Spending the two days to myself, I split the time between my mom and friends, revealing my presence would be scarce because of training under Marxus’ advice. Zanzabarr too, he enjoyed the days that were given, running the property with such freedom. Although he was kept on his leash and secured in his study harness, there were other residents walking their dogs that became afraid of the wolf’s size, fearing he’d attack their smaller or medium-sized familiars. Respecting all of their concerns, I kept my distance, making sure I kept Zanzabarr close on his leash. Exploring as much of the estate as I could within a single day, I became accustomed to the layout. An elaborate maze and garden was located behind the manor, a large training yard was off to the right when you entered through the gates of the surrounding wall. There were scattered clusters of trees, offering shaded spots wher couples could sit or just offer places to relax. Also, off to the right of manor and the maze behind it, was a grand glass greenhouse. Approaching closer, I could see the green plants peeking through the smoky glass panels.
I also became distracted when Anthony accompanied me for a little while, talking about the island and how is his brother, Thomas, helped Marxus run things in RP&V, sort of like the Manager. We shared moments of laughter, what a pleasant laugh he had, about little things and I was disappointed when he announced he had to go, needing to return to work at his brother’s tailorshop in the village. Offering a wave, I watched as he sprinted athletically across the estate before he swiftly disappeared through the gate.
And then there was Erik, who I kept bumping into as we headed in the same directions at times, and there still was no apology. I thought about breaking the ice, but thought better of it.
The spare days didn’t last, for they rolled by quickly. I had prepared for Marxus’ training, dressing appropriately then I made my way out to the training yard. I took a slow walk around the manor’s gate toward the front and looking to my right, was Leonus Lancaster, the Lycynian that argued with Marxus. He emerged from the paranormal dwelling, strolling in masculine strides that were also menacing. Looking away, I continued toward the large training area that seemed so far away.
Scrunching his mouth forward, thinking about an argument he had with his wife over the phone, Leonus watched as the gravel path beneath his feet, continued on ahead of him. It was then though, looking ahead, he caught the glimpse of the petite half-breed walking across the ground. Sprinting in fast strides, he came up from behind her rather quickly. Calling out after her in a deep voice, rasping his Scottish accent, he panted in between in his words.
“H-hello there, lass.”
Startled by his voice, I turned looking up, and I mean up. His appearance was striking from what I remember upon my arrival here. I guessed he was in his late 40’s, 6’6 in height with a herculean build, so it explains my momentary startle. He was like your modern day Viking-biker, with his wavy, shoulder length hair that was bright orange-red in color, but not like Jonathan’s. Wearing a leather vest over his brown polo shirt, the sleeves were rolled up showing off tattoos that were Viking in nature. Dark blue fitted jeans were tucked into black combat boots, and brown leather cuffs were strapped around his wrists. A pewter pendant of a wolf’s head with Ruby stones for its eyes, hung around his neck over the collar of his shirt. Suddenly, in a swift breeze, I caught a whiff of his cologne and although it smelled good it was strong, as if he bathed in it but it couldn’t hide that wet-dog odor. I knew for sure, this man was a Lycynian, and upon my closer observations, he looked the part.
“Um, hello.” I answered, “Where did you come from?”
“Visiting a friend. Mind if I walk with you?” he asked roughly, but politely, gesturing ahead, “I’m heading the same way.”
“I’m on my way to meet Marxus in the training yard, you’re more than welcome.” I looked ahead of both himself and I.
“Ah, Marxus. Yes, I’m needing to speak with myself about a few matter. Here, I’ll show you.” he led her forward.
“Thank you.” I appreciated, “So you’re Leonus Lancaster.”
“I am.” he nodded proudly, then looked down at her, “You act as if we have met before, but surely I would remember such a small piss ant of a girl.”
I frowned, because there it was, the dislike for half-breeds and he didn’t even have to say it, it just the tone in his voice.
“Yes, well no, we haven’t met, because surely I would have for sure, remembered such a Sasquatch of a man.” I snapped with deliberate sarcasm.
“Excuse me?” he paused, looking down at her with surprise.
