Knight (12 page)

V
aleriana had her sword flying out of her hands a couple of times. Seraphina was ruthless. She never thought she would have a tyrannical side.

“That's not enough! Put more effort into it!” Seraphina reprimanded as she knocked the sword out of Valeriana's hands for the umpteenth time.

Valeriana collapsed and held up her arms in surrender. “A minute to breathe . . . please.” She begged.

The lady knight panted but relaxed the hand holding the sword. “I don’t think that’s enough. Your muscles aren’t very well-developed so you’re having a hard time.”

“As expected.” Valeriana said, panting. “I can't even win against you.”

“You don't have to feel bad about it.” She told her reassuringly. “Dawn will arrive soon.” Seraphina stared at the clearing skies and sighed, chugging down some water from a wineskin. They were both drenched in their own sweat. “You should go take a bath before everything else.” She suggested. “You need to feel rejuvenated.”

“A bath sounds tempting.” She stood from the sandy ground and dusted her pants. The clothes she was wearing were marred by dirt and sweat. She felt sticky all over and she stunk. “I feel bad for the owner of these clothes.” She tugged on the soft, comfy sleeves.

“You don't have to worry about it.” She paused, scrutinizing the way she looked in the attire. “They're yours from now on.” She slid off of her leather armor and dumped it in some sort of large container with the others. Valeriana did the same, but had a hard time trying to pull the thing off.

“Really? For free?” She sheathed the sword and placed it gingerly in the armoire, sparing Seraphina a few glances while she did so. “Why?”

“One more reason is because you need a change of clothes.” She simply said. “Those belonged to me when I was still in the academy. They're old and they were collecting dust within my closet. I figured I should give them to you.”

“These belonged to you? It's been taken good care of.” Valeriana then sighed. She gazed at the lady knight and smiled before saying, “Thank you very much for everything. Now I feel like I have a chance to win, even if it's just little.”

Seraphina smiled. “You're very much welcome. I can’t say it’s enough to let you win, but I've taught you enough to let you live.”

“That isn't comforting but . . . thanks.”

Valeriana was ecstatic. Seraphina was really a good mentor. She learned a lot in just a few hours it was a miracle. The thing she was worried about was the duel she would be having with Courtney. Hopefully, Seraphina was right.

“I see that you and Lady Seraphina are finally done with training.” Corvan's voice rang imposingly. He walked into the arena in a refined manner.

“Why, Lord Corvan. What brought you here? I thought you were resting.”

“I'm here to deliver a message from Headmaster Kylon. He wants you by his side before the duel commences.”

“For what reason?”

“He told me that you should try to find out yourself and head over to him instead.”

The lady knight made a noise of obvious annoyance. “Alright. I leave Valeriana in your hands. Take her to the baths for me, and fetch her the clothes appropriate for the event of the duel as well.”

“But . . .” He glared at her and she returned it.

“You can ask someone else to do it, just make sure she receives that bath and the clothes she needs. I'll be going now then, Valeriana.” Seraphina made her way out of the arena and quickly disappeared from Corvan and Valeriana's sight. When she was out, the lord turned to the human and quirked a brow.

“What are you standing there for?” He asked.

“Isn't it obvious? Watching her leave.” She pointed to the direction Seraphina disappeared to.

Corvan looked straight at Valeriana's eyes. They stared at each other for a few moments until Corvan leaned towards Valeriana, his face closing in. Valeriana's heart jumped to her throat, wondering what was he planning, but the guy merely huffed in disgust and flicked his nose. He looked revolted as he withdrew.

“You smell.” He spat.

Valeriana's face went red in fury. “Then take me to the bathroom, you idiot!”

“Don't raise your voice if you don't want me tearing it out.” He said.

-*-

Valeriana sneezed loudly as she stripped off her clothes and stepped into the bath. There was no one she was to share it with, so she had it all alone to herself.

It wasn't what she was expecting it to be. Instead of cubicles and shower heads, all she saw was an open pool with steam rising from the water.

She didn’t like to be naked in public so she wrapped herself with a piece of cloth she found folded among others in a cabinet. Valeriana figured it was for the purpose. Hopefully, she was right. She wasn’t going to risk having anyone see her in her birthday suit.

The bath helped her muscles relax and she breathed out a loud sigh. This would help her ease a bit.

She spent a few minutes musing to herself what in the world she was supposed to do and pulling on her hair as she rubbed off the dirt, feeling antsy because of the impending match. When she looked down at her fingers, she realized her skin had turned into prunes and it was probably time to leave.

