Dark Age by Felix O. Hartmann Page B

Adam, don’t just lie there.”
    I collected my thoughts, quickly glancing at our surroundings. There was barely anything to use to my advantage. All I saw was the fence, people, and nothing but sand.
    Sand. Grabbing my sword with my right hand, I pushed myself up from the ground with my left. Quickly I clawed into the ground and yanked a handful of sand into Peter’s face. He flinched, trying to avoid the blinding and burning sensation in his eyes. It bought me a few seconds at most. I jumped to my feet and pressed my sword against his throat, “I could say the same”. My mockery earned me a few laughs and supporting shouts from the group.
    “Nice move, recruit,” Terric said. “Now enough of the talk, I want to see a fight!”
    With small sidesteps we walked in a circle, hoping for the other to make the first move. My hands tingled, feeling the immediate rush of adrenaline pump through my veins. If I waited too long he might have figure out a way to trick me. I used the benefit of surprise and lunged at him. The wooden blade slammed against his, barely blocking my attack in the last moment. With another attempt I spun around as fast as I could, only to strike the side of his sword again. My breath got shorter and my biceps tensed. Quickly I withdrew just in time to dodge his blow. I used the moment to strike at him again, but in vain. In full swing his sword had returned and hit me in the side.
    A throbbing pain spread throughout my chest as the watching crowd of recruits applauded Peter. I could barely hold up the sword to block his next slash. My left hand pressed against the bruise, in the hope to make the pain go away.
    Our wooden blades crossed. Both of us pushed as hard as we could to gain the upper hand. All my muscles tensed, yet Peter kept pushing my sword farther and farther down. Once my sword would be too low, my whole upper body would be left vulnerable to an attack. Ignoring the pain I grabbed the sword with my left to support my right arm that began to weaken. With clenched teeth I pushed Peter’s sword back up in between our faces where our eyes met in fierce competition. We had reached a stalemate. Neither of us wanted to give up. Mustering all my remaining strength I rammed my shoulder into him.
    Tumbling backwards he tried not to fall. I too had lost my balance for a moment, and staggered closer to Peter. With both hands I slammed my sword into him. Cringing in pain he flinched. I struck him a second time before he could even lift his sword. Whimpering he fell to the ground and lay there immobile. Triumphantly I raised my sword and faced the others who cheered for me. Nigel started yelling my name. The others quickly joined the chant. I could not stop a bright smile from crossing my face. Who would have thought that my first day in the Guard would give me happiness?
    Suddenly my feet lost ground and I fell face down into the sand. I flipped over and looked at Peter standing over me, holding both our swords in his hands.
    “Lesson number two: Never turn your back on a knocked out enemy,” Terric said, slowly approaching us. He took the swords from Peter, “You two had enough. Well done, even though you two fight like fourteen year old girls.”
    Peter reached out his hand and helped me up. Giving each other a brotherly handshake he twitched and touched his side, “You better get used to living in a beaten up body. It’s all part of the drill.”
    We joined the ranks again as Terric selected the next two recruits to fight. After a few fights he gave us critiques. In his opinion none of us would survive a day beyond the outer wall.
    After a day of sparring the sun began to set. When we were finally dismissed, Peter, Nigel and I headed back to the common-hall. Stephan and James already sat at the same table I had met them at that morning.
    “So, did Adam get his welcome present yet?” Stephan joked seeing my bruised forehead where the sword had hit me.
    “Nah, he kicked Peter’s ass. Ya should