Edorin told us that morning that we would be having another tournament at the end of the week. I groaned quietly to myself, not excited by the prospect of resuming training, let alone having another tournament. Edorin also told us that we were officially at our halfway point in the journey.


    This startled all of us. It didn’t seem like much time had passed. Looking back, it seemed like there was training, then Sacae was found out, then a week of down time. It seemed like just a couple weeks, but it was a month and a half. Just a month and a half more and we will be at the Island, likely fighting for our lives.


    The thought of it gave me an uncomfortable feeling in my gut. Still, I had to push through it, force everything out of my mind except learning how to survive. I ate the rest of my breakfast quickly and thanked William and Lánn for it. When I reached the training room a bit early, it was totally different. There were strange wooden figures and dummies lined with burlap and rope. There were all kinds of strange rope walls and platforms locked to the floor with metal hooks, looking like rocks or cliff tops. The far wall had what looked like climbing obstacles across the whole thing. Zanataz was standing with his hands behind his back, smiling. ánadaí and Gathaen were behind him, sitting and talking. They looked up and smiled as I walked in.


    “Good morning Croí. Welcome back. We have much to do if we’re to get you caught up. We look forward to shaping such fine iron into a strong blade.” Overwhelmed by his greeting and the idea of being back in this room, even unfamiliar as it was, I could only manage to bob my head at him and control my breathing. My eyes were wide, and I felt shaky. Zanataz pointed to the wooden figures. “No doubt you remember them from your training.” I shook my head, taking a step back towards the galley.


    “Not… really.” I replied quietly.


    “Right, you trained with your brothers, not in the Public Centers. Well, are you ready to try some training with these?” He asked.


    “I guess.” I said.


    “Let’s get started then.” He walked over and grabbed a wooden short sword and tossed it to me. It landed awkwardly in my hands. I flipped it around and squeezed on the handle, feeling the fit of the grip in my hand. “That will be one of your practice weapons. You will also be using hatchets and spears. All of them can and will save your life.” He held out a spear and I traded the short sword back to him.


    The spear was heavy but felt good in my hands. Memories of being taught to use weapons just like this spear by my brothers flashed in my mind, along with a little excitement.


    “Let’s see how you handle this; we’ll be practicing accuracy today.” ánadaí said. I was familiar with this. I nodded to her. “Ok then, give it a try.” She urged, pointing to a basic target. I felt the spear in my hands for a second, sensing the balance point, then used my thumbnail to put a very slight mark in the hardwood shaft and tossed it at the target, hitting near center. Aw man, I was off. Zanataz looked at me questioningly.


    “Have you thrown before?” He asked with a playful smirk.


    “I’m somewhat familiar with spears from my brothers.” I said. He chuckled as he walked over and retrieved it.


    “I would never have guessed.” He said sarcastically, smiling as he tossed it back. “Right then. Looks like we can move you up a level then. What about dynamic sharpshooting? Tried that?”


    “Like moving while throwing? A bit yeah.”


    “Ok, then I want you to practice in the following order to show me where you’re at. You will practice starting with the spear from rest position, and turning quick shots, then switch that out for jump shots, from both sides, and straight on, and switching out left and right hand shooting. I also want you to try shooting using alternate forms, like a side toss, or throwing at the target without turning all the way around. Catch all that Ace?” Ace? As nicknames go, I’ve had worse. Especially from William. I set that aside and thought through the information for a moment. Committing all the things he wanted me to practice to memory.


    “I’ve got it.” I answered.


    “Good. Then let me see it, and don’t forget to have fun, but also don’t forget what this training is for though.” I shook my head. My group and me surviving. “Good, then get to it. Let me know if you have any questions or difficulties. I’ll be watching to correct any flaws in your form. I saw you in the tournaments, you have a problem with people watching you and I want to try and move you past that.” As he watched me, ánadaí and Gathaen started setting up other targets and grabbing other weapons in preparation for when the rest of the group arrived.


    I thanked him and got right to work. My first couple throws were bad, my nerves made me second guess myself and miss. He called out my foot placement, or my follow through, then told me “Remember Croí. My eyes can’t hurt you.” I tried to keep that in mind as I tossed a few more times, still somewhat off. “You’re letting me get to you. Remember, nothing matters but the shot. Doesn’t matter what I’m thinking, what you do is what matters.” Gradually I was getting better. Thinking about Zanataz as if he was Kixas, off in the corner watching me carefully and giving me advice, seemed to help.


    After about an hour, I barely noticed him unless he corrected or praised me. Jael and Klintock came in with everyone else. Seeing me hard at work, they quickly picked up their spears and started tossing at their own targets, per the mentor’s instructions. Occasionally we would switch out static targets for ones that moved across the ceiling on metal rails. One exercise was to hit the target before it reached a dummy that was supposed to be a stand in for one of us. Flint threw too late one time and struck the dummy.


    “Flint! Why’d you kill me?” Sable asked, smiling.


    “I just couldn’t take that you found new friends to replace me! I’m sorry!” Flint said, falling to his knees and fake crying. We all laughed as he went to retrieve it. My hands had blisters all over them. One had rubbed off and was starting to bleed.


    Zanataz noticed me picking at them. “Croí. I don’t want you to throw till you bleed. You won’t be able to train efficiently that way. We’ll start on some fitness, striking, agility, and grappling tomorrow to give your hands a moment. Otherwise, great work today, you’ve improved quite a bit.”


