Nena by Ann Boelter (digital book reader txt) 📕

sign of the other, we will stop the fight and point it out. You should all come closer and try to see what we are talking about.”

Nena and Gentok each picked out a set of poles and twirled them to check for weight and balance. Then each dipped the ends into colored chalk to better show when a blow was landed. Nena chose red, Gentok blue.

“When you are ready,” he said and tipped his head, deferring to her.

Nena scrutinized him. He appeared relaxed, but she was not fooled. It had been many years since she had sparred with Gentok, but she remembered her lessons well. He was as fast as lightning. But she had learned more than a few things since she was that young warrior in training. She called upon all of her senses to read his moves, then struck.

Gentok deflected the blow and countered with a strike of his own.

Nena ducked and felt the swoosh of air as the pole passed over her head.

“Stop,” she called out. “Did anyone see what I saw before Gentok swung the pole and I ducked?” she asked their audience. “His little fingers tighten on the pole.” She smiled at him. “Again,” she said.

They circled each other, each making and deflecting multiple strikes.

“Stop.” It was Gentok this time. “Did anyone see how Nena plants the heel of her left foot before she strikes with her right hand?” He smiled back. “She was once my student and has done that since she was a girl your age. Improving your fighting is not only seeing the opponent, it is disguising your own moves. When you know you make a particular sign, you must try to hide it.”

Nena flushed and in that moment felt like the young girl he had schooled long ago.

For the next twenty minutes they sparred, each occasionally landing a blow on the other. Every time they stopped and explained what had transpired, what signals their opponent had telegraphed prior to making a move that allowed them to avoid it or land it.

“Now I am going to put you all in pairs and you are to practice what we just showed you,” Nena said. “The goal is not only to win, but to improve your partner as well. So, whenever you are able to land a blow, I wish to hear you explain to them what you saw or what they did not do, that enabled you to do so. Is that clear? Gentok and I will move among you to observe and give tips. You must all strive to excel individually, but success in battle depends on the entire group. Every member must be strong. Do you understand?”

The girls all nodded.

“Very well.” Nena walked among them. “You and you.” She pointed to two taller girls who both had similar serious competitive expressions on their faces. “And you and you.” She paired two other girls of similar age and build. “And you and you.” She pointed to Exanthia and a girl about the same age. She could have paired her with one of the younger girls who would be less skilled, but Nena did not want to embarrass Exanthia by pairing her with a child.

The girl Nena chose to pair her with, though athletic, had an expression Nena remembered well from her days at this age. This girl had no fire, no desire to be a great warrior. She would be one of the girls for whom the gods chose very early, probably as soon as she became a woman, and probably before she ever made a single raid. She would hopefully be a good partner for Exanthia. She could share her knowledge, but would have no competitive desire to best her.

For the next hour Nena and Gentok coached the girls. They moved among them observing and occasionally stepping in to show a particular hold or technique. When the girls were all perspiring from the exertion, Gentok called an end to the lesson. After the last girl had put away her practice sticks in the wooden storage crate on the side of the field and left, he turned to Nena and smiled. “Their parents will thank us. They will all sleep well tonight,” he said.

“Yes,” Nena agreed as they began the walk back to the village together. “Gratitude, for your help today,” she added.

“None required. I enjoyed it.”

“As did I,” Nena admitted. For the first time since her return she did not feel on edge. She knew it was because, like the girls, she, too, was physically spent, but still it felt good. For the moment she was free of all worries and doubts. She thought of how happy Exanthia had been when she’d left with her new friend, Shia, after the lesson was over. “Exanthia lacks skill, but even more lacks confidence. Once she has that, she will catch up quickly,” she said.

“Yes,” Gentok agreed. “She is fortunate you take such an interest in her training. To be trained by Nena, one of the greatest Teclan female warriors ever,” he embellished with a grin.

“You tease me after pointing out my many mistakes today. I have grown sluggish,” Nena said ruefully as she rubbed the multiple blue marks on her arms and dress.

“You were not without success today.” He pointed to the red evidence. “You have improved much since your lessons as a girl. In many ways.” Nena turned and found Gentok’s dark brown eyes on her. They were warm with appreciation, like Jarl’s eyes used to be. She recognized the significance of the look and waited for her body to respond. Gentok was handsome and very expressive by Teclan male standards. She felt nothing. Gentok covered the awkward pause with a smile, and they continued to walk for a short distance in silence. “I understand you will be inducting Exanthia into the tribe tomorrow,” he said.

“Yes. There is no reason to delay, and it will bring her great peace of mind.” Nena was grateful for the change in subject. “Will you be