Kaden’s idea that day had sparked a lot of interest from the village; especially Rakhail.

“I could recommend you to the Legion’s tactical division when we are back in Rakan. I know a few people and you would do well.” Rakhail lifted another sword from the rack, felt its weight and balance before putting it back and selecting another to repeat the process with.

Kaden pondered the idea, he hadn’t really thought about what he was going to do when they reached Rakan. “I am not sure, I think I prefer life more like this. I like the freedom. Is there any way for me to learn more magic when we are back in Rakan? I would love to do something related perhaps.” He had always wanted to be a wizard casting spells and the like.

Nodding his head in mild disappointment, “You will have to forget about magic when we get back. If they catch you casting a spell… we would never hear from you again. Remember only the high-born can use magic and they do not teach anyone else.”

Rakhail continued to further stress his point, “There is one instance of low-born learning magic, eight years ago a legion squad that was sent to an ancient ruin. Their Commander had died to a Spine-crawler raid shortly after they got there. Surrounded and outnumbered, the Estarte in command had ordered the unit to fortify themselves till help arrived. I am not sure of all the details but they found an old kingdom spell and were able to turn the battle shortly after.” Rakhail took a slight pause and debated if he really wanted to finish the story. “After they made it back to Rakan and reported in”, his voice was a little hesitant, “The Ghost Core was ordered to ensure they did not make it back.”

“You said they reported in… O”, the meaning behind Rakhail’s words dawned on Kaden. “I understand. I am sorry.” Rakhail handed a practice sword to Kaden having chosen his own already.

“Is that why you and the others left Rakan?”

“Padvor and the others were tired of it and decided to create this little village. It is still within Rakan’s rule and afforded the protection of the Legion but far enough away that no one really cares or checks on it. As you said, there is some freedom here. Once we get back, everyone will scatter to various cities and try to scrape out a life. Some will try to settle in small villages throughout the jungle as well. I know Gion and Padvor will buy a little place in Leece. Gion always favored its white beaches you know. It took three months for me to save enough, but I helped pay for their honeymoon trip there as a wedding gift.” A smile came to Rakhail’s face as he remembered handing them all that coin. He had to practically force the two of them to take it. “For me, this little break is over. Perhaps they will let me be an instructor when I return.”

“You’re going to rejoin the Legion?”

“Did I not tell you, being a member of the Ghost Core is for life” A slight prideful expression was evident on Rakhail’s face. “It is our turn, my style is much different from Gion’s”, he smiled.

Kaden and Rakhail faced each other in the center of the training area. They saluted each other with their swords and readied for the signal to begin. “Etab some music if you would”, Rakhail’s voice sounded playful as ever.

Bah Dah Da, Bah Dah Da, Bah Dah Da

The rhythmic beat from Etab’s war drums thundered.

Kaden could feel his heart starting to beat louder and faster in anticipation; the feeling of adrenalin coursing through him was almost addictive. The signal came and he was off.

Kaden leapt forward, his sword arm pulled back and above his head. He swung the weapon down towards his opponent with all his might.

Rakhail stepped to the side, his own blade raised and angled away from him ready for the oncoming strike.

Ding, the sound of metal on metal punctuated the music from the drums.

Rakhail let Kaden’s blow harmlessly slide down the length of his blade with a parry. Kaden off balance was almost caught by Rakhail’s counter swing towards his head.

With no time to think Kaden rolled under Rakhail’s blade. Using the slight distance now between them, Kaden pushed off the ground towards Rakhail using his free hand and feet.

Countering with a jump of his own and demonstrating a grace that could only be expected from a highly experienced dancer. Rakhail spun in midair using his momentum and rotation to make what would be a normally fatal cut.

To any onlooker watching it would have appeared almost as if time was purposely slowed to allow them to remember every little beautifully perfect detail of that moment.

Kaden felt the edge of a dull blade strike his back as he passed under a spinning Rakhail. Before he even knew what was happening, Kaden was already using his face halt his own forward momentum.

“I believe this round is mine.” Rakhail smiled as Kaden got to his feet. “Do you know what you did wrong?”

Dusting himself off he responded, “I was too aggressive, I should have taken a more measured approach.”

“Yes, but why were you aggressive?”

Kaden pondered this question for a moment, “I don’t know, I guess I was just excited by the music.”

“Good, remember I told you I fought differently. I had Etab play his drums because I had a feeling they would have such an effect. Some of us are not as good as others so we must do everything to turn things in our own favor. Sometimes the setup is more important than the actual fight.

You must always remember, strength is never a substitute for strategy.

If you are prepared and they are not. You will win a hundred out of a hundred times even against an overwhelmingly strong opponent.

War or even a fight is about preparation first and execution second.”

Kaden pondered Rakhail’s words. “Then why is Rakan losing to the tribes? Doesn’t the Legion prepare long before they fight?”

Rakhail smiled, “That is because the tribes prepare as well. Do not actually think of them as primitive brainless fools with powerful weapons. Tribal leaders are just as sharp as the best Commanders. They do not survive where they are and as long as they have with muscle alone. Do not underestimate them.”

“Shall we continue?” Kaden was now calm, the music wasn’t going to dictate his rhythm during the next fight.

“Yes, time to test our new limits. Gi Vem Es Wif Tn Ess” Rakhail chanted.