Chương 52: Chapter 51 - One Hell of a Show

Cooper's POV I knew the Lad was probably something special, talents like Lady Astra rarely ever take interest in the common folk and common affairs. Don't get me wrong Lady Astra is mighty fond of the common folk and is more kind to us than any noble I've ever met, but she is still a Lady. I mean the pair come out of the dark in the middle of the night covered in soot and blood like a pair of avenging ghosts to free the patrol like it was nothing.

This was after slaughtering squads of bandits, sprinting through Verdant Reach in the black of night, and courting death like a pair of story book heroes. The Lady was a prodigy, everyone in Emberholdt knew that. Anyone an old monster like the former Duke would be excited about was bound to be a fledgling monster all on her own.

A lot of the men on this patrol were new, out on their expedition for their first tour, just like the lady, and they didn't know how to keep an ear out for rumors the way old hands like me can so they don't know what was going around about her. Even though she is young, the men have been polite since she is a Lady, and when they haven't been sharp enough, me or Mason have been quick enough to whip them in line before Lady Blackhall could get her hands on them, not sure many of the lot would survive her attention.

No one was questioning her qualities after watching her mow down half a goblin horde like a field of wheat only to then butcher the hobs in charge like a brace of pheasants being trussed roasting. Only a fool would question her age after witnessing that, and fools don't make it very far in the Duke's employ. Cooper shook his head in amusement. No, the Lady sure has the loyalty and respect of the men now, I wouldn't be surprised if a bunch of them ask to swear over to her service when we get back.

After watching more of the 'sparring' match between her and the Lad, Cooper smiled. By the Ancients I might too if this is what she could do before heading off to the academy, who knows what kind of terror she'll turn into. The pair traded blows back and forth the hardwood ringing in the clearing as the murmurs had long died down, plenty of greenhorns expected her to wipe the floor with the lad, but Cooper learned a long time ago the value of keeping his eyes open and his mouth shut.

He saw the bodies stacked in the woods, and only a few were killed by a greatsword. He saw the Lad drop the guard in the tree, he knew who killed the others and with a single blow to each. A bunch of odd questions, weird sayings, spending day and night talking with the Ladies, sleeping in trees? Cooper snorted, the tamed wyvern was just froth topping the ale, the man was just an outlander the way Lady Astra was just a nobleman's daughter.

If the Lad wasn't one of the legendary Godstouched, Cooper would just pack it up and return home as he must have clearly lost any skill at deduction. None of my business though. The pace picked up as the two moved with a speed and skill that was unbelievable, Cooper knew the academy requirements so the Lady couldn't be over level 25, but he had never heard of a class with that kind of speed at such a low level.

Their base stats must have been monstrous, Cooper thought back to the paces Lady Blackhall was putting the Lad through yesterday, yeah probably. An uneasy voice whispered at his shoulder, " Coop, you sure it'll be a tie? I mean the lady might be holding back right?" This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

Cooper smiled down at Sasha, growing just a little wider as he caught her bright green eyes looking back up at him, " Aye, just you watch, two peas in a pod, those two." I wonder what Sasha's plans are, I mean if she swears to Lady Astra it wouldn't be odd if I also wanted to, right? The pair whirled back and forth, slowly weaving a silent dance of blade and mayhem, a smile grew on Cooper's face as the pace grew to a fever pitch. Probably both songborne too, I can almost hear it myself the way they are going at it.

The cracks of the poles striking each had long ago risen to a staccato beat, and as the pair matched each other strike for strike all anyone could hear over the meadow was a rippling series of cracks as fast as the beat of a drum. One loud final crack echoed out as both poles snapped, the wooden practice heads spinning off into the bush, and the pair looked down in sync at their broken implements in disappointment.

Cooper guffawed to himself as the little dragonling roared her approval and her new fanclub cheered the Lad on, They're more than just songborne, I bet they're twinborn too the way they move like that, just like the old stories. That seals it, I'm telling Sasha to swear to Lady Astra too, momma didn't raise a dimwit there's opportunity in the wind.

Cooper shivered as a cool wind swirled around him echoing a burbling creek like a soft chuckle of laughter, and for a moment he could almost swear he felt a faint presence in the distance of a gaze from on high. Those two will bring a tempest, and if I want a share of the glory, I'll just need to step out in the rain.

A single clap from Mira broke the spell as she spoke with a bemused expression." I am glad you all enjoyed the showing, but it is time for us to resume traveling. I am sure my Lady and her guest would be happy to provide autographs at a later date, and I know most of you have duties to attend to."

The crowd broke into a series of murmuring conversations as they headed back to their duties, and Mira walked over to the pair gesturing at the stubs of the hafts before huffing, and looking at Astra with a proud expression." Well done my Lady, although it seems we will need to increase the budget for our training equipment." Mira turned to Eli with a wry grin, " It seems my Lady once again has a better measure of you than I, Mr. Mercer.

Excellent work, although I would beseech the both of you to go easier on the equipment until we have suitable replacements. Also." Mira looked away and Eli's eyes followed her gaze to find one of the missing heads lodged deep into a trunk not far from the clearing." Maybe find a suitable venue as well if you intend to practice at full strength." She shook her head gesturing back to the wagons, " Please find Ms Fletcher for your hunt this afternoon.

Make sure to focus on your tracking skill, I instructed her to provide no guidance."" As an additional exercise I will not halt the patrol, and you will need to focus on your bond to Lady Tia to return to us. Was the sparring sufficient for our purposes?" Eli checked his notifications. Ding [Congratulations! [Basic weapon proficiency - Polearms] has reached Lv 6] Ding [Congratulations! [Basic weapon proficiency - Polearms] has reached Lv 7] Ding [Congratulations! [Basic weapon proficiency - Polearms] has reached Lv 8] Ding [Congratulations! [Basic weapon proficiency - Polearms] has reached Lv 9] Ding [Congratulations! [Basic weapon proficiency - Polearms] has reached Lv 10] Eli arched a brow, " Huh. Yes it was, maxed the skill out." Mira gave an aloof nod, " Unsurprising, your innate skill clearly outmatches the skill requirements. I will adjust your training accordingly, good hunting Mr Mercer.""

Please remind Ms Fletcher, tier two meat only, I know you do not have an appraisal skill yet, she will guide you. Good Hunting." Eli turned back to Astra, a smile breaking across his face again as he dwelled on their match." Thanks for the great fight Astra. Your skill is breathtaking as always." Astra twirled the stub of the spearhaft with a coy smile, " Aye, as is yours my counterpoint. I must say you are quite the excellent dance partner."

Eli grinned, " Well I do aim to please your ladyship, and you aren't so bad yourself." Eli gave her a wink before leaving to find Sasha, "I didn't even have to slap a baron's son first!"