“Well, since I’m a piss ant in your eyes…” I looked up at him, “you’re a Sasquatch in mine, and a Lycynian no doubt.” I took a step back, studying his mannerisms as he shifted his stance.
“Yes, I’m a Lycynian. Alpha, actually.” he barked, “And what gave it away, how could you have known?” he sniffed the air around her, “You’re not a bloodsucker so how do you know?”
“BLOODSUCKER?” I thought then realized what he meant, he was talking about the Wraiths, “No, I’m not a Wraith but your uh…” I paused, not wanting to offend him any further, “scent gave it away.” I finished respectfully.
He scrunched his mouth once more, then rolled his tongue along the front of his teeth before tilting his head. Glancing to his right, he nodded, then looked back at her.
“Yes, well, it’s my nature. As it is your, half-breed.” his voice grew blunt with distaste for her kind.
“Yes, well, it’s my nature.” I mocked, and in that moment, I didn’t like him and knew he would give me trouble down the road, “May I ask you a question, if you don’t mind?”
“Sure, why not.” he turned, walking ahead of her.
“Since you’re Viking, and Scottish, how…”
“Viking and Scottish, how perceptive. What gave it away?”
“How are your ancestors tied to this place?” I finished.
Leonus stopped.
“Beg your pardon?” he turned to her.
“Marxus told me that before his family took over this island, there were a clan of Vikings that resided here and that your family were one of the clans that called this place home.” my eyes looked around quickly, before looking back at him, “Is it true?”
“Why do you want to know?” Leonus growled.
“I want to know the history of this place, and Marxus is too vague at times, and there’s not much about this place in history books, you know?” I answered clearly, “If you don’t want to reply, that’s fine I’ll respect that, but do me a favor will you please?” I stepped toward him.
“What could you possibly want from me?” he leered at her.
“Stop treating me like I’m some stupid girl that doesn’t know my a** from my elbow, because I might not know this place like anyone here, or like you, but that doesn’t mean I want to take it away from those that have better claims on it, than I.” I finished, “So if you can help with more about this place, in between my meetings with Marxus, I would appreciate it but if not, fine don’t waste my time. All right?”
Studying her, Leonus scoffed with a grin. He didn’t like her, but yet, he respected the fact that she had enough back bone to stand up to him with such fearless intentions. Nodding, he raised his hand, backing away, saying nothing more as he led her to the training yard.
“Oh yeah, he’s trouble.” I mumbled, then scampered after him.
The training yard was a large section of the estate fenced off with an elaborate five-foot steel gate, with cobblestone pillars that supported its weight, creating an entire area specified for training purposes. It was like a playground for warriors, and maybe the size of an entire football field. There were practice dummies of various sizes and purposes, archery targets, and a small shooting range to the right where I could see Caleb and others shooting rounds of bullets at targets. A massive metal cabinet sat on a thick concrete slab, keeping it safe from the ground and with its open doors, they revealed swords, bows and arrows with quivers on one side, and axes, Escrima sticks, and staves on the other side, with eight drawers that ran up and down the center displaying daggers, arrows, and bullet cartridges, with other smaller weapons. The ground was like the pathways, finely packed gravel with a small cobblestone slab in the center with the island R insignia and the brown gravel was a striking contrast to the gray stone walkways, and the surrounding green landscaping.
“Wow.” I admired, then watched as several Demons and even half-breeds were practicing their magical capabilities in both defense, and offense techniques with each other in their small groups of against the dummies themselves, while others were exercising their weaponry skills. Flashes and shimmers of the magic sparking through the air, was fascinating to watch, it was like a magical fourth of July, all making their own sound.
“You seem surprised.” Leonus looked down at her.
“I am.” I smiled, then glanced ahead, spotting Marxus near the cabinet, staring at his pocket watching, apparently he was waiting for my arrival but I was late.
Marxus, aka Molock but MAC in further cases, tapped the edge of the pocket then raised his gaze, hearing a rough Scottish voice announce loudly,
“Marxus, are you looking for her?” the Scotsman gestured at the young woman to his left.