Valeriana sighed and heaved herself out of the water. She walked out of the baths through the doors, only to stumble upon a bundle of clean clothes.

“I'll be taking this, thank you.” She whispered. She bent down and took it inside her hands, feeling the soft cloth with her palms.

She decided to try it on and discovered it was slightly different from the previous get-up Seraphina described as the school's
gym
clothes. The top's design was more intricate. The front ran down with ruffles and flat, silver buttons. The sleeves were puffy, until it tightened around the wrists with strips of ribbons needing to be wound together. It was slightly loose around the waist so she needed to tuck it into the brown pants it came with.

“I'm starting to regret even agreeing to all of this now.” She muttered, looking over her outfit. She placed a hand on her chin and thoughtfully spoke.

She anxiously stepped out of the dressing room. The mirrors on the walls were big enough for her to see her whole self.

She flicked back her damp hair and quietly left the room. Corvan was patiently waiting for her outside, arms crossed while leaning against the wall. If he would only remove that frown from his face, he would look like a model from a cover magazine.

“You took your sweet time in there.” He said, his eyes fixed on Valeriana's face. “I bet you looked like a raisin for quite a while.”

She huffed, though did not make any move to deny what he said.

“Now, let us depart.” Corvan spun, his long hair swishing slightly behind him. He had tied it in a ponytail with a white ribbon while letting stray strands of his hair to accentuate his face.

She felt nervous of the upcoming duel. All this tension made her want to puke.

Her stomach suddenly made noises of protest. Really. How to puke with an empty stomach?

Corvan stopped and raised a brow at her. “Do you need to eat?”

“No.” She shook her head sarcastically. “My stomach didn't growl. I don't need nourishment 'cuz I'm just that awesome. It's just my monster side coming out.”

He snorted at her sarcastic comment. “Then, I'll guide you straight to the dueling area without eating since you're that
awesome
.”

She was silent.

“I could use some snacks, though . . .”

Still, hunger was making her more nervous.

She encouraged herself silently by clenching her fist. Her father used to say that life was a battleground itself. It was an infinite cycle of challenges and obstacle. This was no different. She was going to survive all of it.

Even though he was dead, she was going to make him so proud it would send him dancing in his grave.

“Don't tell me you're scared.” Corvan said.

“I'm fine.” She answered.

He ignored her reply. “I recommend you back out while you have a chance.”

“No . . .” Valeriana's shoulders sagged in defeat. She gulped. “Don't even start.” Valeriana told him, not wanting to feel like running away with her tail between her legs.

“I've never seen an idiot like you my entire life.”

“I'm the good kind of idiot. Just the way I am, I guess.” She stuck her tongue out at him.

Corvan sighed, giving in to her stubbornness.

“You should start valuing your life more.”

“But I'm not a coward.” Valeriana retaliated, remembering her father's advices.

“Why do you desire to attend this academy anyway? What for?”

A smile lifted Valeriana's lips. She held up her fist and pumped it dramatically. “Because it’s free!” She exclaimed. “Lord Aeron told me I wouldn’t have to pay for anything if I got in!”

He sighed. “Forget I asked.”

Chapter Eleven ♣ Duel

W
hen they arrived in the arena, Valeriana was surprised to see that they weren't the only ones present. Instead of the school faculty and the competitors only, students swarmed in the audience's area. A sword was strapped around her waist, and she was immediately sent down to the center of the arena where the fight would be held. Courtney was waiting, her own weapon in hand.

“I thought we were the only ones going to be here.” She said.

A drop of sweat trickled down her forehead. Word sure went around fast.

Maybe they were wondering who was the crazed girl insane enough to accept a challenge into a fight against the fifth-ranking member of the Celestial Circle—or whatever it was.

“They wouldn't miss it for the world!” Lord Aeron shouted from the royal box, waving his arm passionately in the air as though reading her thoughts.

“I hate you.” Valeriana muttered.

Cheers wildly erupted from the crowd and Valeriana yanked her sword out of its sheath. Her grip on its hilt firmly tightened as she looked at Courtney's direction with unwavering determination.

What exactly was she doing?

Still, there was no turning back.

“It looks like Lord Aeron is asking the competitors to get ready! Fighters in place!”

Valeriana moved to a stance. “Remember the center point of gravity in your body. Pick a stance that's not easy to be thrown off balance.” She planted her feet to the ground.

“The fight will start in three.”

