[SleepingDragon]: 268.Master and Student

“But Master,” the young student protested. “Must I sit in the shadows while men fight simply because I am female?”

“No, child.” The silver haired instructor told her flatly. “Not because you are female but because you are inexperienced.”

“I am as studied as the rest under your tutelage!” She proclaimed adamantly. “And my skills are as sharp! You know this!”

“Indeed?” He raised a silver eyebrow.

“Which in my class can defeat me?” Cloe insisted. “Name him.”

“There is Ren of Haldice.” The instructor informed her.

“’Twas a fluke I say.” She crossed her arms stubbornly. “The boy is but a brute. He but knocked me over with his bulk. Where is the skill in this I ask?”

“Would not a rock troll do the same?” Chadwell asked her seriously. “Or an ogre of the swamps and marshes? Always you must be on your guard. Always you must know your adversary.”

“I know my adversary!” She demanded. “And there is neither troll or ogre among them. They are men from the Caldor region, some on horseback, some with bow and arrow. They may be brutal but none would ally themselves with these uncouth races!”

“Are there not many among them of large bulk, such as Ren?” He asked her. “To lose your footing would be to lose your life, and me, a fine student. Stay, I tell you. Practice and learn your craft, young Cloe.”

“But why? Why must I stay?”

“Obedience, if for no other reason.” He offered. “Do it because I ask it of you.”

“And if I do,” she asked. “Then what? Who shall stand and fight with me when my turn comes to face these men? For if you do not send me now but send the rest when you fear to lose me, who shall remain?”

“I would send none had I the choice.” Chadwell admitted. “I rue to send any, but the king has demanded it.”

“So you would send all but your best student? What is this?”

“This proclaim you?”

“I do.” She said sternly, looking him in the eye. “Stand and take up your sword. I shall prove it to you my master.”

“And then?”

“If you fail to pin me, I shall go with the rest.” She asserted. “If you do, I shall stay and we speak no more of it.”

“Very well. “ he acquiesced. “Let this debate be over.”

Rising slowly, Chadwell drew his sword, locking eyes with the fair young student. “Stand ready!” he announced.

In a moment, the square was alive with the ringing of steel as the sword master dueled with his prize student. The ring of blade upon blade could be heard throughout the city and soon a crowd of onlookers formed surrounding the two. Cloe jumped and spun, thrust and parried in an impressive rhythm, slowly backing Chadwell toward a corner of the square. It seemed at last that the student had become the teacher when Chadwell lost his footing and tripped, allowing Cloe’s blade to pin him to the ground by the throat.

“Rise Master.” She commanded respectfully. He did so, before bowing.

“You are deserving.” He spoke quietly. “You shall leave with the rest upon the morrow.”

Chloe stood there thoughtfully for a moment, searching her master’s eyes. “You did not refuse to send me because you though me inadequate, did you?”

“No.” He responded truthfully, returning her gaze.

“Then why?” she asked.

“Because I love you.”