“Yes, I am.” MAC argued, “Where were you?” he seemed agitated, “You’re late, and I am not one that likes tardiness.”
“I’m sorry, but I got sidetracked talking to Leonus.” I replied, “And since when you call me your LOVELY? What happened to Little One?”
“I would’ve gone with piss ant.” Leonus grumbled.
“Sasquatch.” I leered at him.
“I meant no offense...” MAC boasted, “shall we begin?Time is too precious to waste, and we can speak later. Not now.” he looked at Leonus.
“Marxus mate, are you, uh…” Leonus questioned, “all right?” he took notice of the man’s different demeanor.
“Why does everyone keep asking me that?!” MAC said in a huff, “Yes, I’m fine! All of this is just too stressful and it is beginning to take its toll.” he rolled his shoulders, “That is it, now leave it be!”
Leonus continued studying the man, then looked away.
“I see, you’re in one of your Spanish temper-tantrums.” he mocked, “Well, I’ll leave. I came to talk to you about what’s been going on here between the two of you…” his right hand gestured toward the young woman, “but I see that it can wait.” he turned looking at her, “Good luck with his temperament.”
“I think I’ll manage.” I smiled.
“See, there you go, she’ll manage. Now run along, mutt.” the impostor, MAC gestured the Scotsman away.
Leering at the man, Leonus didn’t recognize this side of him.
MAC waited, before clapping his hands together.
“What the hell was that?” I complained, “Since when do you talk to anyone like that, much call his kind mutts? I know you must still be upset with him for the scene he made when both my mom and I arrived, but really Marxus? What the hell?” I wondered.
“That’s what he is, no?” MAC raised a curious eyebrow.
Smirking , I glanced away, whispering softly as I looked back at him, making direct eye contact,
“Of some sorts. Except Anthony, I don’t get that vibe from him.”
“Yes, Anthony.” MAC groaned, looking away.
“So…” I cleared my throat changing the subject, “what kind of training is this going to be?”
MAC studied her, then continued, turning to the weapon’s cabinet, placing his hands upon the doors as he examined the weapons inside.
“Weaponry.” he declared over his shoulder, “You must learn how to defend and protect yourself in any, or all, situations. It is crucial in every warriors’ training, and necessary to know. For every man, or woman, that picks up a weapon. Not to mention, we need to delve deeper into your arcane abilities, and as you can see…” he gestured across the training yard, “there are some here that might and could be, willing to help if you asked.”
“I’m all ears.” I turned, watching as the other half-breeds and Demons began departing the area, “Maybe another time.”
“Wonderful.” MAC clapped his hands once more, “Now first, you must choose your weapon before we begin. Come, choose one.” he gestured his left hand toward the display.
Approaching, I examined all of the forged training blades and tools, not knowing which would feel right. I thought about the staff but realized it could be difficult to use in tight spaces, so I reached for one of the swords, the weapon that always fascinated me. The look of their sleek blades, the sound being removed from their sheaths and striking each other on impact blade-to-blade. Studying the blade, it was blunted, as were all of the weapons in the cabinet, preventing serious injury. As I removed one of the swords from its place, holding it my right hand, feelings its weight perfectly balanced, it felt right.
“Excellent choice. The sword never fails, but now that you’ve chosen your weapon, it is time you learn to use it.” MAC announced, retrieving one for himself, “Yielding a sword, or any weapon, is not about just swinging it around hoping its blade strikes your enemy, oh no.” he shook his head, “There is a moment, where once you connect with the weapon, it will become part of your arm…” he stretched out his right hand, extending the sword like it was truly part of him as explained, “it becomes part of your persona you present to your enemy.” he twirled the sword with such ease and precision like an artist with a paintbrush on a canvas with elegant twists of his wrist, “And there are tricks you can do with a sword that you cannot do with any other weapon aside from the double Sais, tricks to confuse your enemy so they cannot anticipate your next advance. Now, how does it feel?” he gestured at her with the tip of his blade.
Bouncing the sword in hand, it was perfectly balanced for my height and grip strength.
