(BEST VIEWED FULL SIZE!) "Most impressive - well done Aranée!" Galen handed the practice blades to the training officer. "And well done to you too, she has progressed more rapidly than I could have imagined." Galen returned that morning, found her training in the courtyard, and decided to test her. The man smiled. "Thank you Sir Galen, but in truth the lady has a special aptitude for this." He turned to Aranée. "M'Lady, you learn very rapidly - and that Elvish speed of yours makes you unpredictable and nearly unbeatable." He paused and looked at Galen. "I believe there is really only one person - other than you - who can take her further." Galen smiled. "I believe you are correct. Can you ask her to join us?" The man left with a courteous half bow, and returned a few moments later. When Aranée looked up her jaw fell open. Mubela stood next to the man, regarding her with twinkling eyes. The friend Aranée thought she knew looked very different than she had ever seen her. Mubela wore beautiful clothing quite well, but now she stood just as comfortably before her - in battle-worn warrior's garb. Mubela broke into an impish smile. "Close your mouth dear, it's not too attractive that way. Well, well. Once again you need me to teach you something - I think I may start charging you for tutoring services!" "Well, I... I think you need to tell me what is going on." Mubela nodded. "My people were a warrior clan famed for our fighting ability, but our enemies banded together to wipe us out." She paused. "When my village was overrun, I was in bed, feverish and weak from a bad wound. I was captured and sold to people who could profit from my skills." She nodded towards Galen. "I left a bit out of Galen's story: Jobil rescued TWO people from a floating timber that day - and I helped Galen put down Jobil's mutiny. Later, when Jobil made Galen captain of the soldiers - I became head of his personal bodyguard. I am also a special messenger and chief combat instructor for his soldiers." Aranée looked at her with questioning eyes. "So why the big secret?" Mubela sighed, a hint of sadness in the corners of her eyes. "I want friends... romance... and over time it has became very, very clear... people will avoid anyone who intimidates them..." Aranée breathed a sigh of relief. "This explains a great deal, why you are gone so much..." She looked at Mubela. "You couldn't attend the gala because you were on duty that evening - that is it isn't it." Mubela nodded. "That is the truth of it." Smiling at Aranée, she took a practice blade from the training officer and hefted it. "Now, I understand you need instruction in areas other than clothing or hair." Her nose crinkled as her mouth drew into a wicked smile. "Shall we be on with it?" --- TO BE CONTINUED! View episodes in sequence for the entire story, links below. Busy busy busy. The holidays are crunch time for the food closet, our church, my clients, my family. I'll try to post at least one new episode a week - BTW, the next one is a biggie. PLEASE leave your comments or criticisms - your words keep me going! Image and story © 2009 by Larry Hodge