The Devil's Warrior Queen
Chapter 277: Training

Chapter 277: Training

An awkward silence enveloped them as they perched on the castle’s tower. She wanted to press him to speak, but she shoved it aside.

Moreover, her mind was in a state of turmoil as she pondered on what questions to stir up in a bid to familiarize herself with him.

"Where are your parents?" She blurted out without thinking twice.

"Dead." He replied stiffly.

Silence fell awash on them again as she bit down on her lower lip, inwardly regretting her question.

"They died a long time ago, I barely remember them anymore." He broke the unnerving silence with a nonchalant tone, but she could see a flitting pain beneath those silver tints in his eyes.

"What happened to them?" She asked, inwardly dreading that maybe she was poking her nose too deep.

"They were murdered." His voice turned lower and she saw his grip on the rail tighten, making his knuckles turn white.

She knew better than to empathize with him, it was certainly what he didn’t need at that moment, she could see the raw anger reflecting in his eyes that had now turned cold, he wanted revenge or the brewing fury within him would never cease.

"By who?"

"The vampire king." He paused.

"Draco." He added, his smooth voice was coated with poison as he spewed out his name. The name seemed vaguely familiar but at the same time, it felt as if it was her first time hearing it.

"That’s the real reason you hate him." She murmured to herself.

"He’s facing his karma right now, but it’s still not enough because I didn’t inflict on him." Dalen groaned in a bittersweet symphony.

"Who inflicted it on him?" She queried as the story of the vampire king piqued her interest.

"His father." He replied.

"Why would his father punish him?" Rama’s brows creased as her eyes widened in absurdity.

"For his defiance, the same reason he murdered my parents and every innocent life his hands had snatched." He hissed.

"He can’t hurt anyone anymore, that’s all that matters, so it’s alright to let go of the hate now." Rama remarked softly.

"You’re right, good riddance." He murmured under his breath.

"You should retire to bed now, you must be tored after the long hours of tour, if you need help, you can ring me anytime." Dalen implied.

"With what? The bell is to call the maids." She pointed out.

Then he dipped his hand into his pocket and brought out a silver chained necklace with a crystal drop in the middle. Handing it to her, he said "You can call me with this."

"What’s that?"

"An enchanted necklace. Just keep it with you and call me in your head."

"Ahh, right. Thank you." She nodded as she took the necklace, but as they veered around to leave, she suddenly remembered something.

"This ruby necklace I’m wearing, I found a similar bracelet in my chamber the first day I woke up here, do you have any idea who it belongs to or who gave me the necklace?" She asked, her jade eyes dilating in curiosity.

He heaitated for a split second before speaking "Ahh, they were your parents’s. We managed to retrieve them after the war. The bracelet was in your hand and the necklace, around your neck."

"Oh, I see." She breathed out as she subconsciously rubbed on the necklace.

Dalen, watching her become nostalgic felt a pang of jealousy growing within him.

"You should retreat to your chambers now, immediately dawn rises, you’ll be in the training ground for your fighting lessons. It’s outside in the courtyard." Dalen declared and she nodded with a zealous facade before they both retreated to their chambers.

-----

The sun had just begun its ascent, painting the sky with hues of pink and gold, as Rama, with a fiery determination in her eyes, arrived at the training ground. Clad in simple yet sturdy clothing suitable for movement, she eagerly awaited Dalen’s guidance.

Dalen, garbed in the traditional attire of a seasoned fighter, approached Rama with a calm demeanor. His weathered leather armor bore the marks of countless battles, a testament to his experience and skill. With a reassuring nod, he gestured for Rama to ready herself for the day’s training.

Their training began with the basics, a foundation upon which mastery of combat was built. Dalen emphasized the importance of stance, instructing Rama to stand firm yet flexible, weight evenly distributed between her feet. With deliberate movements, he demonstrated the proper posture, showing her how to hold herself with confidence and readiness.

"Balance is key," Dalen spoke in a deep, resonating voice that echoed across the training ground. "You must be rooted like an oak, yet nimble as a cat."

Rama mimicked his stance, adjusting her footing until she felt a sense of stability and agility. Her determination mirrored in her eyes as she listened attentively to Dalen’s guidance.

Next came the lesson on footwork, a dance of steps that would carry her through battles. Dalen guided Rama through the intricacies of foot placement, teaching her how to move with purpose, to pivot and dodge while maintaining her balance. They practiced stepping forward, backward, and sideways, Dalen patiently correcting her posture and stride.