“Feels good.” I answered, then twirled it once before lowering it, piercing the gravel beneath my feet with the tip, “I’m ready, let’s do this.” I nodded affirmatively.
“Not quite yet.” MAC turned, retrieving small gauntlets that would support the tension placed on her wrists. Handing them to her with the intended purpose, he watched as she quickly strapped them on, “Very good, now get into position.” he instructed, then backed away, taking his stance.
Taking a stance of my own that I felt comfortable with, it was the first step, taking things slow.
MAC began with elementary moves, blocking at a slow pace, and after she grasped the moves, repeating them until a few times until she grasped them, he quickened the pace. Nodding in approval, grinning faintly, he was pleased by her progress.
Stepping back, breathing heavily, I was surprised how natural the movements felt, as well as the grip of the sword tight in hand. MAC allowed me to take a moment’s break, to shake out my arm, flexing my right hand, but then we returned to the session, switching to my left hand, which was proving to be more difficult than I thought, because it felt all wrong and unnatural. Groaning deeply, hearing MAC’s loud persistent voice, pushing me to focus, I ignored all of the distractions within, and surrounding me. Beginning to move forward, the teachings flowed with ease and just as the pace quickened, somehow, I don’t know, I switched hands in an unexpected act ot trickery, striking with my left hand and before the blade could make contact against MAC’s blade, I dropped my weapon catching it with my right, then swiftly I turned, disarming the Immortal. Afterwards, I held the tip of the blunted blade under his chin. Breathing deeply, I didn’t realize what I had done until I observed him standing there with his hands raised, vulnerable and unarmed.
Staring into her dark eyes, MAC spotted the spark of flame; it was apparent that her demonic nature was slowly taking over, offering swift reflexes to protect herself when her mortal half could not.
“Very good.” he announced, gently moving the blade away, “I am very pleased, you learn quickly.” he backed away.
Looking around, I wasn’t sure how to feel.
“Thank you, I guess.” I mumbled.
“Is that it?” MAC looked at her curiously.
“Yes, why?” I looked at him, “I mean, what do you want me to say, WOOHOO LOOK AT ME, LOOK HOW BADASS I AM WITH A SWORD?” I made sure I didn’t wave the blunt weapon around, “Come on, I’m not stupid or arrogant.”
“I never said you were.” MAC affirmed deeply, staring at her, “I only meant you did very good for someone who never held a weapon, and with that little trick you performed, I assumed you must have held a sword before. If not this life, perhaps in another one.” he raised a curious eyebrow.
“I’m pretty sure about the first one, but not the second.”
“Mm, well…I loved the deception with the switch of the hand. I didn’t teach that to you, where did you learn it?”
“I don’t know. I just saw the moment and I went for it.” I said softly, “Did I do something wrong?”
“No, not at all.” MAC reassured her, placing his left hand on her small shoulder, “But now that you’ve learned the basics, I think it’s time for a break. It is lunchtime so why don’t we go and get something to eat, then resume where we left off, shall we?” he grinned.
“Sounds good.” I commented, then turned, respectfully and honorably returning the weapons to the cabinet.
Watching as MAC and the half-breed walked across the vast training yard, through the gate heading toward the manor, it was Leonus’ piercing blue-eyed gaze that watched them, as he hid behind one of the tall trees, studying everything that was taking place between the Immortal and young woman. As he continued to observe, he watched as MAC paused, turning to him, leering in his direction making perfect eye contact. His jaw clenched nervously, as MAC flashed a mischievous smirk, and sensing an uneasiness from his gaze, Leonus caught the strange scent of what appeared to be sulfur in the air. Releasing a low growl, he turned, sprinting across the estate, toward the Lycynian dwelling and once he reached the front door, he glanced back at the manor where the Immortal still stood, watching him, until disappearing behind the doors.
“Marxus, are you coming?” I called out to him.
“Yes, yes I am.” he answered, clearing his throat, “Apologies.”
