He trained me with daggers, scimitars, sabers, and broadswords, in addition to standard rapiers and swords of various lengths and weights, single- and dual-edged. He showed me how to fight differently with and without a shield. Lastly he taught me to wield two weapons simultaneously. To my surprise I discovered that this required a completely different set of skills. Confronted with his more cautious and reasoned approach, victory was not so easily claimed. One moment I would gain the advantage, only to be met with a cunning counter-attack, later to turn the tide once more. It was an exhilarating back and forth exchange, and with each passing day I grew more confident in my abilities. During a lunch break Knox told me that Magus’ rank and file soldiers were good swordsmen, but not great. He was certain that I would be more than able to hold my own against them. He was careful to distinguish them from the assassins, for whose skills even he reserved a healthy degree of respect. He said that I could beat them, but that I should expect the fight of my life. Each morning I would train with Knox, and each evening Maya and I would ride out in a new direction, discovering new wonders and ever more sublime panoramas. One day Knox cut me loose a little early, and I rode to meet Maya and Charr as they returned from the city via the winding road that skirted the ravine. I spotted them at a distance shortly after I passed the dilapidated cinema, and waited for them to reach the spot. After exchanging greetings, Charr thoughtfully rode ahead; out of earshot but still close enough to rush to our aid in the event of an ambush. I had Knox’s training to thank for the change in my way of thinking that had me already starting to consider the potential military implications of all movements and decisions. “It isn’t paranoia,”
What do You think about Martyr (The Martyr Trilogy)?
