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Ferociously we attacked one another, neither one of us wanting to go easy. I leapt over one of his swings and nicked his arm, hitting hard enough to draw first blood. He acted like he didn’t even notice the wound and moved so fast I couldn’t block his swing at my ribs.
We separated for a moment, both of us panting, before we clashed together again. Furiously we tried to get through the others guard with occasional success, until eventually our movements slowed, exhaustion tugging at our limbs even as we refused to acknowledge it. We both needed this, needed the release.
“Think you can… last much longer?” Little John panted, taking the heat out of his snark.
I huffed a laugh. “Just need to last… longer than you.”
“Let’s see you… do it then.” He panted and swung.
I ducked, popping up to his right as I swung for his thigh, barely missing as he parried my blow. My muscles were aching in the best way, and my blood was singing with my movement. I could practically feel my anger melting with each swing of my practice sword. Here, in the middle of a fight, I knew exactly what to expect, how to respond. Fighting was simple. Fighting was gloriously therapeutic. I swung my sword, connecting with Little John’s ribs. He let out a grunt and returned the swing, but I was already moving.
I dodged the next two swings, then rushed in close. I swung for his head, intent on ending this fight. Little John dropped his sword and caught my hand before it connected. I gazed into his eyes as we devolved into a grapple in the dirt. Hard, unforgiving, I almost didn’t recognize his face as we rolled on the ground. He rolled on top of me, pinning my hands by my head with his weight and strength. “Give in yet, girl?” He snarled, and for the first time, I began to be afraid of him.
“Get off of me.” I snarled back as I struggled to get free.
“Yield.”
“No.”
“Then I will not.” He continued to hold me, immovable, and I felt my heart racing, trying to get free of my chest as I was trying to get free of Little John’s hold. He wasn’t even trying to hurt me, and yet I was as helpless as a gnat in a spider’s web.
“Getoffme!” I snarled, and I heard the frantic pitch to it.
He leaned down until his ale ridden breath brushed my face. “Make. Me.”
I thrashed in his arms, and yet I could not break the iron-strong hold. Another moment more, and I was practically sobbing. “Fine, I yield!”
Immediately he released me and rolled over, sitting up.
“What the hell was that?” I hissed.
Impassively, he looked me over. “You’re a good fighter. With some more training, you may even be a great fighter. But fighting is not your strength.”
My pride was smarting enough without him pouring salt into the wound. “Yes, you’re a better fighter than I am. Bravo. You’ve already proven that.”
“Oi, you’re not hearing me.” His eyes became piercing. “You are a better fighter than I am, but I will always beat you in a fight because I’m bigger and stronger. Fighting is not the answer. It is helpful, but it is not what will save us, save the Greenwood.” And with that he stood up, not even waiting for a response.
“I wasn’t – this wasn’t…” I spluttered.
“You have a power that no one else can beat. Not even Asena. Strengthenthat.” He turned on his heels and walked away, brushing off his clothes as he did.
I sat there, stunned, until I realized we had grown an audience during our battle. I glanced at the people circling around me as I stood up and began brushing myself off, nursing my wounded ego. I nodded to Will to let him know I was okay and turned the opposite direction. I didn’t feel like talking with him just yet.
I strode away with measured steps, attempting to not show any weakness, either physically or otherwise, when I became aware of someone coming alongside me.
“Will, I don’t – Oh.”
Einri raised an eyebrow but didn’t say anything.
I huffed. “I’m fine. I don’t need a babysitter.”
“Good, I have no intention of babysitting you.”
I rolled my eyes. “Then what is your intention?”
“I just wanted to walk with you. Sometimes it’s nice to have company.” He shrugged.
“And rubbing my loss into my face doesn’t factor into it at all?” I replied archly.
