Chapter 84: A Mask Will Not Stop This

Chapter 84: A Mask Will Not Stop This

As her best friend and roommate, Ilyana wanted to have the utmost confidence in Toris swordsmanship. Shed seen Tori at practice before, as well as seeing her do light sparring, but she hadnt actually seen Tori in a formal match since Ewan challenged her at the start of their first year. Everything else she knew of Toris abilities came from secondhand information, given to her by Ewan, who had witnessed Toris last fight against von Dorn.

From what Ewan had said, Tori decimated von Dorn. They all saw the results of the duel.

However, that was over a year ago. Von Dorn had his ability questioned and seemed to be overcome with an obsessive need to improve.

Ilyana could still remember him sparring with his master. That strange man was too violent and said too many unnecessary things for her taste, but when she considered what she saw, none of that beating - physically or verbally, deterred von Dorn. He rose to his feet, ready to try again.

In a way, it was admirable.

In another, it was frightening. It was clear that afternoon wasnt the first time von Dorn sparred with his master and if he had been training that way for a while, there was a significant chance that he would have improved.

This wasnt even taking into consideration the fact that he had spent the summer at the Amber Fortress. Tori told her that Sir Nassaun and the General Marquis were less than pleased with his ability, particularly his endurance.

But that was months ago.

Tori didnt train like von Dorn did. She was more a casual swordswoman; she wasnt training for a professional position. It was very much a hobby.

Ilyana couldnt help but fidget in her seat. JP and Sonia sat across from her, watching her squirm and finally spoke up.

Stop it, Sonia said in a firm voice. Youre making me nervous.

JP nodded with a hint of worry across his brows. Next to Ewan, youd know Toris swordsmanship best. If youre worried about this, then the rest of us have reason to worry. He moved his hand around to motion towards Henrik, who nodded.

Tori and Ewan left earlier that morning. Sir Nassaun came to pick them up so Tori could get ready at the imperial palace.

Which gave Ilyana another reason to be nervous.

Prince Gideon was in her homeroom, and she saw Prince Piers often; she even had him registered on her comcry along with Sir Nassaun, but shed never in her life thought shed see the Emperor and Empress in person.

Im fine, Ilyana said, forcing a bright smile. Tori will do great! Im more nervous about going to the Imperial Palace. What if we meet the Emperor and Empress?

Henrik sighed. Im sure itll be fine. Its a match between two students. Im sure they have better things to do than watch Tori and von Dorn.

He seemed confident about it, but Ilyana had her doubts. At the very least, she expected the Empress to be present. After all, Tori was the Empress best friends daughter. If Ilyana were in her place, she would also go to watch her best friends child hopefully beat up another student.

What time is the match supposed to start? JP asked, shifting awkwardly as he looked out the window. They had reached the Central District and the imperial palace was looming ahead of them.

Before lunch, Ilyana told them. We have some time.

Do you think von Dorns master will come? Sonia asked as she glanced out the window. If he does, do you think hell yell at von Dorn during the match?

You mean coach him or yell at him if he makes a mistake? JP looked over at her.

Sonia thought for a moment. Both.

Ilyana bit her lower lip. Part of her didnt want to see that man. She didnt like the feeling he gave her. She couldnt help but wonder how desperate von Dorn had to be to get a man like that as his master. Tori said that the imperial family didnt find him; Harts thief merchant friend found him at Harts request.

They reached the gates of the palace and, as they were in plain imperial carriages, they were allowed in without question. Ilyana leaned towards the window to get a good look at the palace.

I forgot how big it is. JP said as he squinted.

Youve been here before? Ilyana asked, never taking her eyes off the sprawling gardens and the white facade that seemed to dwarf them as they passed.

JP nodded. Our mom is a cook here, remember? Sonia and I came a few times. We havent really seen much, though.

Just the kitchen area and the grounds around it, Sonia said. Weve also ridden around the trails behind the palace, but theyre not technically part of the imperial palace.

The carriage pulled up to one of the carriage houses and Henrik crinkled his eyes. This is nicer than my house.

Ilyana nodded with agreement. She lived in a large manor house in Gorask, but it didnt have walls of carved marble with columns.

A footman opened their door and the twins stepped out first, followed by Ilyana and then Henrik.

Do you all see what I see? Alberts voice came from her right and she glanced over. He and Constantine had come out of the second carriage that was behind them, along with Nanny Rey. Constantine didnt seem too overwhelmed, but then again, he did live in Temple Mountain. Nanny Rey didnt seem impressed at all.

