Odessa had trained me extensively in traditional sword combat. I felt fairly proficient with longswords and short swords. We’d moved onto spears and polearms. My footwork was quick and precise and I could usually use speed and agility to outmaneuver my slower opponents.
“As you saw yesterday, that won’t be enough here,” Sankara said. “You’re impressive for a mortal.” Every time they called me “mortal” I was tempted to correct them. I was mortal. But only half. Still, what would be the point of explaining about the fae of Aercanum? They’d never believe me. “But here, your opponents won't be mortals. Vampires move faster, hit harder. For the next while, I want you to focus on speed and reflexes.”
I thought of the way my body had seemed to come more alive, to quicken, as I was fighting Visha. But I said nothing, simply nodded. I had no idea if I could will that to happen again.
Sankara gestured towards a set of weighted practice weapons hanging on the wall nearby. “Take those. Practice your forms with double the weight you’re used to. We’ll see how quick you really are.”
By the time Advanced Weaponry finished, I was a sweaty, dripping mess. But there was no time to go back to the First Year dormitory and bathe or even change. With only ten minutes before my next class, I had to hurry to get to Basic Combat for Blightborn. I made a mental note to bring a towel and extra set of clothes next time, so I could at least sneak into a bathroom and change.
Mercifully, Blake had stayed far away from me the entire class. Which was exactly how I wanted it. Our betrothal was meaningless to me–and it was clear it was just as meaningless to him. I also didn’t want other students thinking it set me apart as special. Or worse, marked me as a target.
Being the only rider already did that, anyways.
Regan had yet to show up for a single Advanced Weaponry class. I was starting to wonder if it was on her schedule. Maybe she was exempt. Or maybe there were two time slots for the class being offered this term and she was in the other.
I was starting to think I’d never see her there and that was a relief.
If I could stay away from Blake and his bully friends, maybe I could make it through this term. Maybe Bloodwing could even be bearable. Dare I say it? Even enjoyable. The school itself was growing on me. I liked being tested, challenged. I liked learning new things every day. Oddly enough, I was more interested and invested in my lessons now than I’d ever been with my tutors back in Camelot.
Naveen was waiting in the hall outside the Basic Combat for Blightborns classroom.
Florence was not. She didn’t have to take a combat class. At first I’d been surprised by this as one of her future career options was strategist. You would think a military strategist would have to be pretty familiar with combat.
But apparently a strategist’s position was primarily theoretical. Florence would be valued more for her knowledge of historical battles and her ability to develop campaign plans. If she went with this path, in times of peace, she might be posted as an advisor to a noble highblood house. She’d coach them on security measures, defense tactics, and ways to help keep their forces strengthened in preparation for future conflicts. If it ever came to full-out war, she’d be safely stationed in a command post, issuing orders and adapting strategies in real time, but never actually out on the field.
Strategists could also become diplomats and become valuable go-betweens for the highblood houses or even as representatives of Sangratha to other lands.
“You look more excited for this class than you did for the others,” I observed. Naveen was barely hiding a grin. He kept hopping up and down on both feet as he stood waiting.
“I am,” he agreed. “I’m ready to move. I’m tired of sitting on a bench all day scribbling on parchment.” He feigned a few jabs and I laughed. “I’m not like Florence. She loves keeping her nose in a book. I’m actually surprised she doesn’t want to become a librarian like her mother. I’m sure Bloodwing would love to have her.”
“That’s a good point,” I said, surprised I hadn’t thought of it. “It would be a safer position, too, right? Librarians aren’t really ever in danger.”
Naveen gave a little shrug. “I mean, within the school library I’ve heard it can be cutthroat. Some of the librarians are vampires. But they usually aren’t from very powerful houses. Still, that just means they’re competitive when it comes to keeping the little power they do have. I’ve heard Professor Shen say the library is not for the faint of heart.”
I snorted. “That’s kind of funny. I’ve always thought of libraries as rather dull places. Peaceful and quiet, if anything.”
“They sure seem that way,” Naveen agreed. “Oh, look. The door’s opening.”
Sure enough, the classroom door now stood ajar and students were lining up and making their way inside.
We followed the others into a large open room. It resembled the courtyard we used in Advanced Weaponry in many ways, except this one was fully indoors with a stone ceiling.
“I've heard our instructor is a dwarf,” Naveen told me, his voice low. “We can tolerate sunlight and we can build up an even greater tolerance, but it’s more comfortable for us inside. Especially when you’re, uh...” He broke off nervously.
“Yes, Mr. Sharma? Was there something you cared to share with the rest of the class?” a dry, female voice said from behind us.
I whirled around to see a short, sturdy-looking dwarven woman.
Our newest instructor had an impressively muscular build, with broad shoulders and thick forearms. Her gray hair was streaked with a few strands of dark brown and pulled into a ponytail. Her eyes were a striking shade of dark blue. A deep scar ran across her left eyebrow. She wore faded studded leather armor that had seen better days. It was clear she preferred functionality over appearance.
“Professor Stonefist,” Naveen said, his voice weak. “I didn’t see you there.”
“No, you didn’t, Sharma. And that could get you killed.” The professor’s voice was brusque.
I hid a smile. This woman was obviously the no-nonsense type. She reminded me of Odessa already.
The professor raised her voice so the entire class could hear her. “I’m Magda Stonefist and I’ll be your instructor. You’re here because you’re a future scout or because you need to fulfill the basic combat class requirement. You’re also here because you’re mortal. You’re blightborn. In other words, you’re weak.”
The class broke out in a stir of mutters.
“Well?” Magda demanded. “Aren’t you?” She pointed to the hallway. “That’s what they think you are. But weak doesn’t mean useless. Weak doesn’t mean expendable. That’s what you can prove in this classroom. That’s what you’ll have to prove to me.”
She scanned the room. “This class could just as easily have been called Basic Survival for Blightborn. Because ultimately, survival is what I'll be teaching you. Sangratha has been at peace for the last five years. If you can call it that.” She muttered the last part under her breath so only Naveen and I heard it. “But times can change. Times can change fast.”
I glanced at Naveen and he gave me a quick shrug, as if to say he didn’t know what she was talking about.
“Don’t consider this class optional. Don’t consider it theoretical. This class could save your life.” Professor Stonefist glanced at Naveen. Then her eyes swept over the rest of the group, pausing on the few dwarven students in our midst.
“Some of you have natural advantages,” she acknowledged. “Dwarves were built for close-quarters combat. We have high endurance. I’ll teach you dwarven students how to use that. The rest of you will learn how to fight smart. You’re not here to learn how to look pretty with a sword. In fact, for many of you, a sword in your hand is the last thing you’ll need. We’ll use smaller weapons. Clubs, daggers, crossbows. We’ll focus on swift, efficient strikes. Evasion will be our watchword. But sometimes a face-to-face fight can’t be avoided. Hand to hand combat is dirty, messy, but sometimes it can be your only chance against someone stronger and better trained. You’ll learn how to make the most of what little time you have to react. In future terms, we’ll focus more on learning the art of stealth.”
