Aethir - Dewayne M Kunkel Page 0,2

over the fence rail.

Connell added his own to the rail as well. “You wont often have the luxury of picking the time of an attack. You have to learn to fight in less than ideal conditions.” Connell stepped back and drew his sword.

The metallic ring of Connell’s blade clearing the scabbard added to Casius’s apprehension. Not only was the paddock poorly lit, it was confining as well. Scarcely fifteen feet across at its widest, hardly enough room for the two men to maneuver.

Drawing his razor sharp blade he circled about, keeping his guard up as he had been shown a hundred times before. The light of the lanterns reflected dully from the wavering steel.

Connell edged into the darkest corner and attacked. His sword shot out of the gloom aimed for Casius’s heart.

The ringing clash of their blades meeting broke the silence of the evening. Casius deflected the blow at the last instant. He sidestepped and forced Connell’s blade off to one side. He brought his sword around in a sweeping arc aimed for Connell’s abdomen.

Connell’s sword intercepted the blow and both blades screeched along their lengths as he pushed them upward. “Nicely done.” He said pushing Casius away.

For the better part of an hour they sparred, attacking and defending in a whirling dance of glittering steel. By the time they had finished Casius felt as if his arms were on fire.

Suni stood within the stable doorway behind the inn keeps gawking sons. So intent were they on the mock combat that they had no idea the man was present.

He watched the match with keen interest his dark eyes following the flickering blades.

Connell deftly parried a flurry of attacks, he stepped back and raised his hand signaling an end to the practice.

Casius sheathed his blade and leaned against the stable wall. Looking over his shoulder at the boys he noticed Suni.

The Anghor Shok nodded his head and left the stable.

Connell tossed Casius his cloak. “He’s been watching us for awhile.”

“Why do I have a feeling he was sizing us up?” Casius asked throwing his cloak across his shoulders.

“Because he was.” Connell answered approvingly. “Remember he is Marcos’s bodyguard above all else. He now has an idea of our prowess.”

“But we are on his side?”

“Are we?” Connell asked. “I have sworn no oath to protect his charge, and neither have you.” Connell led the way back into the stable. “Know your enemy and the battle is nearly won.”

“At least he didn’t laugh.” Casius quipped not pleased with his performance.

“Casius,” Connell said stopping him with a hand to his chest. “Your skill with the blade is improving at a remarkable pace. You are a natural swordsman; most men take years to learn what you master in weeks. If any thing I would say he was impressed.”

“Somehow I do not think anything can impress that man.” Casius said with a laugh.

“I speak truly.” Connell said firmly. “Even now I would say you are a match for that Raider G’relg in a fair fight.”

“Raiders seldom fight fair Connell.”

“No they don’t,” Connell said with a wicked grin. “But neither will we, starting tomorrow I will begin to teach you the shadowy side of swordplay.”

Casius stopped as they crossed the yard. “Connell,” He said drawing the man’s attention. “Why did you tell the men in the street your name? Are you not concerned that the Senatum will come here?”

“The Senatum would never dare enter Parin unless they had great numbers.” Connell answered. “Archers on the rooftops under the cover of darkness are an effective means of ridding a town of unwelcome guests.”

“Then the Senatum have no hold here?”

Connell shook his head. “They will come if the need is great, But in doing so they run the risk of starting another rebellion. Many of the men here fought in the first rebellion at my side. If I had not identified myself, those men would have attempted to turn us aside.”

Casius nodded in understanding. “Then you have enlisted the protection of these men without asking for it?”

“Only for a short time,” Connell answered with a nod. “I know a ships captain who will aid us if asked. He will seek us out once word of my arrival has spread. Hopefully we will be away from Lakarra soon enough.”

“Then you have decided to pursue this quest with Marcos then?” Casius asked surprised by Connell’s change of heart.

“At first I thought D’Yana had led us to a mad man.” Connell said with a grin. “Now I have come to believe that