    “What about us?” Jael asked.


    “Eh. A little sloppy.” He jested. “But seriously, not bad. A little more on mobile accuracy for you Jael, and more power for you Klintock. The rest of you need to work on leading the target a bit more, but overall, not bad at all.” We nodded and thanked the mentor’s as we split up, some went into the galley, others up on deck. I felt an urge to keep practicing. The smack of the spear in the target was very satisfying. Even if it hurt my hands, it was an essential skill to learn.


    If we were going up against stronger or armored opponents, we would need to hit their weak points at a distance. I wouldn’t be satisfied until I could hit my spear into the end of a knife from any point in the training room, from any angle. I need to be able to do that with any weapon I pick up, even a kitchen knife or a cup if I have to. I grabbed the knife and hatchet out of my pack and started heading back into the training room.


    “Where are you headed with those?” Klintock questioned sternly.


    “I’ve been resting for a week; I need to do more.”


    “I don’t think so. You heard Zanataz, not until he gives you the go ahead. Come sit and play cards.” Jael said.


    “But I have to…”


    “Sit.” Klintock pointed at a chair he pulled out. I sighed and put my things away. Of course, he was right, and I knew that. But something inside me hated sitting still for so long, being pitied by the group pulled at me in an unpleasant way. No matter, I’ll just put everything I have into training tomorrow.


    About an hour later, the bell rang and Lánn came rushing in with Sable and William. They put Sable’s feet up on the table and measured them for her boots. Lánn took measurements of her legs while William started cutting out several layers of leather. Her feet were so small, it was intriguing comparing them to mine, not just the size, but the shape. My middle toe was slightly shorter than the rest, but hers seemed to all follow a near perfect arc, and they were narrower than mine as well.


    How is it that she’s so pretty? And she’s pretty all over too, not just her face, but her hands, and figure, even her feet. Now that I think about it, I feel the same about Leola and Céírde. Oh but wait. I noticed that her pinky toes were ever so slightly shorter than the other toes. I wondered if Leola and Céírde’s were the same way. I know their faces are lovely. But why though? Why not Lánn or Jael? Or… No Lanaea is pretty too, now that I think about it. I shook my head to clear out the unpleasant invading thoughts.


    “Croí.” Klintock said bluntly.


    “Huh?” I said in a slightly higher tone than expected, snapping my attention back to him.


    “Your turn.”


    “Right.” I focused back on the card game we were playing and put down some cards, hoping nobody had noticed me staring. We had made two new card games out of boredom during my rest week and were having fun playing them.


    We played a variety of games for an hour or so until it was time for dinner. Cairen brought everything out as the bell was ringing.


    “You youngins will need to catch another fish ‘r two for dinner tomorrow. I’ll be expecting it cooked up nicely before break. Then you can keep working on these.” Cairen said pointing to the partial sole of one of Sable’s boots that William had been working on. He set down the food he was carrying and picked up the sole. “This yours lass?” He asked Sable with a surprised face. She nodded excitedly.


    “Yeah! I can’t wait.” She said. He looked at her suspiciously a few times.


    “Are your trotters really that tiny?” He held the sole up to the bottom of his foot. From his heel, it didn’t even reach the ball of his foot, making it apparent how small it was. She laughed and held out her foot and he put the sole on it, there was even a bit of wiggle room around her foot. “Goodness me lass! That’s amazing.” He handed it back to William, shaking his head with a wry chuckle. “Nice work on the leather there William. Turned out nice and hard just like we wanted.”


    “Thanks.” William said bluntly as he got back to work. He didn’t really stop until he was done with both soles a couple hours later. He seemed to have taken a liking to layering and cutting the leather. Getting everything to fit together just right. Even holding a pleasant countenance on occasion when he forgot that people were around.


    Over the course of the rest of the week, training was difficult, but I was having fun. We were learning a variety of things, aside from just accuracy, like how to use the weapons in close combat as a team against larger armored opponents that moved quickly, defensive use of the weapons, and how to strike while running away.


    We only sparred as a warmup. Zanataz said it was silly to train against people when you''re fighting beasts and was very angry that Sacae hadn’t been teaching us properly. He used the wooden structures to represent large creatures with their heads and vital areas covered in target material for us to practice striking. We would also practice grappling the structure.


    “If you lose your weapon and what you’re fighting closes the distance, you’ll want to try and stick to it like glue somewhere it can’t reach you or tear you off. Eventually it should tire, and you’ll have a chance to kill it or run away. For many creatures, this is just behind their head. Though some are flexible enough that most anywhere isn’t safe, but for something like a Hybrid Wolf, you could use a choke hold on it if you’re quick enough. But it’s absolutely a last resort, likely to earn you some severe injuries.” He explained.


    He exercised us daily, mostly me, focusing on muscle groups and exercises that would accent our speed, power, and agility. At least an hour was usually spent on climbing the wall. There were ropes and hand holds that imitated rocks and hazards that Zanataz would activate to simulate sticking your hand into a creature’s nest or grabbing a loose rock. We would have to pull ourselves up and check the hold before we used it, or risk falling to the matts below and starting over. ánadaí and Gathaen would hold long poles with what was supposed to be birds of prey on them, attempting to pull us off.


