“With more power this time! Less redundancy! Don’t hold back,” yelled out Arn as Desmond thrusted Light Wielder into a diagonal arc downwards into a boulder after a feint parry.

  The rock split apart as if it was paper as both halves landed with a loud thud. The sword glowed strong as Desmond was tiredly trying to perfect the technique Arn was teaching him. Everyone else in the squad was watching off to the side in their civilian clothes observing Desmond train long past the normal training hours of the late afternoon. Desmond was a little frustrated, but overall was keeping his composure.

  Desmond was in the clearing just a hundred yards away from the barracks. There were destroyed wooden posts, boulders split in two, broken wooden training swords, and some splintered trees. The sun was setting on the cool, autumn day as the steam from the shirtless Desmond was flowing off him like the air from a burnt piece of coal. Arn was shirtless and steaming as well with his arms crossed instructing Desmond to get his feet set correctly. His long sword was laying gently up against a tree behind him.

  The rest of the squad was standing over by a wooden, overlook platform on the edge of the clearing. They were all curiously watching him and patiently waiting for him to go drinking with at night. Mostly, they wanted him to pay the tab due his status and because he was an officer so he had officer’s salary. It had been six months of brutal training. The squad were one day away from officially graduating the training course. Desmond was still going at it as if he was still in the middle of those harsh six months.

  Keely looked like a wannabe rebel in her all black outfit, bright red scarf, ripped black leggings, and worn out black leather jacket with a red rose embroidered on the back.

  Kale looked like a refined elf noble in his form fitting, black tunic and charcoal colored trousers. He also had a camel overcoat with the collars popped up draped over him.

  Audra was in more athletic and comfortable clothes with a red gambeson vest over a gray, long sleeve tunic shirt with homemade thumb holes and black tights running into jorvik boots covered by fox fur leg wraps. Her hair was pulled back behind a red headband.

  Skivvy was wearing a thick, brown leather jacket with a gray, cotton hood over a Ushanka hat all of which was covering a brown gambeson top. His olive trousers were cut off at his ankles so that they wouldn’t drag and get shredded by his clawed feet.

  Ator wore a grey, wool, caplet overcoat over a long sleeve tunic and baggy, brown pants tucked into canvas mukluks.

  Nikolai wore a navy, gambeson top with a wool cloak that nearly swallowed him with how small he was. However, he somehow looked dignified in spite of it.

  Kale was slightly annoyed as he stared anxiously at his pocket watch, but he was also a little intrigued by Desmond’s intense training. Ator was vibing not paying attention to anyone or anything as he calmly cleared his thoughts. Keely gave him one of her joints and he was enjoying the after effects of it. Skivvy and Nikolai were trying to understand why Desmond always did this to himself. Audra and Keely leaned on the rail gawking and admiring Desmond’s and Arn’s sweat covered bodies.

  Keely said happily aloud, “LT and Captain really look good, don’t they? The sweat. The steam. The hardness of the muscles. MMM!”

  “Yep, yep,” said Audra in agreement.

  Kale asked slightly perturbed, “Can you please tone down the… Whatever warm feelings you two are currently having?”

  “Shut it,” Both of them replied with middle fingers not looking at him.

  Kale threw his hand in the air with a defeated sigh as he spun his pocket watch flawlessly into his jacket pocket. Skivvy and Nikolai chuckled at this exchange. Ator gave Kale a reassuring shoulder bump.

  Audra then asked, “How long has LT been at this, Kale?”

  “Two hours passed the last lecture and final ten mile run… He knows we’re graduating from this course tomorrow, right? It’s almost seven.” Kale said as he was sipping wine from his canteen. “What’s he trying to prove? He bitched and moaned with us during the past six months and yet he still goes out of his way for personal lessons from the man he called a sadist?”

  “He wants to be the best that he can be. Shows that he cares. Plus his weapon of choice is a powerful sword that the former prince used. Only the royal families, Elf and human heroes of nobility, have used it,” Nikolai surmised looking through his notebook.

  Skivvy was impressed by how much attention-to-detail Nikolai had written down. Ator grunted in agreement along with a no-look high-five to Nikolai. Skivvy was impressed by how much attention-to-detail Nikolai had written down.

  Skivvy chimed in asking, “That sword he wields… It’s imbued with magic, so I’ve heard? Explains the blue glow and all those destroyed targets… What type of magic?”

  “Ancient Elvan magic or something more powerful from long before I suppose,” Audra added. “I noticed his right hand glows slightly and only gets brighter as he holds it.”