“It’s all right.” I grinned, wondering what it was that could’ve captured his attention so purposefully. Watching as he turned to me, walking past me, I shook it off, following him into the dining hall toward a counter-like bar near the kitchen. After taking our seats, once drinks and platters of light foods were served, I listened as Marxus explained further details about my training, being the new Keeper, then bits about his past. I could see talking about it, rehashing the unpleasant memories, was painful for him to talk about but I guess he felt I needed to hear it. Nodding, remaining quiet, I watched as he picked at the food on his plate, “So, after training, what’s next for me to learn, hmm?” I politely changed the subject, wanting, and needing, to know more about the training that was ahead of me.
Looking at her, appreciating her polite dismissal without any pestering questions, MAC cleared his throat, answering in a soft tone,
“There is still much for you to learn, but there’s only so much time in one day to do so.”
“Why do you speak in riddles?” I teased.
“Why not?”
“Because sometimes they can be annoying, hard to figure out.”
“Are you sure?” he leaned in, teasing softly in an eerie tone.
“Yes…” I smiled then laughed, “please stop.”
“Why?” he shared the smile.
“Marxus…” I
“All right, all right. But riddles are something you will need to learn to solve, because there are many around you that you are not even aware of.” he winked.
“Uh-huh, sure.” I felt unsettled by his wink, “Not only am I destined to be the Keeper of Secrets, but now I must become a Master of Riddles, fantastic.” I shrugged, “I mean, you’re a riddle in yourself, and I still can’t figure you out.”
“Never thought of it that way.” MAC joked.
“You’re joking, right?”
“I don’t know, am I?”
“Marxus, not again.”
“Why not, it’s so much fun!” MAC smiled in a way Marxus never would have.
Exchanging a moment of laughter, picking at our food, it was almost refreshing to see this other side of Marxus and I liked it, but most of all, I respected it.
“It’s good to see this side of you.” I announced softly.
“Oh, and why is that?” MAC asked, before taking a bite.
“Because, you just seem so, and don’t take this personally, but so serious and stern all the time, sort of stuck up as if you’re better than everyone else.” I answered, “But still very elegant.”
“Sort of stuck up as if I’m better than everyone else, you say? I never noticed.” he turned away, looking to his right, rolling his eyes as if realizing how boring the real Marxus was, and he couldn’t wait to return to his original form, which in that moment, he wanted to reveal but knew that now was not the right time, for it would have ruined his plans and teachings.
“Marxus, are you all right?” I asked, “I’m sorry if I…”
“No, don’t apologize.” he turned, reaching for her right hand, “Never apologize for speaking the truth, because even though there are some that cannot handle it, there are times when it needs to be spoken and you, my lovely Little One…” he felt her pull her hand away, “have the gift of knowing, and seeing, things for what they are. Maybe not all the time, but still…”
Sitting quietly, staring at him, I didn’t know what to say.
Coming down the staircase, returning from the library, Erik and Jonathan entered the dining hall, spotting Yzavela and Marxus sitting at the counter. Nudging Erik with his elbow, Jonathan muttered softly,
“Hey, look…there’s Marxus and Yza.”
“Oh please.” Erik scoffed, rolling his eyes, “It’s been peaceful, not hearing her mouth for the past week, even though we did bump into each other around the estate. I was hoping maybe she left, giving up this whole…Keeper business, whatever the bloody hell that means, but honestly, does she have to be so irritating and tiny, with those big dark eyes and shiny raven hair that…” he paused, looking at Jonathan who grinned, as he leaned against the wall. Realizing what he had just said, and how it must have sounded, he looked toward Yzavela and Marxus, remaining silent with a slight pout.
“You know what, mate? To me, and any other smart person, it sounds like you missed her.” Jonathan teased with a nod, “And uh…” he peeked his head around the corner, looking in her direction, “she’s your type too. Tiny, curvy, petite, dark haired and exotic. Smart and sassy.” he looked back at Erik.
“Yeah? Then why don’t you go for her, hmm?” Erik barked.
