SwordTown
The carriage clanged to a stop as the Vedro family arrived in the city.
With a shift of weight and a drop, a butler was off of the carriage , his shoes clacking on the cobblestone as he held the doors open for the Vedro family descent.
When they were out the large butler stepped to the side of the carrige grabbing the horse by its mane .
“Madam , liege. I shall Escort the carriage to a proper zone. “
With a small bow he turned to Nina .
Miss Nina please accompany the masters of the house from here .
Hold Vist, the heavy voice of Lord Zabu began, he lay his hand upon the man’s shoulder, We will walk with you.
He turned to Zabu.
Zabu. The large man began. I will find your bow teacher . I think I know of a man who can teach you well.
He thought of the matter deeper, placing his hand on his trimmed beard and nodding heavily. You will pick the one who teaches you the blade. You are a smart boy and I will be trusting you with this. Can you do it ?
The Lord Vedro’s eyes were as serious as stone as he awaited the boys answer.
Zabu nodded .
“Of course grizzly father . I’m on it. “
Lord Vedro turned to Nina .
Nina, you’ll be escorting Zabu to find a blade master, stay out of…..
His eyes observed the redhead maid , who was leaning on her back leg without an ounce of seriousness in her bones .
His words faded away .
“Don’t damage anything. “
The three turned and the young Zabu watched as the they began walking thier way to what seemed to be the quieter side of the district . A place of business and respected people.
His eyes turned to the other end of the street where he heard shouts and saw a more gruff and rough looking crowd.
Nina turned with fire in her eyes. “Looks fun that way doesn’t it young masta ? “ She reached out her hand with a smile .
C’mon now , can’t have you getting lost.
Zabu felt heat hit his cheeks for a sec as he was pulled by the hand , then his head turned in a hurry and he looked closer.
Still no softness .
He clicked his tounge.
Nina walked on unaware of the judgment being passed upon her .
Through a crowd they went , swiveling, pivoting, slinking and shoving thier way through some of the strangest bunch of people Zabu had ever seen.
Gruff men with beards adorned with daggers and teeth armed with steel.
Zabu frowned at that . Those looked like they didn’t feel comfortable.
Then they swiveled and they were around them .
Zabu looked and saw a flag held high in the arms of one of them as they walked by.
He knew of them from the tutoring he had been receiving. That was a banner . And one with a beard of daggers Zabu thought . Weird .
Then they turned a corner .
Not much further young masta Nina said looking back, red hair splayed wildly, right this way.
They turned the corner again and for a second all Zabu could see was the suns in his eye , but when the cloud overhead gave him his sight, he found himself standing in front of a scene of battle.
A stage 20 feet wide with two men standing atop it. Both armed for battle . In front of the stage a lavishly dressed boy watched intensely.
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A man armed with a staff looked to the boy and spoke solemnly.
“A bending staff is a everlasting sun swaying through the stars.
Watch and watch carefully. “
The sword that struck out at the man slashed down swiftly , feet rushed forward behind it , and In seconds the blade was near the staff wielders throat.
“Not quick enough!.” The man yelled at his approaching defeat .
A staff swung in a circle , it’s top was pointed to the sky and it’s base was grabbed tightly from its mid.
In one fluid motion the staff descended.
In a strange trick of the eye after images flowed one atop another , falling like the petals of a flower .
“It’s the plum blossom strike. “
“The plum blossom? “
“I’ve heard of it . “
“So that guys a member of the White lotus clan? “
“Quite far from home I’d say. “
The crowd looked intensely as they watched the exhibition.
the young Zabu’s gaze was elsewhere .
Not good enough young masta ? A redhead maid asked questioningly .
I don’t wanna spin that thing, the boy said picking his nose . It looks corny.
The white lotus master would’ve been devastated .
So what are ya lookin for young mastsa ?
Something strong. The boy said without much thought . Something fast .
Stronger than your beam? The maid asked questioningly .
Nothings stronger than my beam , The boy said looking around at the other displays of strength.
Hmmm the boy said , maybe something like that.
His finger pointed to a giant axe pointed to the sky, the sheen of its edge sparking with thunder.
A bit heavy don’t you think young masta?
Zabu did think about it. I will need many muscles he began when his thoughts were in order, Grizzly father will have to give me his .
Nina smothered a laugh.
Afraid ,muscles can’t be thrown around back and forth like that young masta .
You can’t ?
Don’t think so .
The boy stopped looking around and looked at Nina incredously .
They think I will pick that up with these he said wriggling his thin arms.
That’s the case young masta .
Their out of their mind the boy exclaimed.
A few onlookers slowed and stared at the noise.
The young Zabu Vedro paid no attention, he leaned on a wood post and thought about this whole thing . He would have to work for muscles ?
This revenge was sounding dubious .
Nina the boy said curiously , what’s your weapon?
Oh ya curious ayyy, a cat like grin sprouted on the girls face , maybe I’ll tell you. A teasing tone began to bounce along her words.
The boy looked like he bit a sour grape .
He turned around and looked at the other weapons instead .
Young masta , young mastaaaa, don’t ya wanna know….. then her tone shifted to more of a plea for attention, …it’s pretty cool ……, young masta don’t ignore meeee.
This is why your noisy Nina, Nina .
The boy saw something that peaked his attention.
It was a blade of two sides . It was swung once then twice as the owner moved forward slowly.
Then as he retreated it would be swung two more times before resting in the air. It looked normal but for some reason …..
Come over here Nina the boy said grabbing the maids hand.
Don’t get lost Nina .
The maid chuckled at that , of course young masta I’ll stay close.
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The man stopped at thier approach.
He judged them In a glance .
A young master I presume.
The boy nodded .
Young master Zabu , the maid Nina proclaimed.
He wishes to see ya sword, don’t ya masta ?
The young boy said nothing , instead his eyes looked over a series of illustrations on the wall To the swordsman’s right.
Those? The boy questioned
“A one “the man said holding up a finger is 10 Won.
“A two is twenty won.
A seven is seventy won .
A ten is 100 won . “
With each number he held up there was a different illustration of the sword that was drawn upon a wall of wood that was stabbed into the ground by two pikes.
Nina ? the boy questioned
“Yes young masta ? “
“Do we have money ?”
Of course young masta the redhead said proudly , in a quick grasp she pulled out a pouch of gold.
Zabu looked closely at the wood. “Let me see that one.”
The boy then pointing at a small drawing in the corner of wood .
It’s illustration was smudged and blurred but the number was clear as day.
1,000 in other words 10,000 won .
The swordsman smiled.
“gladly . “