  “Not good for night ops,” Kale said condescendingly. Ator hit him in the back with Keely high-fiving Ator in response. Kale chirped back holding his right lower back through gritted teeth, “What! That was the kidney you big oaf… Mother fuck.”

  “You kiss your mother with that mouth,” Audra joked back. “It was a love tap, man.”

  “Shut it… Besides you know I’m right when I say this. He glows in the dark like a blue fire fly when he uses it. You and I both know this! I’m actually amazed he didn’t get spotted during those night op exercises.”

  “He wears gloves to cover it… Maybe not the sword, but still… He’s our leader and he has been very nice to us, all things considered,” Nikolai responded.

  Desmond went in for a forward feint followed by a quick parry simulating a blocking technique and then a final and swift thrust into the rock pillar. The sword went halfway into it like the rock was butter. Desmond pulled out the sword and did it a second time with the same result.

  “Fawking hell! That was awesome,” Keely said in amazement. “The fuck does that work?”

  “Arn is teaching him the more advanced sword techniques… As for the sword’s abilities, the prince wielded it at one point. The sword attunes itself to whoever wields it, but only when it deems the person worthy… So I’ve researched. Annoyed I’m not high enough clearance to read the ones I need in order to know exactly… It chose the prince and LT for a reason… But I guess it has to do with the last battle he was in,” Nikolai remarked as he adjusted his glasses inquisitively.

  Kale then asked curiously, “Then what makes LT worthy?”

  “I wonder that too,” Nikolai replied adjusting his glasses.

  Audra added, “He cries in his sleep sometimes…Y’all noticed that too right? I’m not crazy?”

  Everyone agreed.

  “I think he’s reliving the battle over and over again. Maybe – Oh dear god his abs,” Keely added.

  Keely and Audra sighed happily at Desmond tensing his core muscles as he tried to slow his breathing.

  Skivvy then asked, “Besides whatever future dreams y’all are having… Have you figured out how to see others dreams or thoughts yet? Like, can you possibly look into why he does?”

  “No… Not yet… I’m still working out the kinks of not letting others know that I’m in their heads. The head wizard, Eluthar, has been trying his best after lecture hours to teach me though. Plus it feels wrong most of the time,” said Audra quietly.

  Skivvy gave a reassuring nod and she smiled while blushing in response. Keely coyly shoulder bumped Audra with bouncing eyebrows. Audra turned pink and shoved Keely in the face playfully. Skivvy smirked at the exchange whilst turning pink. Kale and Ator snickered at the exchange as well. Nikolai smiled at all of this.

  Desmond kept at it with an untapped well of stamina. His core tightened as he lunged forward again in the same manner.

  Arn said, “Better. Keep the front foot a bit closer and try again. Everything else is right. Imagine you’re destroying it. Not just thrusting into it. Stabbing something doesn’t kill on the first blow. Destroy its existence! Again!”

  “Alright then,” Desmond replied as he breathed heavily.

  He imagined himself channeling his anger and frustration into the sword thus disintegrating the rock before him. He took one long deep breath as he closed his eyes imagining the rock being destroyed into a thousand pieces after he twisted the blade once inside. He opened his eyes and struck the boulder again with better form and technique. He instantly thought about exploding the boulder from the inside once contact was made. Light Wielder shined brightly for a moment followed by silence all around. Everyone’s eyes widened as the sword burst out a blinding light in which the boulder exploded into thousands of pieces sending out a mini shockwave.

  Desmond stood still realizing what he just did. The realization sank in his mind like a diamond tipped arrow. He had to think, or feel it, and Light Wielder would respond accordingly. He also thought that maybe he would have to channel everything into it to make the explosions and shock waves happen, but he was not sure overall. For now, this was a surprise and a possible new feeling for Desmond. Arn covered his face as debris bounced off him unphased by the mini-explosion. Everyone on the overlook was in shock and awe as they slowly stood back up.

  The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

  “Not bad. Still needs work… That’s enough for now, sir. I think it’s best for you to rest up and spend some time with the men,” said Arn as he looked over at the squad watching in awe. “You have all earned this official completion of training already.”

  Arn walked over to Desmond placing his granite hand on Desmond’s right shoulder with surprising tenderness. Desmond relaxed and rested the sword on his left shoulder and nodded.

  Arn spoke gently, “You know? You don’t have to push yourself this hard. Albert used to do this as well… You’re improving every day, but the body needs to rest… The mind especially needs to rest. Enjoy your night off and celebrate. Y’all earned it.”

  “I think that’s the second… Second time… Shit, I’m winded… I’ve seen you smile, sir?”

