Swordsmanship (Sneak Peak)

My blade cut through the sack of grains in an instant. Applause could be heard in the background.

“Thank you everyone!” I bowed half-heartedly to the crowd of watching villagers.

“Don’t get too full of yourself,” A gruff voice said as I was knocked out of my disgraceful bow. The same sword I had attacked the grains with was being held to my neck. “You still have a long way to go.”
            “You spoil all my fun,” I growled, now stuck to the ground.

“Everyone leave! Now!” The voice yelled out into the crowd that was beginning to grow larger by the second.

“Oh, c’mon. They love me. You have to admit it, Arthur.” I giggled up at him.

“No, they love your hideous swordsmanship.” Arthur replied, the gruffness still apparent in his voice.

I scowled up at him. “That was rude. Now, remove the sword. Like you said, I’ve got work to do.”

Arthur raised an amused eyebrow. “Make me.”

“That’s sooo not happening.” I immediately replied.

“It’s part of your training, Adira. You have no choice in the matter.”

“I don’t even have a sword!” I argued.

“Precisely. You won’t always have a sword available during combat.” Arthur growled.

I rolled my eyes. “Fine, but the villagers stay.”

Arthur gave me an icy smile. “They never left, they love you too much.”

“Are you being sarcastic?” I questioned.

“Stop getting distracted and fight me!” Arthur yelled.

“Whatever.” I mumbled then rolled quickly to the left avoiding the slashing of Arthur’s sword.

Arthur narrowed his brows. “Nice move, where did you learn it?”

“My teacher.” I glared at him. “My rude and distasteful teacher.” A chorus of laughter erupted from the crowd circled around us.

Arthur’s swings became more heavy and unforgiving. “So, my suspicions were right. You do talk about me outside of class. How flattering.”

“What?” I said as I dodge another swing that could have cut my arm off. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Arthur ran towards me and jumped high into the air landing right in front of my face. I was too startled to move. The sword was placed against my neck, right where it was before we started this mess. “I know you like me.” He whispered.

My face turned exotically red. “How do you know that?” I squeaked.

“The villagers.” Arthur grumbled. “Did you really think they came to watch you?”

I turned my face away to avoid showing Arthur my embarrassed face. The action caused the sword to bite into my skin. I yelped in surprise.

“It’s so typical of you Adira. It’s something you’re going to have to change if you want to get into The Quest.” Arther smirked then removed the sword. “Practice is done for today.” Then he stalked off in the opposite direction.

The crowd cheered at his obvious win and kept cheering until he was out of sight. Then, they dispersed; no one noticing I was on the ground.

             ***

“I heard about it. Save yourself the embarrassment.” My mom chuckled at me.

            “Mom!” I yelled, almost choking on my food.

            “There is to be no yelling at the dinner table.” My Mom said, still grinning at me.

            I swallowed my food. “It was all Arthur, all right? He totally did it on purpose to embarrass me.”

            “No doubt.”

            I groaned. “Mom! I’m serious! I need a new teacher!”

            Mom stood up from the table as she was done with her food. “He’s the best one around. Besides, I’m the one that pays for these lessons. I think that I have a right to choose who teaches you.”

            I slam my face on the table dramatically. “I’ll die tomorrow if Arthur is there for practice.”

            “Well, it better be by Arthur’s hand then.” Mom replied unaffected.

            I gasped. “Mom!”
            “Shut up and clean the dinner table. I’m sick of your whining.” Mom scolded me.

            “Ugh. I hate this town and all the people in it!”

            “Watch your mouth.”

            I groaned again. “Yes, Mother.”