Inexperienced Mage (Reawakening Saga) Read Free

didn’t have to.
    Waiting until the last second, Mark dropped to the ground. Rolling around to Saru’s right he kicked, connecting with Saru’s shin, knocking him off balance. Wasting no time, Mark continued his roll coming up behind his opponent. Saru, sensing his predicament, tried to dodge but chose the wrong side and took the full force of Mark’s blow to his ribs knocking him down. Saru’s face was scornful as he looked up at Mark and the wooden blade at his neck. Mark stretched out his hand but Saru knocked it aside opting instead to spitting a small portion of blood onto Mark’s shoes.
    The audience was unsettled and Mark could hear complaints among the crowd. They had expected a more exciting battle between the top students. Mark could understand the disappointment having hoped to show off more of his skill than Saru had allowed. His and the patrons wishes were soon to be answered as the queen stood raising her hand high above her head.
    “Not near enough to show us where you talents truly lie. I shall have the captain of my guard challenge you.” Her statement was met with applause and eagerness as a burly man stepped toward the arena.
    As the captain shed his armor and sword, replacing it with a wooden practice blade of comparable size, Mark looked up at a man that towered over him by at least a foot with a body that looked as if it had been sculpted from granite. After giving a few practice swings the huge warrior presented himself in front of Mark who, unable to help himself, let out a loud gulp as he studied the massive figure in front of him.
    Steeling his nerves, Mark raised his blade and reset his footing to match that of his new opponent. The battle started slowly, the guard taking measured strikes at Mark - testing his reaction, with each strike coming slightly faster than the last. Mark looked for an opening, no matter how small, as he parried the blows of his opponent. Soon the attacks were coming so fast and hard that Mark was barely able to keep up. His hand was growing increasingly numb from the continuous impacts of sword on sword. He knew he was outmatched. The man in front of him didn’t even look to be trying hard. If Mark was going to have any hope of even landing one solid blow he would have to take a risk. But to get that chance he was going to have to get some breathing room.
    As the guard came with a strong underhand slice, Mark bounced on his toes, letting the force of the blow help carry him, as he flipped backwards. Mark landed hard on his back but ignored the pain and quickly rolled his shoulders allowing him to jump up and backwards to his feet. The guard gave him an appraising look as Mark began slowly backing away giving himself more room and keeping his sword up in case the guard decided to press the attack. But the huge man seemed content with waiting for Mark to make his next move.
    The guard made no move to close the distance he simply stood ready, waiting to see what Mark would do. Mark steeled his nerves, sat his feet and ran at the guard with everything he had. At the last moment, Mark went into a slide, slinging himself right between the guard’s legs. He had hoped to get a strike at the guard’s exposed legs but was moving too fast and just didn’t have the time or maneuverability to do it.
    Coming up quickly he struck but was disappointed as the captain of the guard deftly held his sword over his head blocking the blow. The guard swung around bringing his lead foot behind Mark’s and shoved him with his shoulder. His sword moved around at the same time snapping at Mark’s wrist causing Mark’s blade to fly from his hand and planting him hard in the dirt. Mark let out a silent stream of curses as he looked up at the victor whose face remained indifferent as he held out his hand to the defeated offering to help him to his feet.
    Keeping his head lowered, Mark limped his way back to his position on the stage. Looking around the crowd as best he could, he noticed many