Chapter 49: Duel
Calen and Cassian were locked in a very familiar dance of steel - they’ve sparred so many times during the last few months that all of their fights were nearly identical, and the winner was usually decided by a single unexpected action or a sudden mistake.
Despite the completely different circumstances of this bout everything was exactly the same as always, Cal was looking for a clever way to get past his opponent’s guard, while Cass patiently tested and prodded to create an opening.
Faced with the steady tempo of the duel, they found themselves at liberty to talk:
"What do you think he meant when he said that the future of our training would depend on our duel?" Calen asked as their swords got stuck in a clinch.
Cassian clenched his teeth.
"I’m not sure, sometimes father says some weird stuff."
Because of the clashing blades their conversation wasn’t audible to anyone else in the arena, so the practices exchange continued.
"That’s an understatement, outside of direct orders your dad rarely says things directly." He snorted, parrying another measured blow.
"I don’t think he was talking about one of us winning though, he probably meant that we have to prove something during the fight."
A clear metalic sound resounded as the blades crossed mid-air.
"But what?"
"Father is a knight, and knights are strongz right? I think we have to show our strength by fighting to the fullest."