Page 31 of A Lick of Flame

He’s handsome, and he definitely knows it. But I am sure I see a kindness in him; although, perhaps it is just wishful thinking. My instincts could be wrong. They have been wrong before.

Too kind.

Too caring.

Far too innocent.

That is me. Except, I won’t be fooled again. I won’t allow it.

“Maya, say something.” He frowns. “You’re looking at me with an odd expression on your face.”

“Okay…yes, I will run, and if all else fails, I will pretend that I am your captive.” I will save myself.

He nods once, his stance softening, his intense gaze, too. “Good. I am glad we agree on something.”

We ride in silence for a while. The sound of the horses’ hooves against the ground is strangely comforting. It reminds me of a carefree time in my youth when my father used to take me for rides on the front of his saddle. I long to be back there, in front of him, with his arms around me and his hands on the reins. Safe and secure. My heart aches with longing for my family. I must never forget them. I must never forget.

We stop a few furlongs later.

“I’m going to do a more thorough check,” Orion says.

I nod, watching him dismount. With agility and grace, he climbs the boulders to the right of us, reaching the top in a few heartbeats. Then he is scanning our surroundings. Not satisfied with the view, Orion climbs higher still, making it look easy when it is anything but. He is concerned, which in turn makes me nervous; I feel butterflies take flight inside my belly. This is the first time I’ve seen him worry since we first set out.

I don’t like it one bit.

I look at the sword sheathed at my side, feeling utterly useless. I would be no help if we were attacked. I’d be a hindrance. I’d be the one to get us caught. I am a thorn in Orion’s side, and yet I must tell them that I am his captive. If I did such a thing, he would be run through in an instant. I am a thorn indeed.

“Are you alright?”

I jump half out of my skin when I see Orion back on solid ground. How did he get down so quickly?

“You look like you just saw a ghost.” He smiles.

I smile back. “I was just thinking that I should probably learn how to use this thing.” I touch the hilt of my sword. “I think I recall you saying that you would teach me sometime. Perhaps now would be good?”

“Why not? We are due to take a break.”

I dismount.

We tie the horses together and then tether them to a nearby boulder.

Orion stands in front of me. “Pull your sword,” he commands. “First rule: don’t draw unless you intend to use your weapon. Don’t draw unless you have a chance of actually winning. In other words, if ten men surround you, do not draw. If it’s one-on-one or even two-on-one and it’s a desperate situation, then you draw your sword.”

I nod.

“You need to stand with your feet apart. One should be slightly in front of the other with a slight bend in your knee. Like this.” He demonstrates.

I mimic his stance, feeling slightly awkward but determined.

“Good,” he says, nodding. “Now, keep your eyes on me. Follow my movements. Your hands should be like this on the hilt…both of them.”

I nod.

Orion starts with slow, deliberate swings of his sword. “This is how you block your opponent. You should practice these movements often. Get used to the feel. It needs to become as natural as breathing.” I watch his every move, trying to memorize the fluidity and precision of his actions. Despite his gruff demeanor, I can sense his passion. I can see how the sword is an extension of him as he wields it effortlessly. This is years of practice.

“Now, it’s your turn,” he says, stepping aside. “Show me.”

I take a deep breath, gripping my sword tightly as I step forward. The blade isn’t overly heavy, but it suddenly feels that way. My first few swings are clumsy and uncoordinated.

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