Elina silently walked to where she had promised June they would meet, her maid, Anna walking next to her. Closely following them was one of the Diamond Guards, Shina, her hands comfortably resting on the hilts of her two swords strapped to both sides of her hips.

Since hearing of General Calahan’s rebellion, Mr. Maliri and Milina had insisted that a guard always accompany Elina.

Glancing back at the only woman part of the Diamond Guard, Elina tried to study her without being rude, quickly looking forward when their eyes met. I’ve never met a woman warrior, she thought. I wonder if I can be like her.

Shina walked with a confidence that Elina could only wish for, her dark shoulder-length hair, messily framing her mischievous face.

“Princess, was there anything on my face?” Shina questioned, her tanned hand touching her face.

“No. Nothing is on your face,” Elina stammered, blushing slightly. I can’t believe I got caught staring at her! I hope she doesn’t think I’m creepy. Why did I do that? Picking up her pace, she tried to walk off her embarrassment.

“Princess wait for us!” Anna protested at the abrupt change in speed.

“I don’t want to make anyone wait for us,” Elina called over her shoulder. “And I think I see June sitting by that tree. Let’s go!”

Footsteps crunching against the gravel path, Elina hurried, her eyes locked onto the boy in the distance. When they first met, she kept the fact that she was a princess from him, but with the rebellion and needing to tighten her security, Mr. Maliri had told everyone in the Diamond Guard her and her sister’s title.

Smiling slyly as she remembered the open-mouthed look the boy had given her when he had learned she was a princess, she called out to him.

“Hey, June!”

Looking up, June smiled. He had been casually carving a piece of wood, small shavings scattered around him.

“Prince… Elina, Shina, Anna.”

“Just Elina,” Elina called back quickening her pace. “You promised not to call me princess. We don’t want anyone to know who I am.”

“Oh, yeah. I’m sorry, Pr… Elina.”

Laughing at the way he turned red at his mistake, Elina looked at what was in his hand. “What are you carving?” she asked, stopping and looking.

In June’s hand was a half-finished carving of a woman, her expression and body still hidden beneath the wood.

“It’s my mother,” he explained, holding it up for her to see. “I don’t know what she looks like, but I like to imagine what she might have looked like.”

“The resemblance to you is uncanny,” laughed Shina, a large grin lighting up her face. “Especially the blocky part in the center, you too have a square body.”

Laughing at the exaggerated scowl on June's face, she continued. “Don’t worry about it, June. One day, you too can be as beautiful as I am.”

“I think it's lovely!” Anna spoke up, peering over Elina’s shoulder.

“It’s still a work in progress, but I agree with Anna,” Elina nodded.

“Thank you, you two. But Shina’s just like this,” June grinned, standing up and throwing a handful of wood chips at her. “She acts like a brat even at her age!”

“Hey! I’m not old!”

“I never said you were.”

Grinning at the banter between the two, Elina handed the carving back to June, her eyes noticing the whittling knife in his hand. “The blade on that knife looks dull,” she remarked, pointing at it.

“Yeah, it’s not sharp,” he agreed, looking down at his hand. “Grandpa Veston told me to learn how to carve using this knife. He told me to scrape along the grain. It feels more like shaving than cutting. I’m not that good at it, but I’m getting better.”

Passing the dull knife to Elina, he continued. “I’ve seen him cut into a piece of wood using this knife. Maybe one day I will be able to do that.”

“He cut into a piece of wood. With this?”

“Yeah.”

“How is that possible?”

“I don’t know.”

“He’s an interesting old man,” Elina murmured, passing the knife back. “Next time he comes back from gathering herbs, I would like to see him do that.”

“I’m sure he would be delighted. He asks about you all the time.”

“He does?”

“I don't want to interrupt, Princess,” Anna cut in, “but we must hurry. Sir Zenrom and your sister are waiting for you at the training field.”

Signing dramatically, Elina had to agree with Anna. Milina would be upset if she was late. And she did not want her sister to be mad at her. She was insufferable when she was mad.