Nanny Rey mustve seen some things.... Ilyana thought to herself. A valet met them at the doorway and gave them a small bow of his head.

Welcome, guests of Lady Guevera. Please follow me and I will take you to the match area in the East Wind garden pavilion, he said.

Ilyana and Sonia looped arms as they nodded and followed behind him. The four young men followed them with Nanny Rey in the back. Everywhere Ilyana looked, there were expensive pieces of art, painted or tiled walls and ceilings, statues, and gilding. She knew she was rich and grew up with the best her father could give her.

But this was a different level.

She was so busy taking in the corridors of the palace, that she didnt realize they had reached the garden pavilion. They stepped out of the large doors, and a stone courtyard with a large rectangular patch of dirt in the middle awaited them outside.

Ilyana shook her head. Patch of dirt was not good enough to describe it. It was a dirt packed court, likely made especially for sparring. Around it were more manicured plants, with a few trees and shrubs cut into the shape of animals.

There was a white tent over the stone courtyard with a row of two benches on either side of the dirt court in front of it. Under protruding portico, there was a row of imperial knights standing guard on either side. Ilyana couldnt see who was seated there.

The valet motioned for them to follow him and then to the benches to the left of the portico.

Ilyana and Sonia gave him a small nod of thanks and made their way over. They hadnt seen any familiar faces yet.

Suddenly, Sonia tensed beside her, taking in a sharp breath, and came to a stop. Ilyana looked over at her and found Sonias brown eyes fixed across from them, at the benches on the opposite side of the dirt court. Ilyana followed her gaze and reacted in the same way.

Her arm squeezed Sonias as she stood up straight and narrowed her eyes. Guthry.

Hart, Sonia said in a low voice. JP seemed to notice they were staring and turned. His eyes narrowed.

Well, its not as if its a surprise, he said in a reasonable voice. They are friends with Prince Gideon and von Dorn.

Calm down, Albert said as he raised his arms and moved in front of her and Sonia. Just take a seat. Were not here to fight them.

Let Lady Guevera do the fighting for us, Constantine said as he ushered them down the first row.

Do you see von Dorns master, Ilyana? JP asked.

Ilyana tore her eyes away from Guthry and Hart. They were alone. There was no sign of an older man waiting. She shook her head.

Training Commander Reystrom, its good to see you again. A womans voice spoke up and as Ilyana sat down, she turned her head. The voice came from the tent, and they hadnt noticed the beautiful couple seated there, on large, gilded chairs, wearing beautiful robes.

Ilyana nearly choked as she shot back to her feet, pulling Sonia up with her. Sonia looked taken aback, but when she saw the couple who were clearly the Emperor and Empress, she also gasped and grabbed the sides of her riding pants to curtsy.

I told you that you shouldve worn a dress, JP hissed in a low voice as he and the others also bowed.

I didnt think theyd actually come, and I had riding practice at dawn! Youd know that if you woke up early enough! Sonia hissed back.

Dont fight in front of the imperial couple! Henrik kept his head bowed as he growled at them.

Your Majesty Emperor Matthieu-Philippe, Your Majesty Empress Monica, good day, Nanny Rey gave them a smooth curtsy. Thank you for arranging this with safety in mind.

Of course! the Empress said as she smiled, regally. I could not allow either combatant to be injured.

Antonia would never speak to her again, the Emperor said with a slight grin.

When Piers called for permission, I made sure to check with Toni first, the Empress said, as if doing so was an accomplishment. She said that since Tori was the one who requested it, then she would respect her daughters wishes. However, all safety protocols are to be put in place.

Nanny Rey seemed to give a nod of approval before taking a seat. She leaned forward from the second row and tapped the long bench the six of them were bowing in front of.

It was their signal to stand.

Ilyana stood up straight and nervously took her seat.

Across from them, Guthry and Hart were already seated and seemed to be talking, but Ilyana couldnt hear what they were saying.

Youre all here! They turned back to the palace and saw Ewan rushing out, appearing antsy. He noticed the imperial couple at once and bowed before moving towards his friends.

Ewan, introduce us to your friends, the Empress said in a smooth voice.

Ilyana looked at Ewan. Did he already know the Empress?

Yes, Your Majesty. Ewan moved in front of them and motioned to each of them individually, prompting them to stand. Constantine Zisos, son of Pope Zisos. Henrik Skuldsen; his father is the merchant guild master. JP and Sonia Vissage.

Oh, Chef Mariannes children, the Empress said with a nod.

Fabian seemed so proud of himself for disarming her that Tori almost felt bad for him. Did he forget they had one more weapon on their person, as was the agreement?

