Warrior Of Light [Complete/Editing]

Chapter Eight - Part One

Despite the slight ache in her ribs, Edileth still moved with the grace and ease of several years of practice. She lunged and leapt across the darkened cavern, her drills growing in speed and complexity as her muscles unwound.

The routine overtook her and now she was moving instinctively. Nothing else existed in the moment. Edileth slid and ducked, attacking an imaginary foe. She jumped back, swung high, countered low. Soon the cavern was filled with her heavy breathing.

Faster and faster her blade cut through the dark. She turned bringing her sword low–

–and was met with a clash. Jonenek held his own weapon firm, a wide grin on his face. "Shall we spar?" Light twinkled in his eyes. "I imagine you would love a chance to attack me."

He backed away and began circling her. She watched his movements for a moment, poised for attack, knees slightly bent. He continued to circle, as if expecting her to make the first move. When he realized she was content to wait, Joenek darted forward with a taunting jab. He whirled around and struck at her side.

Idiot. Edileth parried the blow and moved out of reach. She waited again.

Their sparring continued in this manner. Edileth kept on the defensive, responding to Joenek's attacks with a parry or feint.

"Can't you fight anymore?" Joenek taunted, clearly tired of her defensive approach. "What happened to the fiery rothnak? Why do you not attack me?"

"The most important lesson one should learn is how to let the enemy defeat himself."

Joenek lunged forward, assaulting her with another barrage of swordplay.

But Edileth was ready to strike. They had circled each other to just the right position. Now, she feinted forward. Just as expected, Joenek parried up with a backward leap. He did not notice the rubble at his feet.

Joenek stumbled, the smug grin quickly wiped from his face. Edileth darted forward and shoved the hilt of her sword against his shoulder.

She chortled, satisfied, at the muffled thud as Joenek's head tapped the floor. "You see. You have been defeated by your own arrogance and folly."

She extended a hand and helped Joenek stand. He dusted off his breeches and grinned.

"If you wish to best your enemy, Joenek, you must first know him – or her, as the case may be."

"Well done, dear girl," Torben hollered from the entrance of the alcove. "I could not have made a truer statement."

Edileth grimaced as she realized her sparring match with Joenek had been observed by the others."You may have bested me in swordsmanship, but I'd like to see you try to beat me at Daindreken," Joenek retorted.

Edileth cringed at the thought. Daindreken was a hand-to-hand form of fighting from the country of Jemmik. This fighting often ended on the ground, in a wrestling match of sorts. "I think not. I would rather have my sword between us."

A smile crept onto Joenek's face. His gaze drifted over Edileth's body. She tightened her grip on the sword. Surely Feridh would not fault her for gouging out Joenek's eyes.

Edileth shook away the thought and stormed back into their main alcove, thoroughly repulsed. She ignored Joenek for the rest of the evening.

The others soon joined her. Torben settled close to the fire, eyes on the entrance.

"We're staying another night?" Joenek's voice echoed from the once-door.

Torben nodded absently. "I am greatly troubled. Celik and Marrik should have arrived by now."