Adjusting the wooden saber that was strapped to her back, she turned to everyone. “Let’s go. We don’t want to make Milina angry. I just hope we can start learning how to use this saber today. I'm so tired of running.”

“I'm sure you are going to learn today,” June said, bending down and picking up a round shield that was on the ground. “Why else would Zenrom ask me to be there as well? I'm guessing he needs me to be a sparring partner.”

“Are you serious?” Elina squealed, jumping up and down. “Hurry! Let’s go!”

Reaching the training area, Elina’s sparkling eyes took note of everyone. Milina was already running laps around the field. While Ashley and Zenrom were standing near a rack of practice weapons and shields, quietly conversing with each other.

“Does Sir Zenrom know Lady Ashely likes her?” Anna wondered as they crossed the field. The dreamy twinkle in her eyes made Elina roll her own. Anna was a hopeless romantic—or someone who loved drama, she could never tell which.

“Yeah, he does,” Shina answered, absentmindedly brushing a wood shaving from her hair. “He’s weird. He thinks it's not appropriate because he’s her father’s employee. Having a previous engagement called off doesn't help either. But I think he’s most embarrassed about the age difference between them. He thinks he’s too old. Honestly, I can’t blame him; he is old. Last time I was near him, I could have sworn I smelled that old people smell on him.”

Laughing hysterically at her joke, she grabbed June’s head and tussled his hair. “One day you’ll also smell like that.”

“He’s only a couple of years older than you are,” retorted June, breaking free and fixing his hair. “You’re going to have that smell soon.”

“How dare you!” Shina gasped in mock anger. “I’m like a fine wine, I get better with age, you and Zenrom are like milk—spoils quickly.”

“More like vinegar.”

“Vinegar! Why you little…”

Hiding the smile that kept creeping onto her face, Elina watched as Shina chased June, the two of them tumbling to the ground as Shina put June in a headlock. Bursting into laughter, Elina shook her head. She had never seen anyone act like them.

“I might as well warm up too,” she muttered as she started to run around the practice field.

When everyone had finished with their light warm-up, of jogging or wrestling, Zenrom gathered everyone together. “I think we can all agree that it is time to start learning the basics of fighting,” he said, prompting Elina and Ashley to cheer while Milina nodded in agreement.

“First, we will learn how to hold your weapon properly. In my opinion, the way you grip your weapon is the most critical aspect of weapon fighting. You must always have a firm grip. Dropping your weapon is a death sentence in most fights. I want all of you to hold your weapons out—like this. I will correct your grip and posture.”

Excitedly, Elina held her two-handed saber out using both her hands. On her left side, Milina did the same. Ashely on the other hand was using a one-handed sword, allowing her to use only one hand.

Zenrom and June began walking around, meticulously correcting the way they were holding their weapons, while simultaneously showing them where to put their feet.

“When using a two-handed weapon, your non-dominant hand is placed below your dominant hand to provide support. Your dominant hand, positioned on top, is responsible for guiding your weapons' edge,” Zenrom explained, adjusting Ashley’s grip on her sword. “Interestingly there are people like Shina who do not have a dominant hand. She can use both hands as skillfully as we can use just one. You must take care when fighting people like her.”

“I’m pretty special,” Shina said, pulling out her swords and flourishing them.

Ignoring Shina, Zenrom continued his lecture, watching everyone’s arms start to shake. “After I teach you some basic moves, you will take turns sparring each of us. Shina has the most offensive abilities, June the most defensive—with his shield, and out of the three of us, I am the most balanced. You can lower your swords now.”

Letting out a breath of joy, Elina lowered her saber, her arms were burning. Although it was less than a minute since Zenrom had started to speak it had felt like forever.

Smiling at the resting girls, Zenrom explained what was expected of them in the coming weeks. “House Salizia uses a martial system that relied heavily on momentum—famous for its circular motion and ability to change angles rapidly. Due to the size of your sabers, and the way your house fights, it is very important to strengthen your legs. Without a strong base, you will be thrown off balance when you swing your weapon. You both will continue to run every day. We will also add weight training that will target the legs.

“As for you, Ashely. I will be teaching you the most widely taught sword system in the Kingdom of Vanura. However, I have personally changed some of the forms to better suit your body type.”

