Chapter 39

Ayla and Rhobart left the river behind them and headed to the main road. The King looked at the trees and then at the sky.

"We have to hurry. It will take us four hours until we make it to the next camp, and we only have three hours left of light," Rhobart said.

Ayla nodded as she kept looking around, still hoping.

"I am sorry we haven't found Nixx. But I will make sure that everyone will learn about his sacrifice."

Ayla nodded again and wiped her tears away. She had cried enough; now, it was time for her to be brave and live. She made sure that the memories of Nixx were safe in her heart and looked at the horizon.

'I will find that dragon for you,' Ayla promised.

She rode next to Rhobart while they got close to the next camp.

"Where are we going to meet up with Milton?" Ayla asked.

"The last mine is in the Hammer Clan, close to the Black Forest. We will find Milton there."

Ayla remembered the discussion she heard back at the castle.

"Aren't strange things going on in that forest?"

Rhobart nodded, "I already sent the other Paladins to see what's going on. And I will inspect it once I am there."

Ayla looked at him. Rhobart was staring forward with a blank expression on his face. His long sword was across his back. He looked like he was ready to kill all his enemies. Was he ever afraid of anything?

"What if something happens to you while you are in the Black Forest?" Ayla asked.

He looked at her and smiled, "Worried about me, t'xoria?"

"No! Of course not! And what does 't'xoria' means?"

Rhobart laughed, and it echoed through the forest.

"Maybe I will tell you one day. For now, let's hurry," Rhobart said when he stopped laughing.

Ayla was getting frustrated with not knowing what 't'xoria' meant. But one day, she will learn. Maybe one of the Paladins will tell her.

It was dark when they made it to the camp. Ayla looked around, and to her disappointment, this one didn't have cabins. She was tired of sleeping on the wooden platforms. She got off of Spirit and went with Rhobart to tie the horses to a little shelter for animals. Ayla was glad that Spirit and Runner wouldn't be out in the open during the frosty night.

While Rhobart made sure the horses had hay and water, Ayla filled a kettle with snow and took out some ingredients to make a stew.

After they ate, Rhobart looked at Ayla, "Is your shoulder still hurting?"

The two healing potions that Ayla drank the day before had made her heal faster.

"No. I think it is completely healed."

"Good. Then I should start teaching you how to fight. But first, can I see your dagger?"

Ayla took it out and handed it to Rhobart. She waited until he studied it. When he finished inspecting the blade, Rhobart gave it back to Ayla.

"It is a beautiful weapon. It is made from magic ore, around 20 inches long. And has a good balance. I think it is great for you to start with a dagger. Once you master that, we will move to swords. And while a dagger is an excellent weapon for women, remember that in a fight with someone that has a sword, you are at a disadvantage. But there are tricks to help you win. Well, we should start with the beginning. Stand."

Ayla stood and waited to see what the King would do. He gave her a stick almost as long as her dagger.

"We will practice with sticks until you learn more," Rhobart said. "Let's say I am going to attack you. To defend yourself, you can use the high guard technique. You put your dominant leg out, so you can have control over your balance. Next, you put both hands in the air – one with the dagger and the other to block any attack from your opponent. And then you use the dagger to attack," he explained while showing her how to move.

When he finished showing her, Rhobart pointed at Ayla, "Now we practice."

Ayla tried to attack Rhobart with the stick, but he was faster, and before she even had a chance to get in the position, he had his stick at her neck.

"And you are dead," Rhobart said.

"You are too fast," Ayla said.

Rhobart starched the back of his head, "We should work on your position first."

While Ayla got into the position Rhobart showed her earlier; he moved behind her.

"Move your dominant leg out a bit more."

He put his hand on her shoulders, and her heart started beating faster. She did not understand her reaction but hoped Rhobart would not hear her drumming heart. It wasn't the first time that a man touched her, she even rode with Nixx on the same horse, but for some reason, Rhobart's touch seemed more intimate.

'Focus, Ayla! Focus!' she said to herself.