    They taught all of us hand signals that meant basic things. Like holding a hand up in a fist to either side of your head, which meant ‘stop.’ They had us all separate and try to communicate with the hand signals to achieve separate objectives. If we talked, we lost. It was difficult. Some of the objectives required some intricate instructions, but we eventually managed. After several hours of silence, it was back to exercises.


    They made us do exercises where we would try to dodge mock attacks from large and small predators alike. They honed our combat skills, sometimes even sparring with three to five of us at once to show us how to work together against an opponent. Occasionally all three would attack to set us up against odds that weren’t in our favor. ánadaí would drag one of us away while Zanataz and Gathaen attacked us. We would have to figure out how to defend ourselves while rescuing our group member. It was nice to end each day with a pleasant exhaustion instead of pain and discomfort.


    When we plopped down to rest after another full day of training, William got to work on the nearly completed soles, and Lánn cut out leather for Sable’s boots, then moved on to making the soles for Klintock’s. Apparently, it was a long process that would utilize Charum yet again.


    Ten layers of leather were cut to shape and layered on top of each other. Then the ingredients would be added in between the layers. Everything would then be placed between two weights, which would bind and glue them together, shrinking them all down to one solid layer. This process was repeated for the heel, which was then attached to the sole.


    This new multi layered, hardened leather was called a Charred Leather sole, because of the black color brought about by the process. Cairen said that there was something called rubber that worked as good or better under certain conditions, but it was more difficult and expensive to make unless you had a specific place dedicated to it. Whereas this method only required the leather, some cutting tools, weights, and wooden blocks to shape the product during weighting.


    I was fascinated by these ingredients. Charum, Crows Tears Oil, whatever that rubber was. It made me curious about what other materials there were, and what else they could do. I was also curious if there were more things like them that produced magical and fantastic effects, and where one could acquire them.


    Céírde and Flint told us about many creatures from our Island and some that migrated between two. Most of the creatures were small birds that could be used to find safety or food, insects that were large and dangerous, or large birds of prey that targeted anything out in the open on certain sections of the Island. They even found out about something that was in the legends section.


    It was called the Fifth Island. A massive island that seemed to move from time to time, sometimes being nestled up against an Island, other times being further out to sea. For years nobody knew why until it moved far up onto a portion of an Island’s beach. One of the Agers was brave enough to inspect it. She found that there was a waterline where the dirt and vegetation of the island ended, and a hard material continued into the mound of sand that had been pushed up the beach by the Fifth Island.


    She ran around to one end and found, far out into the water, that it almost looked like there was a massive cave just below the surface heading inside the Fifth Island. She swam out along it and dipped down, peering into the cave where she saw, through the murky water, the front part of a tortoise’s face.


    They waited on that portion of the Island for several weeks until one day, as Kolob was going down, the ground shook as the giant tortoise rose and moved back into the ocean before settling again. It was estimated to be nearly twelve miles across, but was never known to do anything aggressive, aside from eat a whale or two on occasion. Even when it noticed the Agers who waited for it to move, it didn’t attack them, just moved away to sleep several miles offshore. We asked Edorin if it was true, as something that big sounded fake. Besides that, if it was that big, it would have to empty out the oceans to feed itself.


    “It’s true, I’ve seen it. It showed up around the time of the Leviathan. If you ask me, the Leviathan was hunting it and it found refuge there by snuggling up to the Islands.” That didn’t really sink in. While amazing, I couldn’t really imagine what something that big would even look like. An island that moves? It didn’t seem possible. I shrugged and went about my routine.


    By the day of the tournament, William and Lánn had finished Sable and Klintock’s soles, and were almost done sewing the leather onto them. They were taking shape nicely. I was surprised at the efficiency and accuracy of my companions. I figured I would’ve failed long ago and given up, but they kept at it with Cairen’s guidance. I was very excited for the end product. To finally have shoes on my feet. We all turned as we heard Edorin walk into the galley.


    “Captain.”


    “At ease.” Edorin said.


    “Well kids, you all ready?” Zanataz asked.


    “For what?” Lánn asked.


    “The tournament, it’s an hour from now, but I’d like for all of you to be up there a bit early.” Edorin said.


    “Oh, right Captain.” She saluted him and he smiled as he walked off.


    “Should we just head up now?” Keokin asked the group.


    “I mean… I guess so.” Leola sighed. “I’m just not feeling a tournament today.” Céírde and Sable nodded agreement.


    “Are you guys alright?” Lánn asked. Leola leaned over and whispered in Lánn’s ear. “Oh. Yeah.” Lánn responded. “Mine hit me a few days ago. Jael and I just got done with ours.” I was confused.


    “It’s stupid that girls have to deal with those.” Flint said.


    “I agree.” Said Céírde. “Though I consider us lucky. Being long lived as we are we don’t have them anywhere near as often as humans do, or even Revorians for that matter.”


    “Really?” Leola questioned. “How often is it for humans?”


    “Every month.” Céírde said with a sympathetic smile


    “Every month?! That’s brutal.” Leola said wide eyed.


    “When did you get yours Croí?” William asked, smirking. I squinted at him with my head tilted. Completely baffled by the entire exchange.


    “My what? What’re you guys talking about?” I asked.


    “Knock it off William.” Jael scoffed. “Don’t worry about it Croí, it’s a woman thing, you’ll find out later. Let’s head upstairs.” I nodded and brushed it all aside.


