The Lord of Shadows Rises Read Free Page B

my father. But he never completed his studies, did he?”
    “Your father? Ah, yes Theodor,” Luray replied, a faraway look in his eye. “He was a great student, but he had his school to deal with, so he could not complete his training even though he was so close. Though I believe he studied other forms and styles from another dojo, eventually attaining a master level? I was sad to see him study in another dojo, but I gave him my blessing. I am very sorry to hear of the fate of your parents. Do you know the warriors that attacked you before and why they wanted to kill you?”
    “No, I did not know them,” said Alexander bending the truth slightly. “They wanted something that was left to me. That's all I know.”
    “I see, what‘re you going to do now, young man?” asked the Master.
    Alexander sighed and replied, “I don’t know. I'm lost as to what to do.” Thinking for a moment an idea struck him, he stood up from his seat and lowered himself down onto his hands and knees, asking, “Can you train me, Master Luray, like you did my father?”
    “Why do you want to learn under me?” asked the Master. His eyes seemed to pierce Alexander, bearing deep into his soul, as though trying to decipher the teen’s intent.
    “I did, at first, want to avenge my parents, but I realize this would tarnish their memory. They would never want that. I want to make it so I can defend myself and others close to me. Please, Master Luray?” he asked with steely determination, sincerity and a hint of grief. Luray looked into his eyes and saw, staring back, the fire of a true martial artist. Someone willing to do what he must to protect his friends.
    Master Luray responded, “I could, but you must pass a test first and I must gauge your commitment.”
    Alexander looked at him and asked, “What's the test?”
    Master Luray smiled. “You must land a clean hit on me to pass. Only your father was able to pass my test. You can start tomorrow since it’s clear that you're still injured,” said Luray.
    "Very well,” said Alexander “I will be back tomorrow.”
    “Do you have a place to stay?” asked the Master.
    “Yes, I'm staying with my friend Samuel. I will return and begin my training tomorrow.” Alexander was so excited at the thought of being trained by Master Luray. Everything though was still confusing, explaining the warriors and the content of the box was something he didn’t want to talk about with anyone right then.
    The next morning, Alexander walked into the clearing in the forest and saw Master Luray sitting in the lotus position. Sensing Alexander he arose at once, commanding, “Come at me!”
    The Master took his stance.
    Alexander, heart beating so hard he thought it may explode from his chest, got into his own stance, similar to that of a boxer but with personal alterations to allow more fluid movement.
    Alexander, without warning, charged forward in attempt to catch the Master off guard, throwing a quick jab that was easily blocked. Trying to change tactics he went for a spinning kick, but the Master nonchalantly caught his effort, and he was thrown to the ground.
    “That can’t be all you got, boy,” mocked the Master.
    Alexander sprang back to his feet and went for a sweep, hoping to trip his opponent, but the Master easily jumped over it, returning with his own kick in the process, causing Alexander to fall down against the hard ground.
     
    Sweat ran in rivulets down his face, while the Master remianed relaxed. The difference in our skill is too great , thought Alexander. The Master smiled while Alexander found it difficult to breathe. Confusion was making Alexander feel light-headed, struggling to keep his balance he fell to one knee. What is this? What is this feeling? Fear? he thought. Whatever Master Luray is doing is making me fearful.
    The old man took in Alexander’s broken form.
    “Having trouble with your balance, young man?” asked Luray. “Your father should have trained you to protect