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@jasmine

Whoops, your post isn’t showing up! I can see it in my email, though. I’ll just reply as normal. Technology, ugh! XD

Ha ha! That would be hilarious! Maybe we can have Maewyn pop in for a visit sometime.

LOL, that would be funny XD We’ll see!

Liorah

“Yes, that’s the right answer,” The castle said, disappointed. “That was completely unsatisfactory, I’m giving y’all another challenge before I let you out.”

I spat a string of colorful adjectives at the castle. I started formulating another threat to add to my list.

“You said if we solved the riddles–” Gwen started, her voice thick with anger.

“Well, scratch that. NOW you have to fight each other, let’s see which one of you is stronger.”

“We what now?” I said, barely able to believe my ears.

“I’m not fighting Gwen,” I said, flatly. At the exact same time, Gwen shouted,

“I’m not fighting Liorah!”

“Now what, you sadistic lump of stone?” I challenged,

“Yea, I should have known you’d be too scared,” the castle taunted, “but you don’t have much of a say in this.”

I spluttered another insult that compared the castle to a camel’s hindquarters but found myself reaching for my shamshir, the curved sword that had rested by my side all this time. I tried to pull away, but an invisible force pulled my hand closer to it and made me draw it. The motion was jerky, as I was trying to fight against the pressure, but it was stronger than I was.

My sword was free and the force released me. Gwen stared at me, surprise, anger, and hurt chasing across her face.

“I don’t– I didn’t–” I spluttered, but she had already realized it. She was holding her straight sword, with the same puzzled expression I must have had.

“Go!” The castle said.

I considered my options, then decided it was the best approach. Protesting any more would lead to a situation I couldn’t control, and since the castle was apparently able to manipulate me, I was afraid I would hurt Gwen if it took over.

I raised my sword into a defensive guard position and backed away a few steps, so we were centered in the room.

I considered my options carefully. I didn’t want to hurt Gwen, but I could control my sword well. I needed to make sure I pushed the fight far enough that it seemed real to the castle, but not so far that I hurt her. I had no idea what she was capable of.

I was taller than Gwen, so I’d have a larger reach, but she would probably be stronger. (I have no idea what Gwen looks like, so I’m just guessing XD)

I eyed her straight sword. It wasn’t common in Yerasht, but I’d practiced against similar swords once or twice with Gavril and our instructor. Her biggest advantage was thrusting and her sword would have a further reach.

“I’m going to need a separ if you want this to be impressive,” I called to the castle. Barely a moment later, a small, steel shield dropped right next to me. I picked it up and held it in my left hand. It was convex, barely larger than my outstretched hand. It was used for deflecting and getting the other person’s sword in a bind.

I picked my strategy. I would try to get in as close as possible. Since my sword was so curved, I could use it effectively at distances that would usually be useless for a sword. Now I just had to be careful and find out how good Gwen was.

“How are you with that? And no false modesty,” I said, “I’m pretty good, but Gavril’s much better.”

I rolled my eyes, trying to get her to relax. This was only a practice, and if she was uptight, this could go wrong.

“That should be my middle name. ‘Liorah, Gavril’s-better-at-this, daughter of Shemaiah,'” I said, lightly.

__________

Just wanted to add in that information, so you kind of know the difference between the shamshir and a straight sword. I think that’ll make it easier to write. 😉