Chereads / Goblins and Broomsticks / Chapter 25 - Training Knights ahead! but seriously, WHERE'S THE MONTAGE!?

Chapter 25 - Training Knights ahead! but seriously, WHERE'S THE MONTAGE!?

Grizt was enjoying training. It allowed her to let loose a little. Not to mention, it was always fun to put someone through the ringer. She quickly discovered that the princess did in fact have good instincts and reflexes. Sadly, the girl had a real bad time when it came to stamina and strength. Well, she could think of a few things that can be done to fix that. The only issue is that no training she could think of could fix the sun issue. However, that had led into a more interesting training idea. She would find ways to lure her outside during the day and engage in short bouts under the sun. This would help force her to sharpen those instincts and build up experience more quickly. It would also do a couple more things such as help her pain tolerance and resourcefulness. Either she'll come up with a solution to the sun herself or she'll start taking better note of the terrain for her own advantage. Hopefully she'll pick up the latter before she fully adapts. As for the training, she could run her through those at night. Especially the running part. It was a bit of trouble to set up and put away lighting outside, but it allowed the princess the room she needed for her stamina training. It was also the reason that Grizt chose the early afternoon for the day spar. It would allow some rest before the training. Of course, she'd be starting these plans today. She had all night to think over how to make sure the princess could defend herself if things went poorly. After all, she didn't believe the girl deserved to die and felt it was best to help someone in her position avoid that and maybe even stick it to the jerks after her. After all, she had seen and heard too many stories of what could happen to someone in her position back in Godara.

As it stood today, she had lured her out with an offer of tea and snacks. The look on her face when she was thrown a broom was priceless! That stunned confusion that gave way to growing horror. It was absolutely adorable to Grizt. She couldn't help but have a vicious smile the entire time. The first strike was barely blocked before she spun around to give a smack to the trainee's ankle to offset her footing. Rather than stumble, the girl hopped back onto her other foot and tried to open the distance while trying to use the broom to keep her assailant at bay. It was much better than stumbling or falling. Though in Grizt opinion, it was better to fall and roll. Once properly mastered, it can give you some good options so long as you can easily roll back onto your feet. Though she had heard arguments regarding this. Her smile took a less vicious quality as she allowed these thoughts to slide by as she lunged under her victim's attempt at a warding strike, a strike meant more to threaten than to actually hit. The princess managed to sidestep another strike to the ankle. The girl hadn't even received real training and was honestly making good decisions. Too bad she lacked the aggression needed to push back or the experience and skill needed to put those instincts to proper use. As such, she wasn't prepared for her other leg to be swept mid step. This time she fell. The poor girl was taken by surprise at this point and was now looking up at the goblin about to smack her head with a broom.

"Goblins are attacking the Princess! Remove the threats NOW!" an unfamiliar voice called from behind her. She turned her head enough to notice the commotion. There were armored women mounted upon horses charging towards her. This was not going to end well. She and her gang were currently under armed for such targets. Worse, they were on foot against cavalry without the proper weapons.~ Well, this sucks. Not many options for this~ She thought with a sigh.

"Raid Break plans girls! Unprepared harass!" She yelled out as she threw her broom like a spear. Normally this might not be all that effective, but that's if you weren't an ever annoying little goblin running around with whatever random bits of esoteric knowledge you can pull together. For instance, her and her two sparring partners, Shritoo and Oaguz, had a bit of training in aspects of certain sage skills. Such as the one they used to reinforce weak or brittle objects they used for training. In fact, that particular bit of magic was commonly something utilized by her people. Otherwise a blade would lose its edge too quickly or a weapon would often break in a prolonged bouts with clashing weapons. The funny thing is that Grizt was a trickster of sorts. For instance, she also knew how to make the weapon shatter from the spell with a delayed overcharged casting. Such as right now as the lead rider was thrown off her horse when the creature bucked and whinnied from being blinded, Grizt winced as she realized she delayed it too long. She meant to scare and buy time for a safer retreat. She really hoped she hadn't blinded the creature. Otherwise, things were probably be worse as it was clear to her that these women were protecting the princess and would likely want compensation for the maimed creature. It would be bad if it came in the form of a new owner for her or just her head. Hopefully the princess will recover quick enough to stop things from getting worse. The knights' charge had been halted as they had to reign in their horses or risk trampling the lead knight.

She sounded quite angry as she stood up," What are you halting for! Your duty is to the crown, NOT ME. Now protect her damn you!"

The was a slight pause before the four went into motion once more. Grizt and the others were close to entering the house when another voice rose.

"Stop it! I command you to cease your pursuit!" Commanded the princess as she stood up with an angry red mark on her face. Grizt winced again at the sight. She had been caught off guard by the yelling and had followed through with the blow. It was no wonder the princess had taken a little bit of time to recover, Grizt and the others were lucky she hadn't outright knocked her out. The knights came to a confused stop as they turned to look at their obvious commander in question.

"If she says stop, do it! Don't look to me!" Their leader scolded them before turning to the princess," I'm sorry for the delay my dear Princess. There had been a number of complications over the past few days. In any case, why are you defending your assailant if I may be so bold?"

Grace nodded to her in greeting as the woman bowed," It is good to see you again Andrea. It's been some time since I last saw you. As to the goblins, they are my maids."

"These revolting creatures? Why would you spare such traitorous beings? Is it not clear that they wish to bring harm to you and your people? Is that not a mark I see that was given to you not minutes prior?"

"Hey! We're not ugly or smelling, so what the hell is with calling us that!" Grizt declared angrily.

Grace shook her head at this," They were not in revolt Andrea, they were training me to protect myself since we had no guards."

The knight leader looked to Grizt, though she couldn't see her expression thanks to the helmet she was certain giving her a stern look. Though Grizt was reeling slightly at accidentally misunderstanding the statement. Then she realized both meanings were likely intended.

"I see while I can appreciate the concern for our Princess's safety, I cannot condone the pain you inflicted upon her in doing so, nor can I overlook the injury inflicted upon my steed. That goblin of yours has likely blinded him permanently," The Rea woman spoke coldly as she continued to look in Grizt's direction.

"Since I am her master, I'll be sure to pay reparations for this, but I must insist that you allow her to train continue to train me," Grace replied as she crossed her arms," While I don't like her methods, I do know how valid her concerns were and still are... I want to make sure IT never happens again.

The knight went silent for a moment before looking to the princess," I see, however I have a proposal then. You should only be trained by the best. Allow me to duel her on even standing to decide your teacher. I'll also decide the compensation afterwards."

"An-!?"

"You want to fight me fair and square? Fine, let's have a bout with brooms and no armor!" Grizt declared with a smile. She had a plan," I'll even make a wager on it myself!"