She held out her sword in front of her, making sure there weren't any available openings her opponent could use to attack. Courtney, however, seemed confident and remained nonchalant from where she was. The tip of her sword was kissing the sandy ground.

“Two!”

She wore the same clothes as Valeriana, making it appear that these garments were meant to be worn during a duel by the competing sides.

“One!”

A bright light sparked on the corner of the arena, but Valeriana chose to keep her eyes strictly on Courtney, who immediately ran forth and brought her blade up when the signal was fired.

Valeriana held her own weapon in front of her and blocked her first attack. It vibrated sharply as Courtney's sword clashed unto hers. The intensity of the force that Courtney used for her first assault was terrifying. If Valeriana hadn’t followed Seraphina's advice, she would've been instantly pushed back.

Fortunately, she was able to block
most
of her attacks at the moment. It seemed that Seraphina's lectures were useful, but it didn't remove the fact that, with the current pace of their fight, she would have no chance in winning.

Lord Aeron did tell her she did not need to win.

Courtney aggressively drove her sword forward but Valeriana was able to dodge it—albeit clumsily. She stepped forward with a counterattack, forcing her sword to meet with Courtney’s in hopes of pushing her back. Adrenalin rushed through her veins and, with all her might, she began to assault her opponent.

“Fight back!”
She remembered Seraphina yelling.
“You can't call it a fight when you're not attacking!”

“You're daring to even try and fight back.” Courtney smirked at her.

“What do you expect me to do, then?”

“Oh, I don't know. Lose. Die, maybe. The latter would be better.”

The audience got even wilder.

“Knock her down!”

“Kill her!”

Now, that was a bit harsh.

More cheers came from the students among the crowd. The obvious eagerness in their voice rang all throughout the arena, nearly discouraging Valeriana from the fight. It was painfully insulting.

“So that's the girl.” A blue-eyed blonde said thoughtfully as he arranged the glasses that sat atop the bridge of his nose. “She thinks she can fight Courtney?”

“Well, she's doing a good job so far.” A redhead replied with a snort, her blue eyes rolling as she slouched and leaned back leisurely.

“Stop that.” The male blonde replied with a scolding look, disturbed by the sound she made. “Mind your manners.”

“I should mind my manners when watching a fight? Really. I'll do whatever I want and minding my manners is the last thing on my list.”

Corvan wanted to bang his head against the table at the ruckus being created by the Twelve, but that would be if he was not himself.

Lord Aeron watched the fight fervently, a loose smile hanging on his lips. His ankle was propped up to his knee and he was strangely relaxed in his seat while rubbing his chin. “A bit clumsy as expected, but she’s faring well. Don't you agree, Lady Seraphina?”

“I did teach her.”

“Mm-hmm. You taught her well, then. It's enough for her to hold up. To survive? I do wonder.”

Seraphina had on a perplexed expression, but looking somehow proud with the effort the girl was putting into it.

Corvan, on the other hand, did not know whether to be impressed or amused. He watched her wave her sword around with conviction—sometimes faltering. Her skills seemed adequate enough to oppose all of her attacks. Still, there were a lot of flaws and openings. This girl was hopeless . . . the only thing that was keeping her from being scratched was moving back.

Valeriana, obviously, was having a hard time. She lacked the stamina needed for such a demanding physical exertion. Not to mention that she was inexperienced.

Courtney radiated vigor. She slashed her sword forward repeatedly, her attacks varying in movements. This caused Valeriana to either dodge or respond in retaliation.

“I commend you.” Courtney said with a mocking smile. “You're skilled enough to be able to dodge my attacks. It seems that I underestimated you.”

“I . . . told you.” She spoke in between breaths. She panted like a dog but the girl in front of her didn't even break a sweat. She wanted to curse so bad that her tongue hurt, but it was better to conserve energy.

Breathe.

Valeriana's pretentious opponent then began with her series of attack once more. Courtney came back a lot stronger than before and the sweep of her sword became a lot fiercer that it overwhelmed Valeriana to an extent where her wrists began to ache from countering all her assaults.

So tired.

“I won't lose.” She whispered after being thrown back. She was already struggling to catch her breath.

The domineering female warrior was unrelenting as the cadence of colliding weapons intensified. Courtney gave no room for recovery, signifying that there would only be one survivor at the closing stages of their fight.

She waved her sword violently that Valeriana was barely able to dodge it. She felt the cold metal of Courtney's sword cut through the skin on her left, upper arm, causing her to gasp as warm, red liquid soaked the sleeve of her top. Her face twisted in agony as her wound stung. She briefly glanced down at her top to see that her sleeve was half way to being cut off. It showed a nasty, deep cut on her skin that leaked a lot of blood.