As the morning progressed, Dalen introduced Rama to the fundamentals of weapon handling. From a rack of practice swords, Dalen selected one for Rama, a blade forged for training, its edge dulled for safety. With a weight that felt foreign in her grasp, Rama held the sword tentatively, its hilt rough against her palms.

"Respect your weapon, Rama," Dalen’s voice carried a note of solemnity. "It is an extension of yourself. Learn its weight, its balance. Let it become a part of you."

Under Dalen’s watchful eye, Rama began the rudimentary drills, swings, thrusts, and parries. With each movement, she sought to emulate the fluidity and precision Dalen exhibited.

His guidance was patient and precise, correcting her grip, adjusting her stance, and demonstrating the proper techniques until they became ingrained in her muscle memory. It all felt vaguely familiar, the steps, footworks and every strike, but it was hard to comprehend, it still felt new yet nostalgic.

The clashing of swords filled the air, accompanied by the rhythmic sound of their footsteps on the packed earth. Dalen encouraged Rama, praising her small victories and guiding her through her struggles. Sweat glistened on their brows, testament to their dedication and effort.

Time seemed to slip away as they delved deeper into the training. The morning sun had now climbed higher in the sky, casting long shadows across the training ground. Yet, Rama’s determination remained unyielding, her resolve unwavering as she absorbed every lesson, every correction, and every encouragement from Dalen.

As the training session drew to a close, Dalen paused to impart one final piece of wisdom. "Remember, Rama, the path of a warrior is not solely about strength and skill. It is about discipline, perseverance, and a clear mind amidst chaos. Keep these teachings close to heart, and you will forge yourself into a formidable warrior."

Focus, Rama," Dalen’s deep voice echoed through the tranquil clearing. "To wield a blade, you must first attune your senses to the rhythm of the fight."

He introduced her to the weight and balance of the sword, guiding her hesitant grip with patient precision. His rugged hands encircled hers, imparting a sense of assurance as he demonstrated the correct posture and stance. Rama absorbed the knowledge like a parched land soaking up rain, feeling the heft of the blade in her grasp and adjusting her stance to mirror Dalen’s guidance.

"Feel the earth beneath your feet," Dalen instructed, his voice carrying a soothing authority. "Let it ground you, give you stability. The rhythm of your breath should sync with the movements you make."

He led her through basic footwork, illustrating the importance of agility and control. They moved in a fluid choreography, Dalen’s steps deliberate and purposeful, while Rama’s were tentative yet eager. Each movement, each shift of weight, was a deliberate lesson in balance and coordination. Rama, attuned to Dalen’s teachings, gradually found her rhythm, her movements gaining confidence with each repetition.

"Sight is but one sense," Dalen mused, his eyes scanning their surroundings. "Listen to the whispers of the wind, the rustling of leaves. They reveal more than what meets the eye."

He encouraged Rama to close her eyes, honing her ability to sense the world around her through sound. With a heightened awareness, she began to discern the subtle nuances of nature’s symphony. The gentle breeze carried whispers of secrets hidden within the rustling leaves, and the distant chirping of birds became a strategic roadmap in her mind.

"Remember, Rama, anticipation is key," Dalen’s voice resonated with wisdom. "Observe your opponent’s movements, predict their next step. React, but never impulsively. Let instinct guide your blade."

To further enhance her training, Dalen initiated a controlled sparring session. The clinking of their blades reverberated through the glade as they engaged in a simulated combat. His strikes were measured, meant to challenge her without overwhelming, while Rama sought to apply the teachings imparted to her moments ago. The dance of combat unfolded between them, each parry, and thrust a testament to Rama’s evolving skill and Dalen’s guidance.

The sun had climbed higher in the sky, casting dappled shadows upon the forest floor. Beads of sweat glistened on Rama’s brow as the training reached its culmination. Her breaths came in measured puffs, a fusion of exertion and exhilaration.

"Lord Dalen, I think I’m beginning to understand," Rama uttered, a glimmer of newfound confidence shining in her eyes.

"You’ve made remarkable progress, Rama," Dalen acknowledged, a subtle smile tugging at the corners of his weathered lips. "Remember, this is but the beginning. Continual practice and dedication will hone these skills into instinct."

With a respectful bow, Rama thanked Dalen for his guidance, a newfound sense of confidence radiating from her demeanor. She left the training ground, her mind filled with the lessons learned, ready to continue her journey toward mastery in the realm of combat.