Page 32 of A Lick of Flame

“Like this. Start off slow.” He demonstrates again, and I do my best to copy him.

“Keep your grip firm but not too tight,” he advises. “Let the weight of the sword guide your movements.”

Gradually, although still clumsy, I begin to find my rhythm. With each swing, I feel a growing confidence stirring within me.

“Good. That’s excellent, Maya.”

I grin.

“Now I’m going to show you how to strike. You need to wait for an opening and then take your chance,” Orion says. “A strike often follows a block.” He runs through the movements he showed me earlier and then attacks in a sweeping motion that is tight and effortless. Then he goes the other way and does the same, bending slightly at the knee as he does. “I keep one foot slightly behind the other. That way, it is more difficult for your opponent to get you off your feet. It offers more stability. Make sure you always have one foot forward. There are eight different angles of attack, but I’m only going to show you the main two. Learn them and practice them.” He demonstrates once more.

I copy him. My arms are already growing tired. My hands shake a little.

“Remember, fighting is not just about physical strength. It’s about strategy, timing, and mental agility. You must always stay one step ahead of your opponent.”

“Physical strength is a bonus, though,” I mumble.

Orion sheaths his sword and comes to stand behind me. He puts his hand on my shoulders. “Relax. Bend at the knee a little more.”

I do as he tells me.

“That’s it,” he says. “Your arm mustn’t drop,” he cups my elbow in his big, warm hand and lifts a little, “or you leave yourself open. Defense first. Then you look for a chance to attack.”

I go through the movements he showed me.

“Up.” He touches my elbow. “Protect your torso at all times.”

My arm is shaking with the exertion. Sweat beads on my brow. I can barely hold up my sword anymore, and we only just started.

“That’s enough for today. Well done. A natural in the saddle and a natural with the blade.”

Really?

I didn’t think so. I beam all the same. Me…a natural.

I sheath my sword and turn. Orion is right behind me. I catch his heady scent of pine and of man. His eyes bore into mine. They’re dancing. There is a hint of a smile on his lips.

My chest is almost brushing his with every deep breath I take. We both turn serious. The air feels charged. I go from trying to catch my breath to hardly being able to breathe.

His gaze goes to my mouth and then back to my eyes. And then back down. I lick my lips.

He makes a very soft groaning sound, then turns and walks toward the horses. He grabs my waterskin and hands it to me. “You’ve earned a drink. You’ll be stiff tomorrow, but I want you to practice every day. No more than that. I’ll slowly teach you more movements. It won’t be long before we will be able to spar with one another.”

Thoughts of the two of us sparring make me feel hot all over. I take the skin. “Thank you. I need this.” I turn away from him, trying to catch my breath. Trying even harder to get myself under control. For a second there, it felt like he might kiss me. For just a second, it felt like I might let him.

14

Orion

The next morning…

Maya ties her jacket onto the saddle. Then she expertly mounts her horse in one graceful move. Her hair is tied in a knot at the nape of her neck. She’s wearing another of her pretty dresses. It billows around her horse in layers of cotton and lace.

I mount up as well, sighing. “Ready?”

“It’s going to be fine,” Maya says.

Those are often famous last words. I wince. “Don’t say things like that.”

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