“Shiznits . . . god.” She hissed and backed away from Courtney as far as she could. She could see her malicious glare from the corner of her eyes and her own blood that stained the weapon she held. Valeriana pressed her lips into a thin line as she watched herself being slowly drenched in red.

She ripped off the sleeve from her arm, exposing her wound fully. She then wrapped the ripped-off cloth around her arm, tying it firmly around her wound by using her uninjured arm and clipping the cloth between her teeth. This would at least lessen the bleeding. She saw a lot of people rip a part of their clothes and use it as make-shift bandages when in the middle of war or something.

Courtney laughed. She slowly made her way to where Valeriana was.

“Don't be so confident. It's annoying.” She stated, glaring at Courtney sharply. For just once, she was going to curse. “Bitch!”

God, that felt good.

Courtney's expression faltered and she seethed. She ran forward and attacked Valeriana with a critical swing.

Valeriana was barely able to hold up her sword properly before their blades clashed again. She made a pained noise in the back of throat. Her wound hurt like hell.

“Too bad for you.” The girl said. “You messed with the wrong person. It just had to be me.”

“You can be Madonna for all I care.” She said each word as hard as she could, moving her sword forward to block her attack. A sharp ring echoed as their blades crossed. Valeriana glowered at Courtney as they pressed more pressure onto their weapons, trying to overpower each other. “Taylor Swift or whatever. Selena Gomez if you’d like.”

“What nonsense are you babbling about?”

“I’m saying whoever you are, because you’re such a bitch, I’ll still want to crush your face.”

It seemed that this statement got on Courtney's nerves. Her opponent's eyes widened momentarily before she narrowed them and glared at her in irritation. This gave encouragement to Valeriana. At first, she felt frightened because her opponent was one of the best students. But, remembering her father's advices, it made all of her worries fade away. He was right. Whoever this girl was, she wasn’t perfect. She had a weakness. She just had to find that weakness. After that, even if Courtney had the upper hand, she would have the chance to turn things around.

Seraphina did spoil her a bit of the information she needed. This girl was easily angered and, apparently, it was true.

Meanwhile from his seat, Lord Aeron was watching the show with creased brow.

“You shouldn't let yourself be provoked when fighting.” He commented.

Courtney's one major flaw was that her moves became reckless when she was angered.

“I do admit Valeriana's attitude can be very infuriating.” Corvan said to himself. “I found myself on the verge of reducing her to ashes the last few hours.”

“My,” Aeron chuckled. “You both just met and she already came so close to that already? How very impressive it is to see someone able to get under your skin so easily.” He laughed.

In the middle of the arena, the fight between the two girls started to heat up. The duel became more intense during the past few seconds that ticked by. Valeriana did not know what she was going to do and she was wearing herself out. It wasn't noon yet so it didn't feel hot. The air was cool and refreshing. Still, her skin was covered with a sheen of sweat and her back was already soaked wet. She could feel her muscles protesting with the moves she made.

“You're an annoying imbecile!” Courtney yelled, striking down hard that it threw Valeriana back and sent her rolling away.

She groaned in pain as her weapon slipped from her grasp and skidded a few feet away from her. She gasped in shock and looked left and right for her sword. Courtney was just a few steps from her current position, and a victorious smile tugged on her lips.

“I'm telling you this now. You are no match for me and you will never be a part of this academy.” Her opponent sauntered confidently towards her, dragging her sword while its tip grazed the ground. This left a trail behind her, which even made the scene look ominous.

Valeriana tried standing up, but it seemed that she injured her ankle when she fell. She cursed as the ache shot up from her feet. She couldn't even bring herself to stand back up. Her quivering knees protested, refusing to heed her commands.

“I-I can't stand up!” She harshly whispered to herself. Her legs turned jelly and rock at the same time, barely even functioning.

This was what they called cramping, right? Well,
shiznits.

“Agh! Not now!”

She started to crawl pathetically towards her weapon, hands trembling. The crowd was going wild in excitement as they watched the current events unfolding.

“Give up! You already know that you aren't going to win!” Courtney's discouraging words rang in her ears.

“No. Never.” She emphasized each word under her breath and reached out to grab the hilt of the sword. But unfortunately, Courtney harshly stepped on her fingers then kicked her chest and stomped on her shoulder.

“Ouch!” She cried, gritting her teeth as Courtney intentionally pressed down more pressure on her hand. “Holy shiznits!”