Scowling slightly as Shina snorted behind him, he continued. “Do any of you have any questions? If not, we will start learning once you are done resting.”

What followed next was the most difficult, yet enjoyable training Elina had experienced so far. Her arms and legs burned with pain as Zenrom guided them on how to swing their weapons properly.

Stepping forward while swinging her weapon down, Elina grunted as her saber hit the ground, her arms too tired to lift it. “I can’t keep going!” she gasped as she flopped down on the ground, her heart pounding against her chest. Flipping over to her stomach, she watched as Milina swung her practice saber around clumsily, her determined face dripping with sweat. “We need a break.”

“I think you’re right. It’s time for a break,” June muttered as he stood over to her. His right arm was crossed in front of his chest, his left hand pushing on his right elbow in a stretch. “I’ll go talk to Zenrom.”

“Thank you,” Elina sighed as she sat up, crossing her legs under her. “When can we start sparring?”

“I don’t know. I’ll ask about that too. You should get some water in the meantime. Be right back.”

Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

Taking a moment to watch June walk away, Elina gingerly stood up and stumbled over to where Anna was waiting for her with a cup of water. Grabbing the cup—and spilling most of the contents onto herself, she downed the cup in one long gulp, her exhausted body convincing her that the cup of water was the best thing she had ever drank.

“I’m alive!” she breathed, handing the cup back and glancing over at Zenrom, who had made his way to them, Milina and Ashely a step behind him.

“I want everyone to rest for a bit,” he called to her, bending down and picking up a towel to wipe his face. “After that, we will start with actual sparring. Since today is the first day of actual sparring, each person will fight only one person. Who would like to go first?”

Lowering her head so as not to be called on first, Elina peeped at her sister begging her to go first with just her eyes. As their eyes met Milina nodded, causing Elina to sigh with relief. She had wanted to spar but going first was a little too much for her.

“I will go first,” Milina announced.

“Very well. Shina you will be sparring with Princess Milina. But I want everyone to drink water and rest first.”

Fifteen minutes later, Elina sat with Ashely and Anna, watching as her sister faced Shina, the two of them calmly circling each other.

Milina stood with her saber at the ready position, studying her opponent. On the other hand, Shina still had both her swords resting on her shoulders, a calm expression on her face.

“Start!”

With a shout from Zenrom, the first sparring match started. Without missing a beat, Shina moved in, swinging both her swords at Milina, her dexterity and skill with her weapons making it look as if both her swords were an extension of her body.

Mouth opened in amazement, Elina watched as Shina effortlessly changed her swords from offense to defense, never slowing down. Whenever her attacking sword was blocked, she instantly changed it to defense, binding and pushing her sister’s saber to the side, allowing her second sword to land a killing blow. In seconds Milina had died dozens of times, each time the wooden swords touching her gently.

“Make sure to keep your arms tight, don't swing wildly. Watch your left, I'm going to attack it,” Shina instructed as she stepped to Milina’s left side, landing another killing blow. Hopping back as Milina’s saber’s counter-slash whistled past her, she quickly stepped forward, her swords resting on Milina’s neck. “Try not to over-commit,” she said. Unlike her usual carefree self, Shina looked serious, coaching Milina in a way Elina did not expect.

“She always becomes serious when she teaches,” June informed her, plopping beside her, his eyes locked on the fight. “But I'm impressed with your sister. Most people lose their will to fight after losing that many times. Wow, she keeps on going! Even I stopped quickly the first time I fought against Shina.”

Elina nodded in agreement; her sister's stubbornness was something most people did not have.

Ten minutes later, Shina took a step backward, her swords resting on her shoulders. “I think we should stop now, Princess,” she said. “You're getting too tired. Your form is collapsing, and we don't want to build bad habits. You have talent.”

“Thank you for sparring with me.”

“Anytime.”

As the sparing ended, Anna started to clap. “You were amazing!”

Waving her hand at her, Milina made her way over to them. “I’m so tired,” she gasped as she flopped down next to Elina. “Thank you for the water, Anna.”

