13 chapter 13

The knight watched Jeanne with admiration as she moved gracefully and skillfully during the fight. He couldn't help but be impressed with her dexterity, considering she seemed to be a newcomer to battle. With a sincere tone in his voice, he praised Jeanne's skill: "You fight very well for someone who doesn't seem to know the combat positions."

Jeanne couldn't help but smile at the knight's compliment. She knew her efforts were being recognized, but she didn't want to take all the credit. With humility, she replied, "I had a good trainer." She couldn't help but glance quickly at Rémy, who was standing not far from where she was fighting. Her smile widened as she remembered how patient and careful he had been with her during their training, teaching her the correct techniques and improving her skills. "I would never have come this far without him," she thought, feeling grateful for her friend's support and guidance.

The knight, with his keen eyes, noticed a quick glance that Jeanne gave to Rémy. He couldn't help but feel slightly uncomfortable with the exchange of glances between the two, but quickly put his thoughts aside and focused on the fight that was to come. For a few seconds, he observed Rémy, who remained motionless, with his blue eyes fixed on the battle that was about to begin.

"Well, that's impressive," said the knight aloud, with a hint of admiration in his voice, "but I'll raise the bar." He narrowed his eyes and his posture changed slightly, indicating he was ready to attack.

With a quick movement, the knight increased his speed and began to deliver fast attacks against Jeanne. Each blow seemed to have surgical precision, and Jeanne had to work hard to defend herself from all of them. The pain pulsed in her arms every time she blocked an attack.

Jeanne tried to step back, but the knight was not willing to give her a break. He continued to attack mercilessly, while sparks flew everywhere due to the exchange of sword strikes. Jeanne fought with all her might, but seemed to be losing ground.

However, she didn't give up. In a quick movement, Jeanne took advantage of the fact that the knight gave her a little space to move. Using her left leg for support, she attacked with her sword. The knight went into defense mode to protect himself, but Jeanne was not willing to let him escape. Using her right leg, she spun her body and delivered a powerful kick, hitting the knight squarely.

The blow was strong enough to make the knight stagger for a moment, but he quickly recovered. Both combatants were now panting and sweaty, but neither seemed willing to give up. The fight continued, with the two warriors exchanging fast and precise blows, each fighting with all their might to achieve victory.

The grass that previously surrounded the combatants was all destroyed and crushed under their feet, the result of the blows being delivered against each other. The air was filled with the tension of the fight, and Jeanne seemed to be getting better every moment. The knight realized this and, in a gesture of desperation, increased his speed to try to defeat her. However, he was already at the limit of his endurance, and each blow he delivered seemed to require more energy than he could give.

The birds that were previously on the tree had fled, flying away from the battlefield. The only sound now was the moans of pain from the combatants and the clinking of swords as they clashed.

"Are you tired already?" asked Jeanne, her voice panting and filled with emotion. She felt every muscle in her body, every drop of sweat running down her face. Her heart was pounding so hard it felt like it might jump out of her chest. Jeanne didn't want to hurt anyone, but she knew she needed to use all her strength to win the fight.

"Girl, you're impressive, but you're still far from my level," replied the knight with difficulty. He didn't want to admit he was losing the battle, but he knew he couldn't keep it up much longer. Jeanne found it amusing, but said nothing. With her right leg forward and her left foot slightly behind her left leg, she put her sword forward and held it firmly. Jeanne was thinking of ending it soon.

"I'll tell you, girl. Don't think war is child's play. Honestly, I'm surprised I want to follow you, but something inside me tells me to. But, like I said before, you're going to have to defeat me," said the knight with a grave and sincere tone. He assumed his combat stance, ready to face Jeanne.

Jeanne seemed sad talking about war: "I never thought war was child's play. It only brings sadness and misery." However, her face soon lit up with a hopeful smile: "But I will do my best to end it, even if I die trying."

Rémy, who was watching from afar, heard Jeanne's words and felt a tightness in his heart. He saw in her eyes an unwavering determination, but also a deep sadness. He knew Jeanne was willing to pay any price to achieve peace, even if it meant sacrificing her own life.

"That's really what's going to happen if things keep going as they are. Rémy promised himself he would do everything in his power to prevent this grim ending. Meanwhile, the knight told Jeanne, "It's not that easy, girl. You'll suffer a lot following this path."

But Jeanne replied with a confident smile, "The Lord God is with me, of that I am sure. Lord God, use this body and help me."

In the blink of an eye, Jeanne rushed towards the knight at an impressive speed, not giving the knight a chance to react. She raised the shining silver sword above her head, while the rays of the sun reflected on the blade and made it shine even more.

The knight was momentarily mesmerized by the sword's glow and Jeanne's radiant beauty. He felt calm, not knowing why. Suddenly, he realized he wasn't afraid of death.

"Maybe dying while looking at this in front of me isn't such a bad idea." The knight thought, as he looked at the sparkling sword and the shining figure of Jeanne. Her long golden hair seemed to shine brightly in the sun, while her innocent and pure gaze stared at him. The knight closed his eyes and prepared for the inevitable blow.