“If I knew I stood a chance, and wasn’t with Sarah, I would.” he pushed himself away from the wall, “I’m going over there to say hi and be social, so you could stop being the arrogant jacka** that you are, and walk over there with me and be nice, or you could wait for me at another table. It is your choice, I really don’t care and one more thing, mate.” he stepped toward Erik, placing a hand on his shoulder, “I’ve known you since we were kids in Penrith, and I have never known you to be afraid of anything, except for snakes and rats, but seriously Erik, a girl? Actually, young woman, you are scared of a young woman? Since when does the opposite sex, regardless of who, or what she is, make you want to hide under a rock like a coward? You’re a Demon, you’ve got charm, like me…” he smiled, “put it on, swoop on in there and get the girl, mate before someone, maybe like Anthony, gets there first.”
“Anthony?” Erik’s voice sounded disgruntled.
“Mm-hmm.” Jonathan nodded, “He’s been hovering near her like a bee does to honey.” he looked at Erik, frowning slightly, “Okay, maybe that wasn’t the best metaphor considering she, uh…nevermind.” he cleared his throat awkwardly, “Yeah, I’m just…I’m just gonna go.” he pointed over his shoulder, then he turned, disappearing into the dining hall.
Erik dismissed Jonathan’s rantings, thinking about his words of calling him a coward and that didn’t sit well with him.
“A COWARD? I’M NOT A COWARD, I JUST DISLIKE PEOPLE THAT ARE EXTREMELY IRRITATING, BUT MAYBE HE’S RIGHT.” he paced, thinking deeply, “OKAY, YOU’VE GOT HIS ERIK, YOU CAN DO THIS. I MEAN, YOU DON’T EVEN HAVE TO TALK TO HER, I’M SURE SHE’LL DO ALL THE TALKING FOR BOTH OF US.” he adjusted his shirt and belt, ran his fingers through his neatly styled hair, then took deep breaths, entering the dining hall.
MAC raised his gaze, watching as Jonathan approached.
“Hello, Jonathan. How are you?”
Frowning, Jonathan replied, squinting his eyes, studying the man momentarily.
“Jonathan?” I asked, looking at him.
“Yeah, sorry.” he shook his head, looking away from MAC, “I’m fine, just been a long morning. How are you?” he looked at her.
“I’m doing good actually, thanks. Marxus started my training this morning.” I smiled, then sipped from my cup.
“Training that she picked up on rather quickly, I might add.”
“Oh really?” another voice said behind her.
Turning around in my seat, there stood Erik.
“You.” I complained.
“You better be careful Marxus, make sure she doesn’t bump into you, she has a habit of doing that, you know, and without apologizing.” he stared into her eyes, “But hello again there, love.” he leaned in on the counter behind her.
Staring into his intense, unique gray eyes, looking almost as if they were translucent, they were beautiful. Biting my lip in frustration, I remained silent for the moment.
Holding his left hand up to his ear, Erik mocked sarcastically,
“I’m sorry, I didn’t catch that, what? You say something?” he lowered his hand, thinking he won this round.
“Well, at least I don’t go around spilling things on the floor, and carrying cups with no lids, and not apologizing for it.” I returned the sarcasm. Watching as he remained silent, maybe a little dumbfounded by my swift reply, I mocked in return, “I’m sorry, I didn’t catch that, what? You say something?” I held my right hand up to my ear, then flicked my eyebrow.
Standing there, hands on his hips, Erik shook his head with a light chuckle.
“Where the bloody hell did you come from?”
“So you are the one that was carrying that cup with no lid, are you?” MAC slid off the stool next to her, “Surely you are aware of the rules about that here, yes? And from what I have heard, you my lovely…” he glanced down at her, “shouldn’t have been dancing backwards in the first place.” he looked at Erik who wanted to interrupt, “Both of you are at fault, leave it at that!” he stated firmly, “Now, the day is quickly getting away from me, so I think I will leave Erik and Jonathan to tie things up, they’ll finish the rest of your training for the day.” he looked at her once more, “They’re both amazing warriors and skilled Demons, which is what you wanted to learn, but it seems they don’t want to admit that to themselves.”
“If maybe we were only allowed to explore what we could be truly capable of, we wouldn’t have that problem.” Erik scoffed.
MAC eerily turned to him, staring into the young man’s eyes.
