Sword of Light (The Knights of the Golden Dragons - Book One) Read Online Free PDF Page B

high
perch.
                "Everything!
The smells, the sights, the colors as the sun's rays come through the leaves of
the season! Look around you!" As if to illustrate his point, the hunter
spun around in a tight circle on the narrow branch. Gregor felt dizzy just
watching.
                "I
will take your word for it, Master Silverwing." Gregor had not released
his grip on the branch where the ranger stood, and felt no hurry to do so.
                The
ranger obviously had other plans for his student and turned toward Gregor,
pulling him up by his chainmail chest piece. Gregor marveled at the man's
strength as his feet dangled just above the branch where Silverwing stood.
"It is time for a lesson in balance, Gregor." The ranger smiled as he
gently lowered Gregor's feet to the branch. "The thing to remember is that
if you trust your balance, you can focus on the defense and offense you use
against your opponent. Just have faith in what I have taught you, Gregor, and
you should be fine."
                Gregor
extended his arms briefly and tried to breathe, still focusing on his
mentor.   "What? You want me to spar
with you? Up here?"
                "Exactly,
this time using one blade instead of two. I am sure you would fall out of this
tree if you tried to fight me with two blades. In fact, I should probably only
use one blade, too. Even the odds a bit." Silverwing leaned into the air
and dropped one of his swords toward the earth. A solid thunk indicated the
blade had landed well into one of the tree's roots.
                "You
can't be serious! What if I fall?" Gregor's voice, which had only recently
lowered in tone to that of a man, chose this moment to resume the fluctuations
of the boy he once was.
                Silverwing
looked at the young warrior as if he were amazed at the question. "Well,
no doubt it will hurt quite a lot. Still, falling from a tree is not nearly as
bad as being stabbed to death by a sword. Come on, then, arm yourself or see
how well you fall. Try to miss the root if you slip." The ranger slapped
the flat of his blade at each side of the tree branch where they stood,
bringing his sword up to the ready.
                Gregor
felt he had little choice in the matter and brought his own sword up to the
ready as well. The melee had begun. The young warrior decided to open with a
direct thrust. Silverwing answered the attack by gently deflecting Gregor's
blade and replying with a feint to the young warrior's throat, causing Gregor
to lower his sword and step back. "Well done, Gregor! There is no room for
powerful swings here. Losing your balance when crossing swords leaves you
defenseless. Notice your feet have not betrayed you in your retreat."
                Gregor
smiled. "Master Silverwing, how many knights have you trained in this
manner?" The warrior's blade feinted in an attempt to take his Master in
the shoulder.
                His
mentor swept the incoming blade into the air past his shoulder, taking a step
closer to Gregor before speaking. "You are the first I have trained in
such a manner, and no doubt will be the last. This is terribly dangerous,
wouldn't you agree?" Silverwing brought his sword up defensively, awaiting
Gregor's next move.
                Gregor
decided to assume a more aggressive posture, matching Silverwing's step forward
with one of his own. The two swordsmen stood dangerously close to one another,
their blades touching to form an X between them. "What now, Master? I will
take you if you back away and you will take me if I step back. Let’s call it a
draw and end this madness."
                Gregor
realized his error when Silverwing grinned at him. "You assume one of us
would be willing to give way. You may find the drop to the left the more
favorable." As he finished speaking, the hunter shoved Gregor backward,
causing the young warrior to lose his footing. As