Role

Chapter 5

I entered the training arena with my practice sword. As I approached ex-Captain Kerias,
I noticed he was not in his usual cheerful self. His face was grim and his eyes hard.
"Pick one of the swords on the rack. Today we will learn something new."

Glancing at the weapons rack, I was hesistant. The weapons are real with sharpened
edges and well oiled. I picked a saber and a dagger for my secondary. Suddenly, he
rushed in with an onslaught of attacks. I backed, and managed to parry off a few
blows. Yet, he relentlessly carried on his attack with his only sword. I dodged, and
rolled away, sprinting to the other end, poised to defend.

"What do you think you are doing?" He snarled. "Do you think we practice for humor?
Unless your weapon draws blood, you will never know what it is to be a true warrior!"

"But you are my teacher and my guide!" I cried. Kerias growled under his breath, "If
you do 7not attack, you can put down your weapons and walk out of this place. Don't
ever come back!"

Blood was drawn and all mine. I never touched him. He still moved with the grace and
agility of a swordmaster. I took a lot of cuts and a deep wound across my stomach.
That was when he stopped and looked at me. "A couple of stitches and few days rest
ought to mend it." I rested for two weeks. It bloody hurt!