A Warrior's Path (The Castes and the OutCastes) Read Online Free PDF Page A

and snapped upward, spinning and jumping all in the same motion as he evaded another Fireball.  He did a front somersault over another one and landed on his feet, facing Kinsu.  He re-ignited his Shield and allowed Kinsu’s next Fireball to impact harmlessly against it. 
    Not bad.
    Rukh was somewhat impressed by the maneuvers he’d just pulled off, but an instant later, his eyes widened in consternation.
    Kinsu had charged in behind his Fireballs while Rukh had been busy dodging them.  He was only five feet away.  Rukh didn’t have the space or time to bring his shoke to the ready.  He needed distance.  He leaped straight into the air with Kinsu paralleling his jump, following closely.  The slight increase in separation was all Rukh needed.  Their shokes hammered against one another.  The two of them kept at it even as they landed, attacking and defending in classic Ashokan sword patterns.  The final was a particularly bad pass for Rukh.  Several of Kinsu’s strokes had gotten through his defense and rocked his Shield.  They separated once more and stood facing one another.
    Suwraith’s spit, but Kinsu was strong.
    Rukh’s palms stung from the heavy blows, and he had difficulty stabilizing his Shield.  It wavered, flickering for a moment before he was able to bring it back under control.  Kinsu fired several Fireballs upon seeing Rukh’s shaky defenses, but again the only result was a brilliant display of sparks.
    They paused , assessing one another.  Rukh was still fit and breathed easily, but he was worried.  He was game for the fight, but he knew he was reaching his limits.  His Well, the source of his Jivatma was emptying too quickly.  Fifteen hard matches in less than two weeks had taken their toll.
    By now, the entire arena was cast in shadows, and the sun was barely above the horizon.  There wasn ’t much daylight or time left in this, the final match.  Rukh knew he had to go all out, and now, if he wanted to win.
    H e feinted right, but charged from the left.  Kinsu met him in the middle.  Again they exchanged heavy, fast blows.  Their swords blurred, and even the Kummas in attendance had difficulty keeping track of the strokes.  Rukh was the first to disengage and he jumped straight back fifteen feet.  He wanted to shake out his stinging hands, but he didn’t have the time, and he couldn’t afford to show weakness.
    He needed a distraction.
    He threw three Fireballs in quick succession, charging in behind them, just as Kinsu had done to him earlier.  Rukh attacked, and this time it was Kinsu who gave way, leaping backwards.  Rukh almost raced forward, but just then he noticed a slight brightening of Kinsu’s Shield.  He jumped upward and Kinsu’s Fire Shower passed underneath.  Rukh launched Fireballs at his unShielded opponent, but Kinsu dodged them with ease and closed the distance in a blur.
    Now the older Kumma tested him.  It was skill with sword alone, and Rukh found himself unable to disengage.  Kinsu bull rushed, and Rukh defended but was still pushed back.  Every attempt he made to attack or even just hold his ground was anticipated.  Kinsu struck hard and fast.  His strokes seemed to have more power now than they had at the beginning of the match.  Rukh’s mouth hung open as he panted for breath.  His Jivatma was thinning.  His stamina was fading.  It took all he had just to maintain his Shield and speed.
    Kinsu was winning.
    Rukh was backed up almost to the arena wall.  He tried desperately to gain more room.  He feinted left and right but always Kinsu was there to meet him, pounding at his defenses.  He even tried leaping over Kinsu, but he was met in mid-air by the older Kumma and shoved back toward the wall. Rukh gasped for air, and so did Kinsu, but his older opponent was obviously the fresher of the two.
    Rukh had long since lost any feeling in his hands as a result of Kinsu’s heavy blows.  His legs trembled , and his arms shook.  The end was