    I wanted to focus on the tournament for now. It would be nice to win this time if possible. I still wasn’t in peak condition, but I figured I was well enough to put up a fight. Edorin had us lineup after drawing names. I opened mine and read


    Sable. What?! I can’t fight her! Grapple her?! What if I touch her legs? Those pants do weird puberty things to me. Or what if I touch, other parts? That can happen during a grappling match. Besides that, she’s a girl. I mean, Jael’s a girl too. But she’s a guardian that’s taller and maybe stronger than me. Sable’s tiny. I’m not supposed to fight girls, my family said that a lot. Well. They said don’t hit them, this is grappling… I groaned, my mind racing for any excuse not to fight with Sable, then giving up. Can I trade? I looked over at Klintock, he had Céírde. Dang. Jael was next to me and she had Lánn. Crap!


    “Line up Agers.” I groaned. This is going to suck. I stood in front of Sable. She smiled.


    “Croí eh? Oh, this’ll be fun.” She smiled mischievously and rubbed her hands together. I exhaled and groaned nervously.


    “Agers, one more thing before you begin, this time striking will be allowed along with grappling. You may strike anywhere on the body. As usual, tapping out during a grapple, knock out, or giving up will lose you the match.” I heard a concerning chuckle from my right. I looked over to see William standing across from Leola. My heart sank at the thought of what could happen there.


    “I’m gonna make you eat those words about my girl bein’ easy.” He threatened.


    “You can’t eat words nimrod.” She replied dismissively. I chuckled. She’s right. Also, what’s a nimrod?


    “First match is between Flint and Keokin. Clear the stage and get ready.” Everyone got out of the way, forming the usual circle with Flint and Keokin in the center. “Go.” Flint was the first one in. He threw a right jab that Keokin dodged, then a left and another right. Keokin grabbed the last right and pulled him into a grapple, taking his legs out from under him and slamming him on the floor, landing on top of Flint, he wrestled his way into a full mount, with his legs between Flint’s, looking to ground and pound him.This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.


    Not used to the idea of striking being permitted, Keokin kept his head up and Flint slammed his jaw, dazing him. Flint took the opportunity and pulled Keokin’s head under his right armpit, wrapping his legs around Keokin’s torso. Keokin threw up a blind fist, hitting Flint in the cheek, but not hard enough. Flint moved his head to get into a better position but was met with another strike. Keokin landed several more strikes, but Flint kept the hold and eventually Keokin had to tap out or pass out. They stood and shook hands with a smile as the crowd cheered.


    “Next. Klintock and Céírde.” Called Edorin. They squared up and Edorin gave the command. Céírde adopted a more protective stance, seeming to be primarily defensive. Klintock poked and prodded at her defenses, feinting a high punch, and moving into a leg sweep. Céírde flipped and slammed onto the floor. Klintock tried to dive in to grapple her, but she rolled over and got to her feet.


    Changing tactics, she started throwing strikes back at him. He was thrown off for a minute and she got a few solid hits in. She threw a high kick and Klintock caught her leg, pulling her in and wrapping her into a complex hold, putting pressure on slowly. Céírde struggled, but the position Klintock used was one that maximized his strength and minimized hers. She tapped out and they were done. Céírde looked disappointed, and Klintock did his best to reassure her that she did well, but his words didn’t seem to bring her much comfort.


    Next up was Jael and Lánn. The contrast between them was stark. Lánn was nearly a full head smaller than Jael, and much thinner in comparison, but she seemed determined. She threw several punches and kicks, some of which stumbled Jael. Jael was holding back; I could tell from the time we’d spent sparring. That is until Lánn hit Jael in the face, stunning her enough for Lánn to close the gap. She hit Jael three more times and tried to move in for a grapple, but Jael recovered and gave a single solid punch. Lánn stumbled for a moment, gritting her teeth from the pain.


    Jael advanced, landing strikes while shrugging off Lánn’s hits. Eventually Jael landed another solid hit to Lánn’s stomach, and she went down. She sat there for a moment then tapped her hand on the floor. Jael instantly went down to check on her and help her up. She was fine after a minute or two and smiling again, repeatedly telling Jael she was fine, but she was obviously still in pain. Jael just kept apologizing.


    “Croí and Sable, you’re up.” No. No way. I looked over to see Sable smiling at me with mischief in her eyes as she bounced from one foot to the next. A whimper of fear escaped my lips, as the crowd cheered. I timidly walked into the makeshift arena. “Go.”


    Sable moved, first right, then left. I felt panicked. I tried a jab at her, but there was no heart or intent in the strike. She took hold of my arm and threw her body up, wrapped her legs around my neck and let herself fall to the ground. Her weight on my neck with her hold on my arm, forced me to fall over. As soon as I hit the ground, she let go of my hand, and waited for me to get up while staying in my blind spots. As soon as I was on my knees, her arm slipped around my neck and I felt her body slam into the back of mine, my body began to lift as she pulled me over hers. I flipped backwards over her and flopped onto my stomach.


    Ow. Ow. Ow. Ok. I don’t have to hit, maybe I can grapple, or run away. I got up as fast as I could but was met yet again by a strange twirling hold. This time she stayed on me as I hit the ground. I couldn’t see much with my face on the floor, but it felt like her arms were around my neck, and somehow barring my right arm. I reached up to find her face with my left hand but found something strange that felt thick, muscled. I felt her twitch around my neck harder and I choked. Panicking, looking for any kind of hold, I moved my hand up to find her lower back.


