Cynetic Wolf by Matt Ward

Author:Matt Ward [Ward, Matt]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978-1-73459-221-4
Published: 2020-07-22T00:00:00+00:00

31

Learning To Hunt

I couldn’t sleep. The prospect of war—of real combat—terrified me. A drone shooting up our cabin had never entered my mind. It gave me goosebumps. The awesome and destructive power of a bomb, a bomb meant for me. I was overreacting. They couldn’t know we were here, could they? Still, knowing what a motivated enemy could do and how we were helpless, made you think.

I opened the door and Lars was waiting for me. He handed me a mug. “Drink up and take a piss, we’ve got a busy day.”

We met outside two minutes later. Sparring. He’d etched a three-meter circle in the snow inside another fifty percent larger one.

He pointed. “We’ll practice takedowns and close quarter fighting. You need to be efficient with your movements. Want to attack or defend?”

“I’ll attack.”

“Okay, you defend.” Lars grinned. “I’ll try to take you down. Defense is more important anyway,” he added with a smirk.

Thirty seconds later, I dusted myself off. He’d taken me down and choked me out with near inhuman speed. Lars was a better, more experienced fighter than I was, but that was no reason to quit. I was gonna win this time, damn it. I don’t care what it takes.

“Again,” Lars said.

This time I’d switch it up, keep him guessing. He saw through my deception, feinted, and swept my feet from under me, pouncing before I’d hit the snowy ground. Ugh.

“Remember what we talked about. It’s mental, not physical. You need to read your opponent, know what they’ll do before they do it.”

I’m trying… Whatever that means.

We must have drilled takedowns and defenses for two hours. I was getting into it and excited for the next when he said, “Your turn.”

The tables turned, I was ready to try what I’d learned. And I wanted a little revenge to wipe that smug grin from his face.

Another two hours, another string of embarrassing losses. At least I got better, making mistakes and correcting them every round. I hadn’t won yet, but by the time Lars said, “I’m hungry, let’s eat,” I felt much more confident.

Walking back to the cabin, he patted me on the shoulder. “Don’t beat yourself up. You did well for a beginner. Toward the end, you started to get the hang of it. You’re no Bruce Lee,” he added with a playful smile. “But you did well.”

Inside, the fridge was an empty wasteland and I offered to hunt.

Lars thought it was a good idea. “While you’re out there, think about Caen. By the time you’re back, I want three options to conquer or destroy the city and an analysis of each. We’ll talk about them when you’re back. Sound good?”

“Yeah.” I turned to leave. Let’s see—

“And, Raek,” Lars added. “Be careful, kid. I’m starting to like you. Can’t say that about most people.” He smiled. “Good luck.”

Slipping out the door, my mind raced. Three ways to capture Caen—that was tough. I wanted to wow him, and was formulating a plan when there was a flutter of snow.

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