Hit! Sir von Dorn!

He disarmed her! someone shouted. Doesnt that count as him winning the match?

Disarmed her? Someone else seemed to almost chuckle. Young man, my angel still has her dagger.

A dagger versus a sword? Isnt that a bit unfair?

Tori rolled her shoulders and casually stepped back to put distance between them once more. She wondered how many other weapons Fabian had learned to fight against. In her fifteen years practicing HEMA, shed also gotten the chance to practice with and against quarterstaff, battle axe, halberd, hand-and-a-half sword, and experimented with a single-handed sword and buckler, for which she found she had no gift.

And while her primary weapon was a longsword, her favorite weapon was strapped to her thigh.

Her hand slid down and against her leg, and her gloved fingers wrapped around the wooden handle of a training rondel. In her original world, it was a bit bulky for her, but she used what she had. She adjusted her grip and stance. Her elbows were tucked close and hips even.

What she loved most about using a dagger was the ability to get close. When her opponent was used to fighting at a particular distance, suddenly finding her face in front of theirs was uncomfortable and they often didnt know what to do other than try to pull away.

In addition, without changing the technique, someone using a longsword would be at a distance disadvantage if she got in close enough. They couldnt move their arms the way they needed to; they didnt have the space to move their sword. Theyd need to step back.

That brief moment of confusion as they tried to switch gears was often enough.

Begin!

Tori gleefully closed distance with her dagger gripped in front of her. Her eyes were on Fabian. His sword shot up, pointing it straight towards her head. She raised a dagger over her forearm to move it to the side.

You did this last year! I wont let you close distance! He stepped back, trying to avoid her as he pulled his sword back to keep it out of her hands.

Tori kept moving forward, jerking her dagger forward and bringing it back as he moved his sword to try to defend. She was small and fast, and unlike longsword, shed sparred more with the dagger recently thanks to Nanny Rey.

Walking backwards was always slower than closing distance by walking forward and with each step, no matter how Fabian tried to take an angle back, she was closing the gap between them, both trying to block and snatch his sword.

Whats the matter? Am I too close? Tori asked. I can get closer.

She didnt mind a blade by her head, as long as there was something between them. Fabian was moving around the court backwards and trying to keep his sword between them. She reached her free arm forward and brought the flat side of his sword against her body, pinning it against her as her hand grabbed the wasters cross guard.

Now, the waster was hers to control.

She twisted her body forward, keeping the sword pointed down and away from her as she stepped in. She lifted her reverse gripped dagger up and slammed against Fabians chest.

It hit the plated cloth beneath his padded clothes and slid off, but it was a clear hit, and as soon as the impact was made and the dagger slid off, Tori loosened her hold on the sword and almost appeared to jump back to quickly put distance between them.

Hit! Lady Guevera! Five hits! the knight shouted, repeating the rules. One more will make it best out of ten!

One more, Tori!

Kill him!

Sonia!

That was Ilyana!

Tori grinned to herself as she returned to her position. Several paces across from her, Fabian seemed to shake himself to refocus.

He readied himself in another aggressive stance, keeping his sword up with his hands at hip level and point aimed at her center. It was a good idea; it was meant to keep her at a distance. A dagger was at a massive disadvantage when it came to reach against a sword.

Shed need to get around the sword.

If it were her, shed drop the point and do an upward cut while stepping forward, aiming for the upper thighs and lower torso. It would be difficult to defend with a dagger as shed have to reach low to block the sword, leaving her somewhat exposed.

She saw him take a step forward and lower the tip of his sword.

Oh, shit is he doing it? He pushed down the pommel and lifted the sword, bringing the sword into an upward cut. Finally, he figured it out!

Rather than try to block, she avoided it. She took a step back moving her leg out of the way of his trajectory and allowing the blade to swing up past her. If hed used his pommel to control the upward movement more than his raising his arms, he mightve had time to adjust the point. Instead, the blade went up, past her shoulder.

Tori stepped forward and raised her dagger arm, putting it against the flat of his blade as her other hand reached for his cross guard. She was only able to grab the base of the sword, but it was enough to keep him from getting away. She closed distance quickly before bringing the dagger down and slamming it into his mask, throwing her entire body weight against him.

With his sword awkwardly placed, Fabian was off center, and he fell backwards, with Tori on top of him, still keeping her dagger against his mask as they hit the dirt.

Hit! Lady Guevera! the knight shouted. Six hits! Lady Guevera wins!