    Her back? Wait, I touched her butt?! I’m sorry! What’s even going on?! I got a leg under me and pushed to try to roll over and get a better idea of what was going on, but I felt a strike to the back of my knee that dropped me back down. The pressure from what I now knew was her legs, increased on my neck. Somehow, she was choking me with her legs, and her feet were wrapped around my right arm, barring it.


    How?... I’m just going to tap. This is way too awkward. I have no idea what’s going on or what I’m doing. I reached up to tap out, but then remembered her butt was there somewhere and slammed the floor instead. She released and I stood up as she crawled off me. I looked over to see her smiling, face slightly red. I dipped my head and quickly walked to the crowd, feeling my face flush red. She threw her hands in the air and the crowd cheered.


    I figured I would apologize to her later in private when the crowd wasn’t cheering. I stood at the edge of the circle to watch the next match.


    “William and Leola.” Edorin called. I’m nervous about this match. William doesn’t pull his punches, and he’s vindictive and spiteful, and I’ve felt his wrath. But I have no idea what Leola’s fighting skills are like. I don’t see this going well though.


    “Go.”


    Leola moved first. She went in to wrap up his legs. William let her, but when she tried to pull, he just punched her in the side. Leola tried to push him off balance by tackling his hips, but he dropped to one side at the last second when she dove, and she fell over him. He jumped on top of her, she threw her right hand up to protect against his strike, as her left was holding her up. He pulled her hand down and punched her in the face. He moved back, smiling as he waited for her to get up.


    I felt tense. I didn’t like watching this. There was something different. Something off. Leola got to her feet and took her stance, giving a slight shake of her head, then setting a determined gaze on William. She came in and tried to work on another grapple, mixed with scattered strikes and feints. This time William shifted under her jab, grabbed around her waist, lifted her off her feet, and tossed her. She flopped onto the ground behind him but got up again. She tried more strikes, but William had longer reach, so whenever she would move in close enough to strike, he would just wait and strike back as soon as she punched or kicked. But he was pulling his punches, much like Jael had been, smiling as he did.


    I didn’t like the smile; it was like when he would threaten me. It was cruel. Leola feinted a kick, and when he dropped his guard to block, she punched him, then hit two more times. She went in for a hard kick to the stomach, but he caught it. His cruel smile returned to his lips as another blow struck her stomach. He was too fast for her to grab his arm or deliver a counter blow. He released her leg and she stumbled back. He moved forward and hit her in the arm, then the ribs, then her thigh which buckled her leg slightly, then he struck her stomach again. She buckled onto her hands and knees. The pain of the hits she’d taken were plain on her face as she grimaced, she knelt there on all fours for a moment, getting her breath back.


    I looked around at the rest of the people watching this happen. None of them were making a move. Why won''t they stop it? There was a smack sound as William’s fist slammed into Leola’s left cheek as she stood. This time she yelped out in pain as she was thrown back to the floor. She quickly rose back up to her feet. My fists clenched for a moment as I wished she would get in some strikes, pay him back.


    She shook her head again and stepped a few feet away from William, her fists up, ready for another strike. The crowd had gone silent now, aside from some cheering Leola on. Their faces were serious, expectant. William came at her with an overhead right. She put up her forearms to block, but his fist stopped just short of her arms and his left hand came straight up into her stomach again. A strange groaning noise escaped her mouth. She staggered back but didn’t fall. She did drop her hands however, which William took advantage of as he punched her yet again in the left cheek.


    Stop this! I looked over at Lanaea. She looked uncomfortable, focused, but she wasn’t moving. Edorin was stoic. My fists clenched tightly and every muscle in my body tensed. William lunged at Leola with his left hand. This time, Leola dodged out to William’s left side. Her right arm pulled back and released, striking William in his ear. He growled from the pain, holding his ear with his left hand. His right swung wildly at her, but she ducked underneath it and threw a solid punch to his face, this one hitting him almost squarely on his nose. He yelped and stepped back. Several people including me cheered, applauding her skill as she landed four hits to his left and right cheek. William moved back, eyes watering, but squinted at Leola, enraged.


    Leola stood there, breathing heavily, and held her stomach with a slight smile on her face. A moment passed before William pulled his hand away from his nose, a steady stream of blood coming from his left nostril. His face changed from surprise to unbridled fury as he strode towards her and waited for her to swing. Once she did, he sidestepped, grabbed her wrist, and pulled. She stumbled off balance right into his outstretched leg and he pushed her down onto her back, landing on top of her. As she lay there trying to catch her breath, William abandoned any pretenses of playing, now serious. William threw a strike at her, glancing her arms and striking her face, then another, mostly caught by her forearms. He grabbed and pulled her arms away as she kicked him in the back.


    Stop it! She needs help! I looked around at those in the crowd again, desperate for someone to stop the fight. Most stood there with their arms folded in front of them, some were grimacing, others were blank faced. Two men I could see in the corner were smiling; it looked like they were joking with each other. A strike smacked into Leola’s face, and she yelled out in pain.


    Stop! Before I realized what was happening, my legs pushed off the wooden planks beneath me and I sprinted towards William. I had no plan in mind. I hadn’t even told my body to run, it just did. William had his left arm raised above him, ready to come down on Leola. She lay, pushing back against his right hand, and looking somewhat dazed. Before he could bring it down, I leapt at him, tackling him from his left side and slammed him to the floor. I could feel us sliding across the deck. When we stopped, he was pushing to his hands and knees trying to stay upright.