“Arrogant is one thing, belligerent is another.” he warned.
“Marxus, it’s obvious this task is too difficult for Erik so I can wait until our next session.” I suggested, “Or better yet, I can train with just Jonathan.”
“Hi, just Jonathan over here says that’s fine with me!”
Looking at him with a smile, I glanced at Marxus.
“Really, it’s fine. I don’t want to be a burden on anyone.”
“And you are not.” MAC affirmed, “You are in the presence of two powerful Demons and they are BOTH…” his intense and flickering Hazel-brown eyes stared at Erik, “going to assist in this matter, and I don’t want to hear another complaint. Do I make myself clear, Erik Sheng-su?”
Feeling stuck between a rock and a hard place, Erik nodded.
“Thank you.” MAC nodded affirmatively, “You do not have to like her, Erik…just train her, that is all I am asking. But I do think you will be surprised, she’s a fast learner and picks up on things rather quickly.” he glanced back at her, watching as she stood nearby whispering with Jonathan as he showed her daggers he carried on his belt, part of his Guardian uniform.
“Fine, but no promises.” Erik agreed bluntly.
“Excellent. Begin your training when you’re ready, but please, don’t wait too long. There isn’t much time left.” MAC rasped, then turned to her, “It was a pleasure working with you today, Little One. I’ll be seeing you again very soon.” he expressed an elegant bow then turned, walking across the dining hall, disappearing around the corner. Rushing up the staircase, he vanished before reaching the landing step.
“So, Erik.” I announced, “Is that with a C or K?”
“Erik with a K. And your name? I never thought to ask.” Erik sat next to her.
“That’s because you never bothered to.” Jonathan added as he claimed the seat on the other side of her.
“Yzavela. It’s like Isabella, but with the YZ and V in between.” I proclaimed proudly.
“Well, it’s lovely.” Erik grinned.
“Awe, see you guys?” Jonathan teased, sliding off the stool to stand between them. Wrapping his arms around their tense shoulders, he smiled, “We can get along just fine without the urge to tear each other’s heads off.” he teased then chuckled.
“Perhaps.” Erik pushed Jonathan’s arm away, “As long as her hound isn’t present, wanting to do most of the tearing.”
“He’s not a hound, he’s a wolf.” I bluntly interrupted, “And he won’t attack unless I order him to, or if he feels that he and I are threatened.” I tilted my head, “By whatever means, got it?”
“Got it.” Erik held out his hand, waiting for her to take it, and once settling their differences, he escorted her outside with Jonathan trailing alongside her, “What weapon did you come to choose?” he glanced at her.
“The sword.” I answered, “And you? Both of you?”
“I throw daggers, obviously.” Jonathan patted the hilts of his bladed weapons, “Or any other small weapon with a blade. As a matter of fact, I’ve got a set right here.” he kicked his right boot against his left, revealing the hilt of concealed daggers, “But…” he grinned, “my love is the throwing stars, they’re sharp, small, precise and I never miss.”
“Never?”
“Never.” Erik grinned.
“And you?” I looked at Erik.
“The sword, as well as the staff. My father trained me.”
“Marxus chose well then, putting me in capable-skilled hands.”
“I wouldn’t say we’re skilled.” Jonathan nudged her teasingly.
Erik frowned, walking in silence.
Continuing the return to the training yard, talking about all sorts of miscellaneous things, Erik told her about his father, who was an ex-Chinese soldier and all of the training he has been through.
I could tell weaponry was something he was passionate about, and it interested me, for the Chinese culture, their ancient history and roots, always fascinated me. I admired his way of explaining things, let alone his marvelous accent of his soft, but masculine voice. Looking at Jonathan, he too spoke about his family, where his father worked in RP&V as the Isle’s top go-to place for any, or all, of the wood-works and projects. I listened as he told me about his little sister, gushing about her like a proud big brother, even showing me photos of the adorable little girl with big blue eyes, and red hair that shone like his, with pink ribbons tied in neat bows.
“She’s adorable.” I rasped.
“Yeah, she’s a cute little button.” he smiled affectionately.
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