  “Hmmm,” Arn said with a microscopic grin as he wiped the sweat off his smooth head.

  He was briefly reminded of Prince Albert in the same, tired standing position that Desmond was in. Same drive, same motivations, same nearly everything reminded him of Prince Albert. He also remembered a teenage Albert failing miserably at maintaining balance with a wooden long sword.

  Arn continued after a long sigh, “Expect to see all of you at passing out parade tomorrow… Proud of all you officially becoming special forces.”

  “I know. I just have to get this right is all… Thank you, captain.”

  “That’s all for today. Goodnight, Desmond.”

  “Goodnight, Arn,” Desmond said as he looked up at the setting sky taking in long breaths as the soreness in his entire body washed over him.

  Arn walked away wiping his body with his sweat stained shirt in his hands. Keely was mesmerized by the sight of Desmond along with Audra as both of them were biting their lower lips. Kale rolled his eyes at them, but was overall impressed by Desmond. Skivvy was astonished overall. Ator gave a silent clap. Nikolai was looking inquisitively at Desmond trying to figure out how Light Wielder worked in that instance ignoring the dust and dirt staining his face from the shockwave. Audra quietly performed a cleaning spell on everyone.

  Kale then asked with some concern, “I know I asked this, but…Fuck me that was awesome… Why does he do this to himself every day? Does he hate himself?”

  “No,” said a calm voice from the overlook steps.

  Everyone turned around to see Aurora walk up and were shocked by her beauty and silent walking. “He blames himself. It’s not hate. He just wants to get things right this time.”

  She then asked Kale in Elvish, “May I sip your wine?”

  Keely and Kale immediately perked up in both surprised excitement. They haven’t heard anything Elvish since they got to this place. Kale sheepishly handed the canteen to Aurora who slowly walked over to the rail looking at Desmond. She took a sip and handed it back not saying a word. She was smiling as she watched Desmond catch his breath.

  Aurora then said in common, “He blames himself for the men he lost. That’s why he trains like this.”

  Everyone gave a collective “Ah” in understanding.

  Aurora was wearing an olive green, long-sleeved, form fitting gambeson with black tights, and ten inch tall, black, soft-sole moccasin boots that were wool lined. She had a dark brown, Elvish Cossack hat on. Her neck was covered with a blue, silk scarf with intricate designs of white flowers. Her hair was in a simple braid as it flowed out of the Cossack hat. She also had two sheathed short swords on both sides of her along with a small, cloth pack on her back. She looked refined, beautiful, and tough all at the same time.

  Ator squeaked something quietly to himself as he blushed slowly turning away. Keely punched him in the shoulder to relax and not make it so obvious for she was blushing as well. Audra quickly tried to fix any loose hair that was peeking out awkwardly from her headband. Kale was still perplexed that he didn’t hear her while also forcing himself to stop being distracted by Aurora’s beauty.

  Skivvy asked after turning pink and yellow for a brief second, “Hello, madame… Sorry to interject, who might you be?”

  “I’m the Elvan ranger attached to you guys for the upcoming mission. I’m Lieutenant Aurora… Sorry I came late. Politics and other military court matters, you know? Also, hello everyone!”

  “Yes ma’am. Understood, lieutenant.”

  “Relax, sergeant. I’m not your superior right now. Just a friend. Call me Aurora,” she said as she looked longingly at Desmond who was now drinking water.

  Everyone awkwardly said hello back.

  Nikolai, however, was still focused on Light Wielder.

  Skivvy asked, “How’d you know I’m a sergeant?”

  Aurora sighed and said simply, “Was given profiles of who in the squad I was to be with. Everyone’s names and ranks and specialties including brief backgrounds. Some of which was very interesting.”

  “That’s a way of putting it,” Skivvy replied turning red and blue for a second. “You can call me Skivs. Everyone does.”

  “Nice meeting you Skivs,” Aurora said shaking his hand. She looked over at Desmond one last time with a warm smile. “Yeah… Enough talk for now. I just want to enjoy the view.”

  A wave of warm happiness washed down her body as she leaned onto the rail grinning just like Keely and Audra were doing moments before. They both mirrored Aurora and looked at Desmond as well. All three sighed happily.

  Audra then whispered into Keely’s ear, “Fuck me! She’s beautiful!”

  “Agreed,” Keely replied biting her lip unsure of which people to ogle at.

  Ator made a pathetic whimper as Kale and Skivvy looked at him both silently telling him to hold it together. Ator quietly walked off the overlook with red cheeks and Kale sighed following him.