    My left arm wrapped around his neck. I felt my legs moving, slamming my right knee into his ribcage repeatedly. I released my hold on him, and quickly switched to another, grabbing him, both arms around his waist from behind. Pulling with all my might, I lifted him off the floor and backwards over me, letting him go before we hit the floor and sending him tumbling.


    I didn’t wait for him to breathe or recover. I reached back, catching myself before I hit the ground and ran after him. I was on top of him as soon as he got to his knees, my right leg came straight up into his chin, throwing him backwards. My left slammed into his stomach, forcing him to double over for another right kick to his cheek. Seizing the opportunity, I moved behind him and put my arm around his neck and started to squeeze, tighter and tighter.


    Around this time, I saw movement out of the corner of my eye. I looked up to see Edorin in the crowd. Him and Lanaea had moved from their places to the inner circle. Were they coming to stop the fight too? Edorin’s eyes were wide with surprise. Lanaea was closing the distance to us with Zanataz. I abruptly realized what I was doing, like my mind had been thrown out of my body and was now being shoved back in. I felt my arms slacken a bit. William must have felt it too.


    His hand grabbed my arm, and he pushed his hips into mine, throwing me off balance. I could feel a sliver or two go into my toes as my feet slid for a moment across the deck before I was thrown over William and slammed on my back. I saw him readying to strike me. I glared through the pain and balled my fists. Come on! Just as he was bringing his fist down, he was stopped by someone in the crowd. I was pulled up by Zanataz.


    Leola! I looked around to find her staring at me, her eyes wide with surprise. Or shock. She looks scared. As I looked around at the crowd, I got mixed expressions. Most seemed surprised, others looked angry, and one or two were shaking their head in disappointment, but it was Leola’s face that had hit me the hardest. The last thing I wanted to do was scare her. I just couldn’t take watching William do that to her; it felt wrong.


    I looked down at the wooden planks for a moment, some stained with William’s blood, feeling shame and guilt for what I had done, but utter confusion as I couldn’t see how what I did was wrong, or even how I did it to begin with. I noticed a small gap in the crowd, and I ran through it, running off to the quarterdeck. Before I went up, I checked to see who was watching. Everybody’s eyes were on Edorin, Leola, and William, who was raging about wanting to beat me. I retreated to my usual hiding place, just down from the quarterdeck, once I was sure I was out of sight. I waited there until I heard everybody go back about their business, drinking ale, celebrating, singing, and dancing, then going down for dinner.


    I stayed till Kolob sank and the bright moons and stars were the only light left. Why did I do that? They were fighting. She could have tapped out. Why didn’t she? Why didn’t they stop it earlier? Especially Edorin or Lanaea. Maybe they were going to, but I moved first. I looked at my hands. How did I do that? Last time we fought, William wiped the floor with me.


    I sighed, thinking about the expression on Leola’s face. Did I do the right thing? Was she scared of me? Or was I just imagining things? I groaned silently to myself, realizing I would get no answers to my questions and returned to silence. I spent the next couple of minutes staring off into the night sky. I wonder what everyone else is doing. I hope that Leola is ok.


    I noticed what looked like a yellow light forming on the waves, light made by a lantern, then the accompanying shadows of the railings on the quarterdeck above me. It’s fine, nobody ever notices me down here. They’ll pass. Don’t mind them. I pulled my knees up to my chest, and small stinging pains reminded me of the splinters in my toes. I started picking at them, but it was difficult without any light.


    I heard the lantern being blown out and placed on the ground. The soft sound of someone’s hands on the railing were next. I was curious who it was but didn’t feel quite like looking up, so I ignored it. Until I heard something unusual, the creaking of the railing above me as someone was climbing over.


    As I looked up, I noticed the pale, slender feet of Leola coming down to the platform. I watched as her left foot touched down first. More than usual, I noticed every curve and crease of her foot, ankle, and calf. I glanced away but couldn’t help glancing back. She made me feel wonder and fascination. She turned around after touching down with both feet and slowly lowered herself to sit next to me. I did my best to avoid eye contact, as I didn’t really know what her intentions were. Besides that, I was incredibly surprised that she had found me. Nobody knew about this spot but me.


    As I stared out at the vast expanse of ocean and the accompanying sky full of stars and moons, I kept finding my vision drawn to her. Mostly her legs, with her arms gently wrapped around them, as they were the easiest to see at a glance without having to turn my head towards her.


    I kept noticing a strange feeling, like an urge. I wanted to reach out and touch her, put my hand on her knee, or hand. Why though? That would just be awkward. And its intimacy, that’s not allowed. I’d felt her hands on me when she would patch me up, and they were warm, soft, comforting. Was all of her like that? Would I get that same feeling if I was the one that touched her hand? Would she feel comforted if I touched her or is that a creepy thing? My thoughts and the silence were broken by her soft voice.


    “I’m guessing you like to come here to be alone, and not get bothered. Sorry to interrupt that, but I was wondering if I could talk to you for a minute maybe? About what happened, if that’s ok?” Oh man. Those same feelings of guilt, shame, and nervousness popped up as she mentioned it, and that same scared face she made.


    “I’m sorry.” I replied.


    “Sorry?” She asked. I nodded.


