will be of use to you.” Carrick said as he bent down to his boot to show Kedryn where he kept his dagger.
“No, I don’t. I have had knife training back home though. I didn’t think of brining one through with me.”
“As you have seen I have a shed full of weapons. I usually wait to present my warriors with a good sword after their training is finished. However this is a unique situation. Let us start again and show me the first combination, the third and the fifth.”
Carrick worked Kedryn until he was satisfied that he had gotten down all of the various strikes. Impressed that Kedryn had caught on so fast he led him to a separate area with an assortment of sizes of logs scattered through a square dirt covered spot in the training yard.
“I take it you have had some previous training. It shows in your fighting. You fight with both offensive and defensive positions.”
“Mom had me start taking mixed martial arts and weapons training when I was young. She said it was to teach me how to respect others and keep me out of trouble. I even sometimes stayed with my Sensei when she was out of town for work. I learned so much from him.”
“That is good to hear. Now I shall test your skill with multiple opponents. Stand back and I will demonstrate.” Carrick said as he drew his sword.
Kedryn backed up to the grass at the edge of the area and watched as Carrick stepped up to one of the taller logs. The General started slashing, thrusting and spinning with such precision and speed that Kedryn stood with his mouth hanging open. He had never seen anyone move so fast. Carrick turned to Kedryn with his sword in a defensive position and sheathed his sword. He stepped away from the area and motioned for Kedryn to start.
Kedryn walked up to one of the shorter logs and stared at it for a couple of seconds. He decided to not mimic the general and use all of the skills he had learned so far. Sensei only used the first training method Carrick used. This was something entirely different. When in Rome he said under his breath. Kedryn struck out at the logs around him as if he was surrounded by the enemy. Carrick walked around the perimeter of the training area watching Kedryn’s every movement.
“Loosen up your footwork. You are a bit too stiff. It is more like a dance and if you remember that you will find your movements will flow easier.”
Kedryn immediately took his advice and realized that Carrick was right. His movements became less rigid and more fluid.
“Good. You are listening and fighting at the same time. Perception of things around you while you are fighting one or many opponents is very critical. In battle it could mean the difference between life and death. As it is said the best defense is a good offense.”
After Carrick had exercised Kedryn until he saw the sweat soaking his shirt through and Kedryn’s arms start to grow slack he signaled him to rest. Kedryn stretched and felt his muscles scream for rest.
“Time for a break. I believe some water will be good for us both.”
Carrick led Kedryn over to a four foot high well a few feet away from the training area. He pulled on a rope and rose up a bucket of water. He lifted up a square ladle that was tied to its side and handed it to Kedryn. Kedryn drank a cup full and handed it back to Carrick. After both of them had drunk some water Carrick led Kedryn to another area that was shaped like a circle and surrounded by poles and rope. He ducked under the rope and strode to the middle and turned to face Kedryn.
“Time to see how really good you are and do not hold back. I want you to give me your all and plus some.”
Carrick thrust his sword out an inch away from Kedryn’s side. Close enough to get the sparring started and far enough away not to injure Kedryn if he moved the wrong way. Kedryn grinned at him and tapped Carrick’s sword with his. As they sparred neither one giving in to the other or wanting to lose ground either. When Kedryn threw in some Aikido moves he almost had Carrick on the ground. Carrick dove into a roll and lunged right back at Kedryn. Carrick knocked Kedryn’s sword out of his hands. He showed him what he did wrong and began to spar again.
When their arms couldn’t hold up a sword properly any more Carrick decided they were done for the day.
“Very good. You have a unique sense of timing that I have seen in few warriors. Eion was correct. You are worthy of my training and it is a shame we have to go into battle. I am certain there is much I could have learned from you.”
“Thank you.” Kedryn said as he gave Carrick a slight bow.
“I know the exact sword you are to have. Are you Milesian?” Carrick asked as he led Kedryn out of the circle and over to the well again.
“One part Milesian, one part Danann with a wee bit of Scott.” Kedryn said.
“Scott?” Carrick asked as he pulled the bucket back up.
“My father is Scottish. It’s a race in our realm. I’m also Irish but I suppose that would be considered my Milesian and Danann side.” Kedryn said and he grabbed the ladle up and this time handed it to Carrick.
“You fight like a Milesian. Your other skills come in handy also. You almost threw me completely off there when you added in your training from the other realm. That will be useful in battle.” Carrick set his sword on his shoulder as he took a drink and handed it to Kedryn.
“Back to the armory shed. I would like to present you with a sword.” He led Kedryn to the shed and turned to him as he stopped before the door.
“Wait out here. It hasn’t moved in centuries and hopefully it has not rusted through.”
Carrick stepped into the shed and Kedryn took a quick glance over at the other training area. He watched as his mom almost knocked the sword out of Aodhan’s grip. He turned his attention to Carrick as he came back through the door with his sword.
“I believe this will fit you well. This sword has been in my wife’s family for generations. Shanna’s family is of Danann blood so no one has ever used it.”
“Why not?”
“It is Milesian. This is just a myth but it is said that it is the soldier’s who won the Battle Raven’s heart. Whether it’s true or not who knows. Apparently Shanna’s many greats grandfather picked the weapon up after the man fell and kept it. Even though the men were on opposite sides Shanna’s grandfather and the battle ravens love were great friends before the war and he knew his secret.”
Carrick checked the balance of the sword “That’s the story anyway whether or not it’s true this sword still is a good weapon.”<
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Kedryn took the hilt of the sword as Carrick handed it to him. He examined the hilt of the sword and the Celtic design of a phoenix engraved in it.
“Wouldn’t that be something if this truly was my many greats grandfathers sword? Thank you General Carrick.” he slightly bowed and examined the blade.
“It is better in the hands of someone who will respect it. I have a feeling that you will and it’s too good of a sword to just sit there.”
Kedryn backed away from him and took a couple of swipes with the sword. “It feels like a natural extension of my arm. Are you sure Shanna will be ok with you giving this to me?”
“The sword is yours. She gave it to me to do as I wish. It should feel like an extension of your arm. What do you say to going back to the training ring and test it out? There are a couple of tricks that I have not shown you.”
“I think I’ve caught a second wind. Let’s go.” Kedryn said excited to use his new sword.
Chapter 13
Lurking in the shadows at the edge of the tree line a man crouched watching as Aodhan and Lara were sparring. He kept a close and critical eye on Lara. The training was coming along with the descendant. She can definitely take care of herself. Then he saw something he only saw happen once before. The last time was when Aodhan MacCionaoith lost his footing years ago on a rock during a sparring exercise between the three best training camps.
What he saw was that Lara had managed to knock the sword out of Aodhan’s grip. She let out a shout of triumph. He gave her a conceited smirk and grabbed a dagger out of his boot and deflected her swipe at him and Aodhan struck back.
While he swung his arm she dropped the dagger in the hand that would have blocked the blow. Lara side stepped his arm, grabbed it and flipped him. Aodhan landed on his back with a grunt knocking the wind out of him. The man watched in awe as the dust settled around them. Lara quickly jumped on Aodhan pinning him down. She moved in for a deadly strike and jammed the dagger that was still in her hand into the ground by his ear and leaned over whispering in his ear.
Celtic Rain (The Battle Raven Series) Page 15