Tori leaned down until her helmet was almost touching Fabians. Her upper body and dagger poised over his head kept him pinned. Her faint voice spoke so only he could hear her.

If you try to start any shit with any of my friends again, a mask will not stop this. She tapped his helmet with the tip of the rondel. From entering your body. She then shoved her elbow into his stomach, making him lurch upward with a choked cough. I hope Ive made myself clear.

She pushed herself up and stepped back, looking down on him. She tossed the rondel to the side before turning around and tugging off her gloves. She tucked them into the waistband of her pants and lifted the helmet off her head as she stopped on the dirt courtyard in front of the Emperor and Empress.

She held her arms out with the helmet still grasped one hand, and gave them a curtsy.

Your Majesties, Your Highnesses, thank you for allowing us to have this match, Tori said, keeping her head down.

If there was any doubt that she was a marquis daughter before, there isnt now, Prince Emil said. He raised his hands and began to clap, prompting his wife and the younger members of the family to applaud as well.

Tori stood up straight and the Emperor rose to his feet.

Lady Guevera, Sir von Dorn, you had an excellent match, he said. Sir von Dorn, you have improved in recent weeks. Dont you think so, Sir Nassaun?

Tori glanced over at Axton, whose narrowed gray eyes were fixed on Fabian. The younger man rose to his feet, dusting off his clothes before walking forward to bow to the imperial family. He seemed composed, though had an air of disappointment and frustration.

Id say he has, Axton agreed. Fabians head perked up.

You are excused to clean up before our lunch. As for our guests who will be joining us, please follow the valets to the dining hall, the Emperor said as he gave each side a small nod.

Tori watched her friends look at her eagerly as she stood in place. She gave them a bright smile and nodded, mouthing Ill meet you there!.

They were led away, and Tori stood in place, waiting until the Emperor and Empress left before she relaxed her stance and walked towards where Axton was waiting for her at the side.

Gideon had come down from his seat, throwing praises at Fabian, who seemed in a bit of a daze after he stood up.

Youve really improved! You managed to get three strikes and disarmed her! It happened so quickly. Your speed has increased, hasnt it?

Fabian gave him a slight smile in return, but everything else about his posture screamed defeat. I hope so. Thank you.

Im not just complimenting you; Im telling you what I observed, Gideon said with a wide smile. You really have improved, Fabian. Ive been watching you in matches in tournaments since we were children; I may be a layman in the art, but even I can tell.

Hes right. Piers followed them down and Gideon brightened. Piers gave Fabian a curt nod. You have improved in speed and technique.

Hearing those words from Piers, who was himself a lauded swordsman, seemed to relieve Fabian despite his loss. He bowed his head and sounded sincerely grateful.

Thank you, Your Highness.

Please continue your efforts, Sir von Dorn. My brother is relying on you. Piers gave him one more nod before walking around them and towards Tori and Axton.

Axton had given her a small towel and Tori wiped the sweat from her face.

Please tell me my room has a bath waiting for me, Tori said as he reached them.

I will also have a maid come with salve for your bruises, Piers said, looking down at her thigh where Fabian had struck her. Do they hurt?

Its nothing Im not used to, Tori said. Can you go and be the host, so the others wont feel uncomfortable with your parents? I know His Highness Prince Emil and Her Highness Princess Vivian are there, but Id feel more comfortable if someone else was there to help with any awkwardness.

Piers nodded. He looked at Axton. Escort her.

I need to talk to her about the match, anyway. Axton gave him a small nod and stood with Tori until Piers entered the palace. Axton then looked at her and led her away. Are you better with the dagger than the sword? Axton asked as he walked alongside her, leading her to the room where she had gotten ready that morning and the night of the Empress Banquet.

Tori nodded. I feel more confident with it because Im small. My reach is hardly ever equal to or as long as an opponent's when we both have swords; if I'm not fast enough or unable to get in a good angle, Id never get close enough to strike them. The dagger throws them off and Im more agile with it. It also frees up my other hand.

Can you use two at once? Axton asked, raising a brow.

I can, but Im not as coordinated, Tori said.

Axton nodded. They reached the hall where her room was located. By the way, you told me that when you saw von Dorns master, he was using very aggressive movements, slightly longer extensions, and over the head positions. He narrowed his eyes. Are those the same as what von Dorn was doing today?

Tori nodded and knit her brows. Yes. He did that one particular over the head position. Thats not something Im used to.

Axton nodded. Its not a position used in the style we practice in Soleil, he told her. He let out a low breath and frowned. But it is a position prevalent in the style of the Duraga Federation.