    “For scaring you. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to.” I could see her nodding slowly in my peripheral view, then her toes stretched and curled before returning to normal. My heart started beating faster. I was nervous, scared of how this conversation would go, but I was also feeling butterflies from being so close to her.


    “It’s ok. You don’t have to apologize for that really.” She said. There was a pause, but I didn’t know what to say to that, so I didn’t speak. Luckily, she continued. “I mean, I was scared. But only because I didn’t expect you to do what you did, and because I was so scared of William. I mean, he was vicious.”


    “Right? Geez what’s wrong with him?” I asked quietly, allowing some irritation to show. She chuckled.


    “Exactly. My cheek, arms, and stomach are all still sore and hurting because of him, and he wasn’t stopping. Maybe even if I tapped he would’ve kept going. So… I guess, what I’m trying to say is… Thank you Croí. I really appreciate what you did.” Thank you? I could feel a slight smile form on my face. I helped her? I didn’t just scare her? I smiled and glanced over at her, only able to make eye contact for more than a few seconds as I spoke.


    “You’re welcome. I’m happy I could help. I was thinking that I did something wrong.”


    “Oh no. Definitely not. William was… well, William was being William, but worse, and you stopped him. I mean, yeah it was supposed to be between me and him, but in that moment, right when you stepped in, I felt like I was done. He wasn’t though. Edorin was impressed too, said he’d never seen William be put in his place like that before, and never seen you do something like that. William’s been raving about having a rematch with you, so you have that to look forward to.” I sighed. Not looking forward to that.


    “But why didn’t Edorin stop it? Why didn’t Lanaea? Or anyone else?” She took a breath, looking out on the water while she answered.


    “Out of respect.”


    “Respect? How is letting you get beat up by William respectful?”


    “It’s not like that.” She squinted for a second thinking. “They were respecting my fighting spirit. I hadn’t tapped out yet. I hadn’t given up. I was really scared, sure, but I wanted to beat William. They were waiting for me to tap out to stop the fight. Some of them were mad because they thought I could’ve still beat him, but Edorin and Lanaea were moving in to stop it. You just rushed out before they could get to me.” I hadn’t thought about it like that.


    “Does that mean I was disrespectful to step in?” She shook her head.


    “No, you were being a Guardian. It’s in your nature to protect. And at that point, I had given up.” I sighed with relief.


    “Good, that’s good. Maybe next time you’ll kick his teeth in.” She snickered.


    “I’d rather not make so much work for Lanaea.” She jested.


    “Speaking of Lanaea’s work, how are you?”


    “Sore. Nothing broken, just covered in salves and filled with pain relieving tinctures.” She said with a smile.


    “Thank Aebhsean for Lanaea.” I said. She rubbed her cheek for a moment, then asked.


    “If you don’t mind me asking though. Why did you do it?” Why? That’s a good question.


    “I don’t know, really. I was just so mad that William kept hitting you. It felt wrong. And nobody was stopping it. It was cruel. I got so angry at him and then… I don’t know. My body moved on its own. I just started running at him and my body did the rest.” I could see her nod and make a slight hmm noise.


    “It was kind of like an instinct thing? Because you were mad?” Instinct? Yeah, I guess that’s right.


    “I think so? I mean there was some thinking involved. I kinda knew what I was doing after I hit into him the first time, but it was like I forgot about everything else for a minute. It just made me mad, and I had to stop it.”


    “Ok.” She nodded a moment. “Why did it make you mad though?” She raised her voice slightly and talked a little quicker as she added. “I mean you didn’t do it when Jael and Lánn fought. And I’m sure everyone there was angry with William, but they didn’t do what you did. I’m just curious.” I thought about it for a bit.


    “Well, with Jael and Lánn, at least Jael was pulling her punches. And it didn’t go on for too long. It stopped after there was a clear difference between the fighters. And the mood was lighter, it was just sparring. But with you, it just seemed to keep going. William had this look on his face that made me feel, I don’t know… uneasy. And besides that…” Besides, he was hurting you. Every time you let out a squeak or yell of pain it felt like it hurt me deep down and I couldn’t bear it. I wanted it to be me taking those punches instead of you.


    “Besides that, what?” She coaxed.


    “Well, he...because you’re…he was hurting you. It hurt me to see you hurt, and I couldn’t bear it when you would yell out. I just thought, I would rather it was me taking those hits instead of you.” Well, that was kinda awkward, but I guess it was accurate enough. She was silent, then suddenly chuckled. I looked over at her. Did I do something weird? Say too much?


    “You’re definitely supposed to be the Guardian. You were my shield today. Thank you Croí.” I managed to look over to see her smile at me. I was entranced for a second or two before I could reply.


    “Absolutely. Happy to.” I managed to smile back at her before looking back at the ocean.


    “You know, this is a really nice spot you found here.” I could see her looking up at the stars in my peripherals. I slowly turned my head a little so I could see her more clearly.


    “Thanks. It’s why I come here.” She’s so lovely. Her eyes shone from the starlight. Her delicate jawline led into the bend of her slender neck, down into her pronounced collarbone, and the u-shaped dip it made in the middle of her neck. Her hair reflected the moonlight and her toned, yet slender arms resting on her knees pressed into her chest. I tore my eyes away from her and closed them. Thankful that I could see an after image of her in my mind now. I heard her move and, as I opened my eyes, I could see that she was looking in my direction. I glanced over to see her smiling.


