Page 16 of Lord of the Lone Wolf
It was true. Sephen’s worldview had been shaped by years of peaceful study and quiet contemplation. The idea of widespread violence, of kingdoms falling and lives being lost in the thousands, was antithetical to everything he believed about how life should work.
Kisano nodded in understanding. “Perhaps if you spoke to Sephen, it might help put his mind at ease.”
“I will,” Auslin promised before returning to the subject of Maseo. “You probably think I’m foolish for bringing Maseo here, but Kizoshi told me I would find a hidden ally on our return home. She must have meant him. And she’s never been wrong about anything as long as I’ve known her.”
It reassured Kisano to hear his sister had spoken in defense of Maseo’s involvement. Kizoshi’s predictions were never wrong, though they were often maddeningly vague until events had unfolded. If she had seen Maseo as an ally rather than a threat, then perhaps Kisano’s concerns were unfounded.
He conceded the point. “In that case, I will trust in the situation to work out the way fate intended it.”
Because what other choice did any of them have? The wheels of fate were in motion, and all they could do was play their parts as best they could and hope that Kizoshi’s visions led them toward victory rather than destruction.
Chapter 8
Jaega
The training hall was vast and imposing, its vaulted ceilings disappearing into the shadows high above, while weapon racks lined the stone walls. Afternoon sunlight streamed through the tall windows, casting geometric patterns of light and shadow across the polished wooden floors. The air carried the familiar scents of leather, steel, and sweat, a testament to countless hours of dedicated practice and warrior discipline.
Jaega had reservations about Nasume’s son joining their ranks, but he couldn’t deny his curiosity to test Maseo. “Earlier, you mentioned you have previous training with weaponry.”
Maseo nodded as he stood in the center of the enormous practice hall, his eyes scanning the impressive array of weapons adorning every wall. “I’m best with swords, daggers, and battle-axes, but I’ve trained with every weapon on that wall, along with some more obscure ones and martial arts.”
The breadth of his training impressed Jaega, though he kept his expression neutral. Most soldiers specialized in one or two weapon types at most. Such skill showed either exceptional dedication or necessity.
“Interesting.” Jaega stroked his chin as he studied Maseo with growing curiosity. “Is that standard in your military, or does it stem from a personal interest?”
Maseo’s expression darkened, and something bitter flickered in his green eyes. “People trying to win favor with my father often attacked me, so Valdrion made sure I knew how to fight back with any weapon at my disposal.”
The casual way Maseo spoke of being assaulted horrified Jaega. What kind of environment had the young lad grown up in, where violence from supposed allies was so common?
“Valdrion Falaris?” Jaega’s eyebrows arched in surprise, both at the familiar name and at Kitsuki’s inability to suppress his dragon’s angry growl echoing through the hall. The sound was low and menacing, filled with a protective fury that made the very air seem to vibrate.
Maseo nodded, unperturbed by the display of aggression. “Yes, sir. He’s a commander in my father’s army, although heshouldbe head general. But my father refuses to promote him beyond the rank of captain because he feels threatened by Valdrion’s respect among the other soldiers.”
Jaega shook his head, saddened by the waste of such talent. “It is a pity that such an honorable warrior must serve under your father’s command. It is probably for the best that he is not a general. He would put his life in great danger by refusing to commit Nasume’s atrocities.”
Maseo blinked in surprise. “You know Valdrion?”
“We became acquainted during the Necromancer War when the Ariake clan fought alongside the Venrik pack your grandfather ruled,” Jaega explained, memories of those brutal campaignsflickering through his mind. “Although Valdrion was only a corporal at the time, his remarkable skills and sense of justice impressed me. Even then, he distinguished himself from the other soldiers, not because of rank but because of character. He must chafe under your father’s capricious whims.”
“Oh, hehatesmy father,” Maseo said with a snort that held no humor, only bitter truth. “If he weren’t such an incredible warrior, my father would have gotten rid of him centuries ago. Instead, Father suppresses his rank and treats him poorly. As a result, Valdrion got stuck with the grunt work of training me.”
The pieces were falling into place regarding why Maseo carried himself with such disciplined confidence despite his youth. Valdrion would have ensured his student could survive in any situation, using any available weapon.
“Very well. Show me what he taught you.” Jaega selected two practice swords, their wooden construction worn smooth by countless sessions. He offered one to Maseo. “But first, you will need to remove your ring. While you are not in any danger here, I fear the protective barrier will not differentiate between training and actual combat.”
Maseo glanced at Kitsuki, who observed their interaction with his arms crossed over his chest, his blue eyes intent and focused. The dragon monarch nodded in approval, prompting Maseo to remove the ring and place it in his pocket. He squared his shoulders and held his sword in a perfect defensive position, his stance reflecting years of ingrained muscle memory.
Kitsuki stepped closer to the sparring area, his gaze fixed on Maseo. “Begin with basic forms,” he instructed, his voice carrying royal authority. “I want to assess his fundamentals before we test his adaptability.”
Jaega started with a series of standard attacks of overhead strikes, diagonal cuts, and thrusting motions. He moved at half speed to gauge Maseo’s responses, who met each attack with textbook-perfect blocks and parries.
“Faster,” Kitsuki commanded.
Jaega increased his pace, and Maseo matched him effortlessly. The wooden swords clashed together in a steady rhythm as they moved through complex combinations. Maseo’s footwork was exceptional as he glided across the training floor.
Without warning, Jaega launched a full-force attack, bringing his weapon down hard on Maseo’s with considerable strength. The impact would have driven most fighters to their knees, but Maseo absorbed the blow and spun away, using the momentum to create distance and launch a counterattack that forced Jaega to give ground.
As they sparred in earnest, Jaega saw Valdrion’s influence in every aspect of Maseo’s form. The half-wolf shifter fought cleanly, never resorting to dirty tricks or underhanded tactics with ruthless efficiency. Quick on his feet, he possessed an almost supernatural ability to read his opponent’s intentions, never leaving himself open to attack.