“Who wants to spar with me?” Zenrom called to them as he walked to the center of the field.

“Me! Me! Me!” Ashely jumped up.

Rolling her eyes at Ashely’s enthusiasm, Elina glanced over at Anna, seeing the spark in her eyes. They were both impossible!

The fight between Zenrom and Ashely was not as exciting. To Elina’s untrained eye, it looked as if Ashely swung at the air, while Zenrom calmly walked around her, touching her with his sword occasionally. “This fight is much less exciting,” she complained.

“You have to pay close attention to the way Zenrom moves,” June explained, scooting over. “It looks like she's swinging at nothing, but that's not true. Zenrom is baiting her into attacking him. See that? Look at his right leg, it looks like Ashley can easily hit it. But see! The second she swings at it, he steps to the side, getting to her back!”

Even with June explaining what was going on, Elina had a hard time understanding, everything was too fast and subtle.

All too soon it was Elina’s turn. Walking up together with June, she stood at attention, observing his weapons. In his left hand, he held a round green shield, and his right hand held a sword.

“My primary weapon is actually a bow,” he informed her, stretching his neck side to side as he warmed up. “But I’m fairly confident in close combat as well. Don’t worry. I won’t hurt you. Just attack me with all your strength.”

“Don’t worry. That was my plan.”

As the two circled each other, Elina frowned in confusion as she observed June. She was under the impression that when using a shield, one would hold it in front of them like a wall. Instead, he created a wedge shape with his shield and sword, the tip of the wedge pointing at her. Why was he doing this?

Tentatively, she took a small step, trying to discern what he was up to, her eyes locked onto the tip of the wedge. As she moved, he never changed the way he held his weapons.

Losing patience, Elina stepped forward, swinging her saber at June’s right side—the side without the shield. If she could force him to block with his sword, she could neutralize his offensive capabilities.

With a clash of wood, June used his sword to block her saber. As her saber hit his sword, Elina felt a painful shock wave travel up her arm, her blade bouncing off his sword. It was the first time she had hit anything, and it did not go as she expected.

“Your grip is too weak, that’s why your saber bounced,” June explained, calmly using the edge of his shield and foot to push her over. “Also, the shield can be used to attack, not just to block.”

Standing up, Elina scowled at his grinning face.

“I was unprepared. Next time I’m gonna bash that expression off your face.”

Unfortunately for Elina, there was no bashing.

Frustration appeared on Elina’s face as the fight continued, sweat dripping down her red face. The way June used his shield was unexpected—and underhanded in her opinion. He was not just using it as a defensive tool but as a utility tool. Using the shield, he would obscure her vision—allowing him to sneak attacks from out of vision, deflect and push her weapon aside, and even use it to push her down.

After what felt like the tenth time she was lying on the ground, Elina pushed her saber away. “Fine you win for today,” she panted, closing her eyes and taking deep breaths.

“For the first day, I think you did well,” he grinned back, bending over and picking up her wooden saber. “Let’s go to where your sister is waiting. I think Zenrom and Shina want to practice.”

“Give me a minute. I need to catch my breath.”

Crossing her arms over her head, Elina took a few deep breaths allowing her body to gather itself. “All right. Let’s go. I want to see Shina and Zenrom fight.”

Tired yet strangely energetic, Elina watched as Zenrom and Shina walked to the middle of the field, June, Ashley, and her sister next to her.

“I wonder how the fight will go?” she excitedly said, her eye twinkling.

“They’re not going to fight,” June informed her as he wiped his face with a towel. “They’re going to practice one form over and over again. By changing the timing, speed, and strength of the same moves, you can learn the best way to use it in a real fight.”

“They’re not going to fight!”

“Nope.”

“Well, that’s not exciting.”

“But I expect Sir Zenrom will still look wonderful!” murmured Ashley. “Even when doing the same moves over and over again.”

Groaning inwardly at Ashley’s fascination with Zenrom, Elina turned her head towards June.

“June, you said that your primary weapon is a bow. Do you think you can show me how to shoot?”

“Really?” the boy asked, his eyes widening slightly, a small smile appearing on his face.