    “Well.” She said as she started standing up. “I’d better get some rest and see if I can get myself all healed up and ready for tomorrow. I would suggest you do the same.” I nodded.


    “Ok. I’ll be in soon.” She started climbing but stopped for a second.


    “You know, I know you don’t just come here for the view. If you ever need to talk, just let me know. I’m the Aid after all.” I chuckled slightly.


    “Yeah ok. Thank you.” I said. She resumed her climb. I turned my head and watched her. Watched the change in her calves as she pushed off with her feet and her hair swaying back and forth from the slight breeze. I stopped looking before she reached the top. Just listening as she walked away.


    I feel like I miss her already… That’s weird. I shrugged the thought aside. We did have a very nice conversation though. I’m glad she helped me clear things up.


    The familiar feeling of chills ran through my head and a little fuzziness, which I recognized as Tellis. Footsteps came up to the railing and I looked up tentatively to see Edorin leaning over, looking out on the ocean. I hope he’s not mad at me. Leola said he was surprised, but hopefully he’s not mad. Again, I felt Tellis touch my mind.


    “Just for the benefit of anyone who may be listening. I’m going to have a private conversation with myself.” That’s strange, I’ve never heard Edorin do this before. “I am the Captain of this ship for one reason. I love to see Agers learn, grow, and become strong, brave, or smart. Though Gods know, I’ve been heartbroken or had my faith in the purpose of the Aging shaken when certain Agers haven’t returned.”


    He took a breath. “Some were worried about one particular member of this group. I was worried about him, worried about his naivety, and lack of confidence. But he showed me something today. Improvement, and conviction. I’m so…”


    His voice seemed to break ever so slightly as he paused. “Relieved, and grateful. I hope and pray that he’s not done growing.” As I was looking up to where his head would be, I saw a small drop of water glisten from the moonlight as it passed me by, dropping into the ocean. Was that… is that a tear? I felt Tellis, this time I felt almost no fuzziness in my mind.


    “For anyone wondering about the moisture under my eyes. It’s not tears. It’s just the spray of the sea.” He tapped the railing lightly with his knuckle. “I should be getting rest now, goodnight, to anyone who may be listening.” Goodnight Edorin. I said in my mind as I felt Tellis.


    I felt happy. I did something good. I helped Leola, had a great conversation with her and was honest like she likes. Edorin’s happy with me too. I also got to beat William.


    I sat there for another hour, thinking about what Leola said. I have William to deal with. I don’t know how, but I’ll think about it before heading back. When I finally stood and retreated below to our room, William was still fuming with anger.


    “There you are twerp! Let’s do this!” Jael and Klintock got in between us. I balled my fist instinctively, flinching in response to his aggression.


    “Back off William!” Jael shouted. I looked through the shield that Jael and Klintock created. I can’t let this keep going, I’m supposed to be their shield brother. We protect each other, and I appreciate them watching out for me, but this. This can’t continue. We need to stand together, and we can’t do that if I’m cowering behind them. Like Leola said, I have to deal with it. No matter how scary he is, William is nothing compared to Sacae. Compared to a Hybrid Wolf, or an Undertaker Crab. If I can’t get over my fear of William, I’ll never get over Sacae, or any creature on that Island. Besides, after the beating Sacae gave me for so long, whatever William can do will pale in comparison.


    I put my hand on Jael and Klintock’s shoulders and pulled them back a bit, bringing me even with them. William smiled.


    “About time you grew a spine. Swing away little mouse.” He started rolling his shoulders, readying himself for a fight. I shook my head.


    “We’ve already fought William; you beat me remember?” My hands and jaw were shaking. But I had to stand up to him.


    “Bullshite! You were all broken then, that was like fighting a child. What you did today was something else entirely, even if it was a dirty sneak attack. You started this; I just want to finish it.” I sighed, taking a breath to steady my nerves.


    “I don’t care William. I’m not going to fight you unless we’re in a tournament against each other. It’s pointless. Even if you start another fight, I won’t hit back and my shield brother and sister will gladly pummel you in my stead, but you still won’t get your fight unless you wait for a tournament.” He glared and growled at me, clenching his fists.


    “Pointless? Of course, there’s a point, payback for your sneaky nonsense. I’ll show you just how out of your league you are. You’re just a little coward! A skittish skitterbrook. Hiding behind your guard dogs because you know I’d kick your teeth in.” I reached up and touched my little Kolob pendant to calm myself as I spoke.


    “I know you would like to, and I think there’s no point in that. I already wasted a week resting, I need to keep training, not waste my time getting my teeth kicked in. And in case you haven’t noticed, they’re behind me now. I’m right here, telling you no.”


    “Waste? Waste of time?” He was practically shaking with rage. “Waste of time like you would actually stand a chance against me?” I set my jaw as I saw his hand twitch, turning my head to the right as I saw his fist coming for the left side of my face, lessening the force of the blow. Jael and Klintock tackled William to the floor, twisting him into two separate grapples, forcing him to calm down. I looked at William, his hit hadn’t phased me, and he could tell, it infuriated him. “You little gobshite fecker! I’ll catch you alone and kick your…” Jael locked him into a blood choke.


    “Just calm down and go to sleep William, or I’ll put you to sleep.” He glared at me, and I walked over to my corner, saying goodnight to everyone, told Céírde I would catch up tomorrow, thanked Klintock and Jael and wished them luck then went to bed. The shaking eventually calmed down and I fell asleep.