Belvedor and the Four Corners (Belvedor Saga Book 1) Read Free Page A

upon her. His sword scratched at the fabric above her heart, and Arianna sucked in her chest.
    “Let me up you old fool!” she said. “Will you never give me credit for my skill?” She felt the heat rising in her face, her hands shaking.
    “I’ll give you credit for your skill once you win a battle over me.” He walked to the bench on the far side of the room and sat down. A barrel of weapons stood by his side, and he switched his sword for an axe.
    “I’m a warrior! I’m tired of these games,” she said. “What more could you want me to prove?” She looked away, balling her hands into fists.
    “Arianna Belvedor: a skilled slave of Warrior’s District.” He spoke slowly as if talking to a child. “Perhaps you are the most talented, disciplined fighter of all the children whom train within the city. But that is all you are and all you fight… children,” said Solomon, a fire growing in his eyes. He cupped her chin in his hand, demanding her gaze. His calloused palm felt rough on her skin, and she could see dark scars on his fingertips. “If you want to live longer than a day as a citizen of the Olleb, then you must learn to think outside of this childhood.”
    Arianna tried to pull away from his firm grasp, but he continued. “Master, I’m not a ch—” She stuttered as his voice drowned out her words.
    “Your eighteenth year is upon you. You must be prepared! Beyond these mountains is a land more vast and dangerous than you could possibly imagine. These dangers will not stop the tip of their swords at the nape of your neck. They will drive it through your skin until your blood stains their hands and your life leaves your eyes. They’ll show no mercy to a young woman who hasn’t had the chance to learn the trickery of the world, and that’s why I push you so hard!” He let go, staring her straight in the eyes. “You’re no warrior yet.”
    Arianna flinched at the harshness of his words. They painted a vivid picture. From the life she knew, she didn’t expect the outside world to be much different, but still… she hoped.
    “Master, I know all this,” she said in a small voice. This wasn’t the first time she heard this speech.
    Solomon scowled. “You know nothing! You’ve won many battles over your matched opponents but never killed more than a beetle under your feet. Heed my warning, child. You may be granted freedom for the skill you show in practice, but can you live long enough to enjoy it?” She hoped so. “The land beyond here, which you call freedom , is no kinder place than this children’s nightmare you’re locked in. It will demand the skill of both your body and mind if you’re to survive its battles.”
    Arianna could not help but feel weak and small in his presence as he turned his back on her. She stood frozen, his voice ringing in her ears.
    “I’m sorry,” she said in a gentle voice. She stored his words in her heart for she knew her master truly wished for her survival. She trained hard for him, even if she didn’t know her destiny yet. Not knowing what else to say, she picked up a single sword and steadied it in his direction. Besides, he called for action, not words, and this she could deliver with spirit.
    Solomon turned to face her, taking her in. He let a familiar smile flitter across his lips. Before him stood the same young girl he first looked upon five years earlier, yet somehow she’d grown. Her short, chocolate curls now grew past her chest, and she tied them to the side at her neck. Her thin arms and legs were now lithely muscular after so much practice. Even her boyish features had curved and smoothed into an attractive young woman. Not quite, but almost there… almost a warrior. She looked fierce, her sword hand steady as a rock.
    “What I want is for you to show me what you’ve learned from all these years of practice,” said Solomon. He raised the axe, gripping tightly on the hilt. He matched her stance and beckoned for her to attack. “Show me