Chapter XX • Maia

A month later.

“Oh, you want a buffeting?” I say aloud menacingly, flaunting my daggers in a reverse grip with the edges out at a tree I have randomly selected to be my “opponent”. I’m practicing the moves I learned to do during spars with Severin. “You want to fight me? Ah, no… You are unworthy of being my opponent. Hm? What did you call me? Take this, then!”

In a flurry of attacks, I strike the trunk of the tree, leaving cuts, marks, and dents on its dark, rough bark. I occasionally slip in a kick or two to make my battle against my imaginary opponent more realistic, but I only end up hurting myself. The dull sounds of metal meeting wood surround me with every hit I make, giving me a small sense of satisfaction as the sharp edges slice through the tough outer layer.

I’ve become more nimble, more reactive… mayhap impulsive, even. This might be enough to put a stop to my father, but I must do more, I must continue to improve; not when it will be two people against an entire nobleman