  Audra looked back and asked, “What’s that about?”

  Skivvy made a silent facial gesture towards Aurora leaning on the rail. Audra finally put it together as she gave a wink back to Skivvy who in turn blushed pink.

  Nikolai was still perplexed by Light Wielder and was trying to figure out how the power worked. His intense stare at Light Wielder was noticeable to Aurora.

  Aurora said to him without looking, “If you’re wondering how the power of that sword works… It’s a mix of arcane magic and a possible piece of an ancient god from long ago. It works in ways that are still being figured out. The wielder feels the force of the god and thinks it to happen… Only the wizard and certain higher ups know more about it. It’s all I know of it.”

  “That makes some sense I guess… Still, I would like to know more of this mission. Too much mystery behind it and it gives me a bad feeling,” said Nikolai as he was rubbing his chin.

  Aurora chuckled softly and said, “You’ll learn more soon. I believe I’ll catch up with you all later tonight. I’d love to know more about all of you and to not feel like a stranger amongst this squad. The Bull tavern correct?”

  “Yes,” Audra and Keely said in unison excitedly.

  Aurora smiled and said that she’ll catch up with them later with Desmond. The rest walked away as Desmond finally turned around to see Aurora as he was securing his back holster. He smiled as he wiped the sweat off his face and he sheathed Light Wielder to the back holster. His sweat drenched shirt was dangling from his side tucked slightly into his pants. He in that moment forgot he was in training when he looked at her. He would occasionally write a handful of letters to her when he had the mental and physical capacity left in him to do so after every training day. He felt as if she forgot about him for a moment when he hadn’t received any letter back in two weeks. However, he was heartened when he saw her. She was true to her word about seeing him again.

  She had a towel in her bag as she tossed it to him while he walked towards the overlook. He caught it effortlessly and began wiping his chest and arms. He smiled and asked, “Didn’t expect to see you here?”

  “Didn’t expect to see you training this hard?”

  “I have to master it.”

  “Ha! Good to see you again. Sorry for not responding for the past two weeks. Been busy.”

  “You as well and no worries… Glad you’re here.”

  “Come, let’s walk,” Aurora said as she crossed her arms after she brushed the sides of her hair over her ears.

  They walked slowly back along the dirt path to the barracks. Aurora felt like she was a schoolgirl with an obvious crush that she could not muster the courage to say anything to him. Desmond felt happy that she was here overall.

  Desmond asked, “So you’re the ranger?”

  “Yeah.”

  “I thought you were just security detail for the ambassador, your mother? Not an Elvan ranger. Didn’t want to tell me?”

  “Bit of a habit I picked up from her. ‘Never tell anyone know what you truly specialize in.’ Stay ‘mysterious’ basically.”

  “Interesting philosophy.”

  “I know. It’s a habit,” she said as she looked at the ground momentarily blushing. Desmond gently patted her shoulder and she smiled softly.

  She looked up at him and asked seriously, “Are you trying to kill yourself by training this hard?”

  “What?”

  “I’m serious. I overheard your squad talking about it”

  “No… Hell no.”

  “But why then? I have an idea, but I want to hear you say it.”

  “I don’t want to hesitate in fear ever again. I don’t want to make any mistakes again,” said Desmond.

  He retreated into himself once again thinking back on Johnathan and the incident at Wynward. He thought briefly of when he could’ve saved a woman from the recon rangers. He thought of how he should’ve pulled Johnathan out of Vul’Goth’s blast. He lastly thought of what his father told him when he was young. His dad was fishing on dock with a ten year old Desmond next to him. Talking about fear and doing what’s right.

  His father said to him, “If you’re frightened to begin with… Don’t hesitate. Fear can be a good driver to move forward if you use it right. That’s what makes people brave. Don’t let it overwhelm you though. That’s how people become frozen in the face of wrong… Oh! The bass just bit. Watch!”

  She noticed the sad tone in his voice and gave him her canteen. She responded softly, “Things happen for reasons… Reasons out of everyone’s control. You can train and train to drill out the fear in you, but it never leaves. There’s no shame in revealing that fear. But I suppose I understand your feelings over it… Just please… Don’t beat yourself up over it.”

  “Yeah,” Desmond said without emotion. He then sighed deeply and looked At Aurora. He smiled and said with warmth, “I am glad to see you again. Truly.”

  She smiled and gave him a quick kiss on his cheek. She jokingly replied, “You really need a bath.”

  Desmond responded by jokingly trying to hug her as she pushed him away whilst laughing.