But instead, he felt a strong wind hit his face. When he opened his eyes again, he saw a delicate hand extended in his direction, with Jeanne looking at him with a welcoming smile: "So, nameless knight, will you help me?"

The knight took off his metal glove and took Jeanne's hand, which despite looking fragile, emanated a powerful strength. "As you wish, miss," he said, determined to follow her on her mission, no matter the cost.

"Great!" Jeanne celebrated, jumping for joy. Her golden hair spread in the wind, forming a bright aura around her face illuminated by happiness. Before her feet touched the ground, she felt two arms wrap around her and looked at Rémy, who had approached unnoticed by her or the knight.

Carefully, Rémy spoke: "You must be tired. If I hadn't held you, you would have fallen." Jeanne gave a radiant smile and replied, "Thank you, Rémy."

Watching the scene, the knight raised an eyebrow. He had been uncomfortable before because Jeanne had diverted her attention from him by looking at Rémy during the fight. This could have compromised his concentration and put his life at risk. Rémy looked at the knight and said, "I believe you can go alone now, can't you?"

"Yes," replied the knight to Rémy, but before continuing walking towards his horse, he turned to Jeanne and introduced himself, "My name is Étienne de Vignolles." After saying his name, he continued walking towards his horse.

Rémy watched the knight's back move away, then turned his attention to Jeanne in his arms. He couldn't help but praise her, "You're amazing." Jeanne didn't understand why he was praising her, but smiled anyway.

Curiously, Rémy asked, "Where did you get that sword?" He didn't remember Jeanne buying it before they left the village, hence the question. Jeanne replied, "God gave it to me."

Then, Jeanne moved in Rémy's arms so that he would let go. Carefully, he released her so that she wouldn't fall, as she must still be tired from the effort she made in the fight.

Jeanne walked towards the cloth where she kept the sword and pulled out a fully silver iron spear with a tip with several things written on it. Rémy looked at the spear and then at the cloth.

"How the hell did this fit in there?" exclaimed Rémy, taking the cloth in his hand to examine it. Jeanne laughed, finding his reaction funny, and said, "It fits, and I have a present for you." She handed the spear to Rémy, who took it in his right hand, feeling the weight of the weapon, which was not too heavy.

"Thank you, Jeanne. You didn't have to, but I'm grateful to God. I believe it was He who gave me this spear." Rémy thanked Jeanne for the spear, feeling grateful to have a real weapon now.

"Good thing you're sensible." Jeanne spoke, then positioned herself in front of Rémy, raising her arms to him. He smiled, but couldn't help but question her, "Do you want me to carry you in my arms?" Jeanne nodded her head several times, making it clear that that was what she wanted. Rémy hesitated, "Aren't you too old for this?"

Jeanne burst out laughing, shaking her head in denial, "You're never too old to be carried in someone's arms, Rémy." She smiled as he carefully picked her up, supporting her legs around his waist. She felt protected and secure as he lifted her off the ground, feeling the warmth of his body.

Remy held the girl tightly with one arm, while holding the spear he had just won with the other. He was focused, looking ahead, unaware that Etienne, mounted on his horse, was watching the scene from afar. Etienne, realizing the situation the red-haired boy was in, released a mischievous smile at the corner of his mouth.

To Remy's surprise, he was able to perceive the smile on Etienne's face even from a distance. With every step he took, the smile on Etienne's face grew, leaving Remy more irritated every second. He felt a wave of anger run through his whole body, realizing he needed to teach this guy a lesson.

"Seems like fun." Etienne held back his laughter, trying to maintain a serious appearance. Remy responded with a mischievous smile: "At least it's a girl." Etienne couldn't help but laugh: "True, so protect her well. After all, you are her knight."

Remy spoke confidently: "You can count on it. But don't think I forgot." Etienne immediately understood what Remy was talking about and replied with a hint of sarcasm: "Are you that petty?"

Remy laughed: "Of course not, but I will mock you. Just you wait." Etienne smiled back: "I want to see you try hahahahahah." Jeanne, who was following the conversation confused, asked: "What are you guys talking about?"

Etienne interrupted the conversation with a determined and firm air, getting the attention of the other two. "Not far from here," he begins, "there's a fortress. We can go there and be safer."

Excitement takes over Jeanne, who smiles radiantly as she responds: "Great idea! Please, take us there." Etienne nods his head.

Remy, in turn, promptly agrees with Etienne's suggestion, aware that it's better to protect themselves than to remain vulnerable to imminent danger. He looks at Etienne with a confident expression and says, "Let's go then. Lead us there."

Etienne begins to confidently lead the way, while the other two follow behind him. Remy walks, holding his spear firmly in one arm, while Jeanne holds on to him with the other hand. The sunlight begins to fade, indicating that the day is coming to an end, but they continue to move towards the fortress.

Finally, they arrive at the fortress and are welcomed by the guards. As Etienne commanded the place, the guards allow them to enter without any problems. Inside, they find a safe and comfortable shelter, with places to sleep and a common area for meals and rest. The feeling of safety and comfort envelops the three, allowing them to finally relax and rest, knowing that they are protected from the danger outside.

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