A Burden Given by James Bee

Author:James Bee [Bee, James]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: anonymous
Published: 2017-10-08T16:00:00+00:00

*

Fletcher tossed a wooden training sword at Gerald’s feet. It landed with a dull thud in the glistening green and yellow tufts of grass. Bending over, Gerald picked it up. A few paces away, Fletcher stood with his own in hand, swinging it back and forth. His movements were worryingly precise, handling the blade like an experienced warrior.

“You want to spar with me? This is your idea of fun?”Gerald asked incredulously. The prospect of getting slashed by one of these blades was not a pleasant one. Wooden or not, they would leave a mark that would not soon go away.

“Aye. If I’m to protect you, I’d better see how well you can handle yourself. Saw you get knocked down by that beast Kayl. Didn’t look none too threatening.”Fletcher was taunting him, but why?

“Maybe you should swing your blade at him instead,”Gerald grumbled, stretching out his neck.

“I think I’d rather take my chances with you. Don’t fancy having my head knocked backward,”Fletcher replied, smirking. The man was watching him now, for all the ease he was showing, he was watching him. The intensity of the battlefield was in his eyes, not the training yard. An apprehensive shiver travelled up Gerald’s spine. He’d seen what these training blades could do to a man if a murderous intent was there. Suddenly, Fletcher’s words at their first meeting bubbled up into his brain. Wylliam should be the new mayor. Not some up-jumped bastard from the south.

An accident while training would do it. If he were incapacitated, someone would have to take control of Redstone. Blane, Rolan, and Lucan would never be able to agree to support each other. It would have to be someone else. Who better than Fletcher?

A slow smile crept across Fletcher’s face, as though he could read Gerald’s thoughts. There was no way for him to back out now. Word would spread throughout town that he’d been too frightened to fight the man. He couldn’t afford any more gossip about him. He’d have to find a way to beat him.

Leaping forward, Gerald slashed at the older man, hoping to catch him by surprise. Fletcher didn't so much as raise an eyebrow as he stepped aside. The blow threw Gerald off balance. Desperately, he twisted out of the way of the counterstroke. Fletcher was on him before he could set his feet. In moments, Gerald knew he was outmatched. The older man was lightning fast, hands, and feet moving in perfect unison. Reeling backward, Gerald parried and blocked the onslaught.

As he dodged a slash aimed at his face, Gerald’s foot caught on a stone. His other boot slipped in the early morning wetness and he went down hard on his arse. On instinct, he rolled away, waiting for Fletcher’s blade to slash him in the back. The blow never came. Coming to his knees, Gerald saw his adversary standing still, watching him with a bemused expression. Teeth gritted, Gerald rose to his feet. He’d have to find a way to strike first.

Fletcher came at him again, slowly and confidently.

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