Mesu wasn’t getting used to the feeling of the ground. The impact was becoming dull, but the shame grew. She wondered if this was what the training was really meant for. Each fall made it tougher to stand up. Tai circled her and waited for her to get up again. Mesu knew she would get better, but it was hard being bad at this moment.
She forced herself up. Each movement made her ache in places she didn’t know could. The wooden short sword stayed in her hand as she made her way to her feet. Tai smiled what Mesu felt was an evil smile. She knew it wasn’t meant that way, but she took it that way since the first couple of knockdowns a couple of days ago. Mesu got into the stance she was taught. She was told that in time she would develop her own style. Right now, it made sense to adopt this one as it was all she knew.
They circled each other, foot over foot, as the gap closed at a slow pace. Mesu reached in with a feint and achieved exactly what she wanted. Tai moved in with a quick strike and missed completely. Mesu took it as a small win as she went in again, this time trying to land her first blow. Tai was quick to move and parry the attack. Mesu knew the foot was coming next to try to sweep her.
Mesu jumped up with a desperation move. Her feet lunged out. They met only air as Tai sidestepped. The air rushed out of Mesu, and she gasped for air. It escaped in a rush and left her with nothing to take in. Mesu grasped her chest and lay there. She was more embarrassed than hurt. Her lungs started to work again and threw her into a coughing fit.
“We’ll pick up again later. You need to relax. I’m impressed with how far you have come.” Mesu was still in no state to answer as she took in deep breaths. Anna and Zoe’s attention went back to their own lessons. The group had moved out of town to train and waited for Em’s return. It had been a few more days than what was originally planned. Mesu was grateful. She still felt completely unprepared for another fight and wanted practice.
Tai reached out her hand for Mesu. She took it and stood holding her chest, which was now the worst feeling part of her. All Mesu could do was thank Tai as she moved towards a tree and sat against it. Anna let another arrow loose, and Mesu watched it sail to its target. She had barely noticed the hooves as they approached.
“I found it. Not the direction we thought it would be, but it’s there. How are the kids?” Mesu scrunched up her nose. She knew she was still just a kid, but didn’t appreciate the fact Em brought it up.
“Good, they are joining us for this job. What you got for us?” Zoe replied.
“Ah. Well then, a multi-floored structure. I snuck around the main level and one below, but there was more down there. A few signs of life, recent. Some of them are now deceased. Not sure what you would call these. Ol’ expert here will know more when you see these dog-faced things.” Em gestured to Zoe. “As for the building, might have been used as a temple, but I didn’t see many religious signs.”
Mesu’s first impression of Em didn’t start well. Zoe had warned her of how he was, and it was worse than she expected. He was a risk-taker in many ways. The group had kept him around because he was good. He was devoted and honest but brash. Mesu wondered how they lasted this long when he had already insulted three of them and was back for less than five minutes.
“Thank you, Em. So you think this is possible?” Zoe was calm as always. Even with a few drinks in her, she was able to maintain herself.
“Definitely. The question is do you want to be subtle or send our mountain in to destroy everything?” Em said, partially disinterested.
“I’m more inclined to be cautious. You never know what else may be lurking there. I haven’t lost a person yet and don’t plan on doing it now. It’ll be a good experience for these two as well.” Zoe smiled and looked over at Mesu and Anna. Mesu smirked back, not wanting to think that death was a possibility. She had already brushed with it one too many times in her life now. Chills were sent through her body as she thought of them.
“What do you two think?” Zoe kept her gaze on the newcomers. Mesu and Anna stood in silence. Mesu was stunned that they were being asked to go on such a journey. She wasn’t sure what was going through Anna’s mind at this moment.
“We are in.” Mesu was the first to speak.
“I almost thought you two might be mute.” Em laughed as he got back on his horse. “With that settled, I’m going to sleep in a nice bed tonight before we set out.” He was gone before anyone even had a chance to respond. Mesu was thankful for not having to see him for a little while longer.
Zoe didn’t take her eyes off the girls.
“I’am glad you will be joining us. We’ll talk at dinner about the plan. More training on the road, too. We’ll make sure you aren’t a weak link before we get there. A few more reps, then we will make our way back.” Anna picked up her bow and was ready. Mesu was less enthused. The pain in her chest was almost forgotten until she stood again. She used the tree as a brace and pushed off it to stand.
“Are you ready for another round?” Tai couldn’t hold back that evil grin. Mesu shook her head and moved back to the weapons. She picked up the wooden dagger.
“Now, I’m ready.” Mesu broke into a sprint and dove at Tai.