Blood and Betrayal: Legacy of the Dragon: Book One by S. H. Blodgett

Author:S. H. Blodgett [Blodgett, S. H.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: S. H. Blodgett
Published: 2024-10-25T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter eighteen

Caenrya

“Remember to keep those inches between your hands on the grip,” Ren instructed, watching as her hands slipped within the last flurry of defensive maneuvers. “You lose accuracy if they are too close together, resulting in a hacking movement.”

Out of breath, Caenrya only lowered her chin in acknowledgment, adjusting her grip accordingly. Ren leaped forward in a forceful attack with his wooden katana.

It surprised Caenrya he’d come prepared with proper training tools that day, though his reasoning was sound. The surrounding clearing provided scant few sticks durable enough for one session, much less consistent usage. Besides, sticks were typically for the safety of the children who learned first with them. As Caenrya had previous experience with her own form of weapons, Ren determined skipping that step would be permissible.

He detailed every aspect of the weapon, going into specifics on how only the back or side of the blade portion should be used for blocking to avoid excessive wear and damage. The last foot of the blade was not to be used for defense, if possible, since the metal thinned there, and it would be far more difficult to regain control and balance if struck. Next, Ren went into proper form when blocking overheard strikes, correcting her angle to forty-five degrees with the sharp edge facing down. Side and low strikes confused her as the katana was to be wielded upside down, the position awkward with her wrists.

For hours, endless, famishing, and excruciating hours, Caenrya learned basic blocks even as her muscles screamed from movements and weights she was unaccustomed to. Taiji blades were weightless, and her style previously incorporated duel-edged sides and was uncaring of how they were struck.

Maintaining a real blade was far more tedious, but her dedication hadn’t wavered an inch despite it. Caenrya would learn how to defend herself if her access to taiji was restricted again and never allow herself to be in such a defenseless state.

Before her arms gave out, Caenrya called it quits and returned the wooden katana to Ren’s leather sheath. “Thanks,” she huffed out, sporting a new collection of bruises that were sure to raise brows.

Well, not that she didn’t already get enough stares, a majority outright hostile. Ren’s masked face inclined in response as he made to distance himself once more, Caenrya watching in perplexity. What was the point of an eye on her at all times at this point? If it were for ensuring her safety against Valen or other ronin, then why remain lurking at such a distance?

She shouted after him as much.

“Shinobi Creed: Masquerade in Illusions. One must become fluent in disguise and manipulation, utilizing misinformation and psychological tactics to outsmart and mislead any foe.” Ren called out as he spun halfway, “Should they act, it would be when you’re alone.”

Then, the shinobi corrected his position, resuming his subtle disappearance into the distance. Caenrya huffed in annoyance as the idea of anyone hunting her to that extreme was ludicrous. If Valen wanted to, she’d already be back within Shikei at the lord’s beck and call.

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