Free Haven: Chronicles of Warshard by Katherine Bogle Page B

toward the three gossiping maids and they finally noticed their queen. Wide eyes met hers as she stopped before them. “What do you speak of?”
    “Apologies, My Queen.” They bowed.
    “I will not have you gossiping like hens in my halls. Escaping into the mountains would be suicide with winter coming. Rythern will survive as it always has. Away with all of you, back to your duties.” Haven watched as the three apologized and scuttled away so fast they left only the faint smell of perfume in their wake. “Madness, Malka. This is utter madness,” she said, turning to her guard.
    “It is, My Lady.” Malka looked troubled. “I fear this will become a common string of thought if things get much worse.”
    “It mustn’t. I will not allow it. They will be dead before Kadia’s army even arrives,” Haven said, frustration boiling inside her. “They are right though. War is upon us and I don’t know how long we will be able to protect them.” Haven sighed, continuing down the hallway. “I must learn to fight, Malka, and I must learn now. ”
    Haven swept through the crowd and entered the courtyard-turned-sword-academy. The beginners still learned basic defense with Lareina, while Blythe had moved the advanced students on to single combat with the guards. They had recently been learning to fight without a shield, in case they were to lose theirs. The current exercises seemed to be a trial run of such. Blythe met her eyes as she joined them.
    “My Lady,” she greeted, her concern for the young queen clear in the set of her brow and flicker of her eyes.
    “Blythe, what did I miss?”
    “Are you sure now is the best time-”
    “Of course. There is no time for pause. I must learn to fight properly before the war comes,” Haven said, unsheathing her sword.
    Blythe hesitated. “Very well.” She motioned to a guard who leaned against the wall. He was a young man with shaggy brown hair and a cocky smile. His grin disappeared the moment he realized Blythe meant him to fight the queen. “Eli, unsheathe your sword. You will be dueling the queen.” All color drained from the young boy’s face.
    “You cannot be serious, Blythe!” he nearly shouted, staring wide eyed at Haven.
    “She is quite serious,” Haven cut in, moving to an empty area of the floor, dropping into her defensive stance. The stance felt off without the protection of her shield, but she had been taught to compensate for the loss. She adjusted her footing. “Get ready,” she commanded, and the boy obeyed.
    Blythe and Malka exchanged a look, backing away from the two.
    “Ready?” Blythe asked.
    “Ready,” they answered.
    “Fight!”
    Eli dropped into a familiar offensive stance, holding his sword with the ease of a well-trained soldier. Haven watched carefully, recalling her training. In the case of no shield, her best advantage was her speed. Being small had its advantages. She might lack strength, but if she was quick enough she could easily subdue an opponent. Trying to keep that in mind, Haven dodged Eli’s first blow. Moving quickly, Haven swung in a counter strike. Eli blocked with his sword and pushed her back.
    Haven was knocked off her feet and onto her behind before she knew it. Blinking in surprise, she jumped up. “Continue,” she ordered, swinging at her opponent. Haven could see the boy’s unease, but she was determined to practice as long as she was able.
    “Remember your footing, My Queen,” Blythe called to her.
    Haven nodded and moved her feet. Eli swung again. Haven dodged and went for his torso. The young soldier blocked again, pushing back. This time Haven kept her footing. Turning quickly, she swung her sword like she had been taught. The blow nearly hit, but Eli was faster than she expected. He moved out of the way, her sword swinging clear. Continuing her move, she spun again. Her hit was blocked once more.
    Their routine continued for quite some time; blow after blow, dodge after dodge. Haven was only knocked off