Possessing the Grimstone Read Free Page B

there.”
    “Yeah, okay,” Arc said.
    “You don’t believe me?”
    “Not saying that, it’s just, well, the river bested you.”
    “For now. I’ll prove it to both of you. Not only will I master the water, but I’ll leap over the trees.”
    They both laughed.
    “Pim, stick to kicking the bristle back shell. It can’t kill you when you fail.”
    “I won’t fail. I’ll show you both.”
    The shell flew right at his face, and Pim ducked. It flipped a few times, then hit the ground, skidding to a halt.
    “You lose!” Arc called.
    Pim waved him off and chased after the shell. Nearby, Jun of the warrior sect walked past the shell. Pim caught up to him, and stopped him as he scooped up the shell. “Hey, Jun, wait a moment.”
    Jun was a few years older than Pim, but he had joined the sect at the age of eighteen, the same age Pim was about to reach.
    “Yes?”
    “I was wondering if you could teach me to use a sword… to defend myself, and others.”
    “Why? I’m on duty, checking the perimeter.”
    “I know, I mean when you’re off duty. I was thinking of joining the warrior sect when I turn eighteen. It’s only a short time away, now.”
    “I don’t know, Pim. I don’t think your parents would like it. They’d be angry with me for teaching you when you’re not ready, yet.”
    “I am ready. They just don’t understand. They’re very old fashioned.”
    “I don’t know.”
    “Please, Jun, the sect needs all the members it can get. It’s still very small.”
    “Alright. Meet me by the White Oak in two hours.”
    “You’ve got it! Thank you.”
    “Hey, Pim, c’mon! Are you playing, or what?” Ono yelled.
    He patted Jun on the shoulder, then turned and kicked the shell in Ono’s direction.
    ###
    As promised, Jun met Pim by the White Oak. The tree was on a hillside to the rear of the village, away from prying eyes.
    Jun carried two swords; he threw one to Pim. “Okay, start by raising the sword, keeping it parallel with your body. Use it to keep your opponent at bay. Keep your eyes on them and try to anticipate their moves. Counter each strike as you look for an opening. When they make a mistake, take your opportunity.”
    “What if they don’t make a mistake?”
    Then you’re dead.”
    “Okay.”
    “That is what the parrying and blocking is for: you want to keep them off balance. But that’s a little aggressive for your first lesson. Start off by being defensive, so as I attack you, block everything you can. Don’t let me in.”
    “Got it.”
    “Ready?”
    Pim nodded, and Jun came at him, slashing straight on. Pim managed to raise his blade and block it. He smiled, but Jun swung low in the other direction, and nearly slashed Pim’s leg open.
    “You’re not paying attention,” Jun scolded. “They don’t just launch one attack in one direction. Look for their next swing; it could go upper body, lower body, head, leg, foot… you just don’t know.”
    “Then how am I to block it if I don’t know?”
    “Instinct. You’ll learn to read it on their faces.”
    “Again.”
    Jun rushed at him with an attack to his upper body. Pim blocked it, and then Jun switched to strike his mid-section, where Pim blocked him again. Just as he was gaining some confidence, Jun brought the blade straight up, clashing Pim’s sword to the ground, disarming him.
    Jun caught the other sword in his free hand. “Now you’re dead. Never let your weapon leave your hand. Never lose your grip.”
    “Or, if that happens, I can just do this.” Pim set his feet ablaze, and in a flash, ripped the sword from Jun’s hand, and slipped behind him, pressing the blade to his throat.
    “Really, Pim? I can just do this.” Jun spun out of Pim’s grip, reversing the hold, and placing his own blade to Pim’s throat. “Using the fleet does not guarantee a victory. There are many people with other skills that may match our fleet of foot. See how easy it was for me to reverse you? Fleet should be used in defense;