Page 36 of Journey to the Elderoak
“No.”
“Okay then. You need to be faster.”
“How?”
“Stop overthinking everything,” Quinn said as she flung a dagger at Ava.
It hit her in the thigh and bounced off. They were using dull wooden practice daggers, but it would still leave a gruesome bruise.
“Dammit,” Ava said as she rubbed her leg. “Casimir was right. You’re the mean one.”
Quinn grinned. “That’s why I’m second in command. Now stop complaining. If that dagger was real, you’d be bleeding out right now. You’re off your game today. Take five minutes for water and we’re going again.”
Ava slumped to the ground against the low stone wall which cordoned off the training area. Quinn was harsh but Ava appreciated it and enjoyed the connection with another woman, hoping their friendship would grow and she’d continue to connect with Raine’s sister, Fanya, as well.
She took a swig from the water skin and observed the soldiers practicing in the other rings spread across the training field. Pax was squaring off with someone Ava didn’t recognize, obviously working off his grief if the determination in his eyes was any indicator. They lunged at each other and parried with their swords, the peal of metal ringing as their weapons met.
“I’ll never move that fast,” Ava said to herself as she watched the orc.
“Sure you will, dainty human.”
Ava turned to find Raine standing outside the wall, smiling down at her.
“Time’s up,” said Quinn. “On your feet.”
Ava took one last drink of water and rose.
“Are you alright?” whispered Raine.
“I’m fine,” she lied. “Just tired.”
He narrowed his eyes as if he didn’t believe her.
“Well, show me what you got,” he said.
“Oh no you don’t,” barked Quinn. “Since you’re interrupting, get your ass in here and help, pretty boy.”
“Fine.” Raine hopped over the stone wall with ease, stopping in the center of the ring. “How can I be of service?” He gave a sarcastic bow.
Quinn glanced at Ava, still standing on the edge of the ring. “Stay there.”
She whirled to face Raine and flung a dagger at him much faster than she’d ever thrown one at Ava.
“Fuck,” Raine yelped as he dodged the projectile.
Quinn had four more daggers in her hand and released them in quick succession, forcing Raine to pay attention as he evaded each throw. After avoiding the five blades, Raine shook his head and glared at Quinn.
“You could have warned me.”
Quinn rolled her eyes and looked at Ava.
“You want me to dothat?” Ava asked.
“Yep,” said Quinn. “Get over here.”
14
Ava awoke with a start, drenched in sweat and gasping for air. She frantically glanced around her bedroom, heart beating out of her chest and hands trembling. It was still dark. Still the middle of the night.