“Yes really.”

“Alright! After watching Zenrom and Shina, let’s go!” Jumping up he pointed towards an area on the other side of the field. “We can use the shooting range just over there!”

Standing up and brushing off her pants, Elina quickly turned to her sister. “Milina, can I go with June to the shooting range?”

“The shooting range? With June?” Milina confirmed, observing June standing a little distance away, his delighted expression visible from here. “That’s fine, but make sure you actually learn to shoot. Don’t waste his time. And take Anna with you.”

“I will! I promise!” Elina vowed, beckoning Anna to follow her. “June, let’s go now. I don’t care to watch the same moves over and over again.” Turning to her sister she informed her. “I’ll go back to the manor when I’m done. You don’t have to wait for me!”

“That’s fine with me. Go have fun.”

Running up to June, Elina slowed as a thought occurred to her. “June?”

“Yes?”

“Why are there no famous archers in Vanura?”

Elina could tell that her question was something June did not expect, his steps slowing down, a complicated expression appearing on his face.

“Did I say something wrong?”

“No, No,” he replied, sighing softly. “The thing is—archery is looked down upon by many Arcane warriors. It’s considered a soldier’s weapon, not a warrior’s weapon.”

“Why is that?”

“Well… Once someone becomes an Arcane Knight, they can use the Aether they drew in through their Gate of Power to coat their weapons, enhancing their strength. The problem with archery is—once the arrow leaves the bow, the Aether coating it vanishes, and it becomes a normal arrow. Only the Arrowborne Sovereign can keep his arrows coated in Aether once it leaves the bow.”

“The Arrowborne Sovereign? How does he do that?” Elina questioned, swatting at a bug that was flying around her head.

“Nobody knows,” June said, a determined glint appearing in his eyes. “But one day I’m going to find out!”

“I’m sure you will,” Elina laughed, seeing how serious he was. It was nice seeing someone with such a straightforward goal.

Reaching the shooting range, Elina’s eyes looked down range at the round target. The shooting rage was just a flat section on the edge of the practice field, a wooden wall erected behind the target.

Glancing over at June—who was stringing his bows, she blinked in surprise. “Your bow is much smaller than the ones our soldiers use,” she said, studying the strangely curved bow. From what she could remember, the soldiers guarding her family’s castle had bows that were taller than she was. On the other hand, the bow June held seemed to be half their size.

“It’s called a recurve bow,” he answered, bending over and pulling out a long rod-like object from his quiver. “It’s from Arioria.”

“And what’s that?” she asked, pointing at the rod. Studying it closely, she realized it was not a rod, but a pipe that was cut lengthwise in half, a half pipe with a channel.

“It's called a solenarion, Grandpa Veston taught me how to use it,” he explained, lifting the wooden channel and allowing Elina and Anna to see.

“Do you see this arrow?” he continued, pulling out an arrow from his quiver. Looking at what June was holding, Elina glanced over at Anna in confusion, realizing that the maid was just as confused. The arrow in his hand was short—so short that she knew it could not stay on the bow when it was drawn.

“Normally this arrow is too short to shoot from a bow, but if you place the arrow in the channel like this, you can use it as a guide,” he explained lifting the solenarion. Placing the arrow into the channel, he brought the solenarion and arrow to his bowstring. Drawing, he released. The string of the bow propelled the arrow down the channel, flying towards the target, leaving the solenarion still in June’s hand.

“That’s amazing!” Anna gasped, clapping her hands in delight. “But what's the point? Can’t you just use a normal arrow?”

Scratching his head, June explained. “Well, there’s another reason Arcane Warriors dislike bows. Once a warrior becomes skilled enough, they can consistently deflect arrows from the air. By using a smaller arrow, it makes it much harder for them to deflect. Other advantages are that you can carry more arrows, and your enemies can't shoot your arrow back at you. The arrow is too short for a normal bow.”

“Oh, I see!” Elina nodded. “Will we be learning to use a solenarion as well?”

“Personally, I would advise against it” he replied. “I make my own arrows so having a constant supply of arrows is not a concern for me. But for you, you would have to special order it—or learn to make it yourself. I think it would be better to use a normal bow.”

