In the afternoon of the third day, I was given leave from my swordsmanship class to go retrieve my sword. Neil had been nice enough to give me the coin I was short to pay as a gift and was just happy I had actually happy that I had decided to listen after so many years of being stubborn. I was just relieved it was still going to be my brother's sword even if it was just a bit shorter. I went right to the blacksmith as my pass was only good for the hour and found him hard at work at his forge, but he must have sensed me for he straightened as I neared.
"Lady Guardian," he greeted wiping his brow.
"Blacksmith-" I said realizing I hadn't got his name last time.
"Connor," he said with a grin.
"I have the rest of what I owe you."
He grabbed the previously tarnished sheath from the racks behind him. He had made a completely new sheath as the old one would have been too long.
"It was paid some days ago, my lady," he said genuinely.
Who besides Sasha would have paid for it? Had she told Alistor and he had? It frustrated me and at the same time made me realize how good of friends I really had. Twenty gold was nothing to Alistor with being the nephew to the King, but for him to go out of his way for me was really sweet and for Sasha to ask made me happy.
He handed me the sword and I felt the hardened leather under my hands. The top and the point had been fitted with metal to add to its strength. I took it from its sheath and tested it feeling it glide from through the air before testing the edge with my thumb. He had done better work than I thought possible.
"Thank you."
"I'm not done yet, my lady. You now need to pick a shield."
I fastened the sword to my side as he laid out three choices in front of me. One large iron buckler shield and two heater shields. One was colored in the kingdom colors of royal blue and silver. The other was just polished iron.
"Can I have the painted heater shield, Connor?"
"Aye."
"Is there any additional cost?"
"Ten silver."
I placed two gold nobles on the table as payment and a tip.
"Miss, that's too much," he said as I retied my coin purse.
"As a thank you," I said. "I know you don't like helping my kind."
I picked up my shield of choice and began to leave.
"I wish they were all like you, Lady Guardian. Perhaps some day."
"Perhaps," I called over my shoulder.
Even if it took one Dark Blood at a time, I would try to make a difference.
****
I was back in time for the last half of the hour so I was paired with Maverick for the Swordsmaster was curious to see how I would do with my new change in weapons in defense. I obliged curious to see it myself.
Maverick has a wicked grin on his face as we circled each other. Almost all the other pairs had stopped practicing to watch. Everyone had seen me be beaten by Maverick everyday, but they were curious to see how the change up would effect my technique. Finally, he grew bored of me not attacking first, and he took matters into his own hands as I anticipated. When he swung wildly, I dodged to one side since I wasn't as weighed down. When he recovered and came at me again, it was the right angle to use the technique I did with Neil. I put all my weight against my shield and it knocked him off balance sending him backwards into the dirt. I brought my sword to his throat smiling.
"Beginners luck, Eveline," he spat.
A few of his friends helped him to his feet as I heard a few people clapping.
"Eveline, a word?" asked the Swordsmaster.
I walked the short distance over to him unable to quit smiling. I had finally bested Maverick even without the extended reach.
"May I?" he asked with his hand outstretched.
I handed him my sword and he tested the weight nodding.
"This is good. I'm glad someone finally got through to you about changing swords."
"Aye."
"Keep up the good work. This is just a small victory for you."