Nodding in agreement, Elina followed June to the rack of practice bows.

“Which bow should I pick?” she asked, browsing the bows that were out. “I see the longbows our guards us, as well as recurve bows? like the one you have. I like this small one! Why is it so small?”

Scratching his chin in thought, June gave her his opinion. “Honestly any one of these is fine, lots of people argue about which type of bow is better, but they can both punch through armor at medium range, and once you get to long range. Well… at that point, the arrow is just falling with gravity so it’s not that strong.

“As for the smaller bow, that's a bow used to shoot from the back of a horse. Thinking about it now, I would pick the smaller recurve bow—the one that's used when riding on a horse. The size is less cumbersome for smaller people.”

Looking down at her hand, Elina could not help but grin. On the back of her hand was her Horse Crest. Maybe it was fate? “I’ll pick the small horse bow then,” she said, “Anna, you should also learn to shoot.”

“Me too?”

“Yes, use this small horse bow as well.”

“Yes, my lady.”

Walking over with the bows they had chosen, Elina and Anna stood at attention, looking over at June. Clearing his throat he started his lesson.

“Because both of you chose a horse bow. I’ll teach you how the Horse Lords of the West use them. Oh, by the way, never shoot a bow without an arrow attached to it—it's bad for the bow. Anyways, the Horse Lords use what's called a thumb draw, it's when you pull the bowstring with your thumb and not your other fingers, see like this.”

Putting a normal arrow on his bow, he wrapped his thumb around the bowstring just under the arrow, allowing the arrow to rest on top of his thumb. Using his pointer finger and middle finger he covered his thumbnail securing everything in place. Allowing the girls to clearly see what he was doing he continued. “This draw will hurt your thumb, so you must use a thumb guard—I think there’s some extra in the shed. Hold on, let me go get it.”

Rushing to the shed and rushing back like a storm, he presented them with ring-like objects. “Fit this on your thumb,” he said. “It will prevent the bowstring from hurting your thumb. Now lift the bow above your head and bring it forward at the same time you draw it. That’s how the Horse Lords do it. You want it to feel like you’re pushing the bow forward and not like you’re pulling the bowstring back. I think it's supposed to help stabilize the bow when shooting from horseback.”

Lifting his bow above his head he brought it down while drawing the bow taut.

“Now you two try.”

Taking a steadying breath, Elina carefully lifted her bow above her head, the practice arrow resting on her thumb. Exhaling forcefully, she brought her bow down in front of her, the muscles in her arms protesting. Arms shaking, she brought the bowstring to the side of her mouth.

Looking down the arrow at the target, Elina gripped hard on her bow. Heart beating with excitement she released.

With a loud twang, her arrow flew off to the side missing the target by a long distance.

“You're gripping too hard on the bow,” chuckled June, glancing over at Elina. He was correcting Anna’s form. “Unlike a saber, you want to lightly grip the bow.”

“You tell me this after I shoot?” Elina complained, reaching for another arrow. I’m going to hit the target this time!

“You shot before I could correct you,” June said, drawing his bow to show her what he meant.

“You see, most people think you have to grip the bow hard to keep the bow steady, but that’s not true. Watch, as long as the bow is resting in the section between your thumb and forefinger—and you keep pulling on the bowstring, the bow will stay up. Your fingers actually don’t need to be gripping the bow.”

Lifting his fingers off the bow—one at a time, he wiggled them to demonstrate what he had just said. “The only reason you really need to hold the bow is to keep it from falling after you shoot.”

Skeptically looking over at him, Elina nodded. “I see…”

Turning back to her target, she tried to keep what he had just said in her mind. Don’t grip the bow too hard.

Drawing her bow again, she kept her hand—the one holding the bow loose, willing her arrow to hit the target this time. With another loud twang, her arrow jumped forward, this time in the direction of the target.

Elina watched as her arrow missed the target by a couple of feet, her arrow bouncing off the wooden wall that was behind the target.

“That was much better,” June said, passing another arrow to her. “Take it slow, you’ll get it with time. We have all day.”