Chapter 9

They sailed north the next day. She practiced the sword with anyone who cared to try. She had indeed learned well. They anchored off the coast of an island north of Ireland. The island was so small it took a scouting party only a day and 1/2 to walk across and back. While an anchored Elle practiced alone on the beach when time allowed and she had no opponent.

Dance with the sword she called it. Her movements were now like water flowing over smooth stones in a river bed.

"You're quite good, Runner." Miles said from a rocky outcropping.

She turned and sliced the air in a smooth motion. "Aye, I try, mate, I try." she said with a devilish grin.

"Wanna opponent?" he asked jumping down from the rocks.

"Always." she told him. She hasn't had the chance to spare with Miles but they had work on the deck at the same time.

The man drew his sword and advanced. The clash of steal rang in the air. It wasn't long that she realized that to him this wasn't practice. Their movements fast and hard they thrust and blocked. Sweat beaded on their skin.

"Enough!" the captain yelled the order from the outcropping Miles had used before. Now the captain advance toward them. "Miles, to the ship."

When Miles had gone he demanded, "Were you trying to get yourself killed? Miles has hated you since he joined the crew."

Elle's face heated. "I didn't know." She said honestly.

"Make no mistake he does," the captain said. "Plant your feet," he demanded.

Elle did and blocked a strike.

"There may come a time you don't feel the energy to fight. - Find it." he said and advanced. His constant attack wore her down.

She knew that this was a punishment although she was not sure what she had done.

Finally, his sword came down and struck her. It was so quick she felt nothing. "Damn it boy!" he yelled as he sheathed his sword. Now it started to sting.

Blood bloomed like a crimson flower on her shoulder. "Let me see boy." the captain said and reached for her.

She backed up. A sting became a burn, she hissed in pain. "Can you get Harve?" she asked on a pained hiss.

"As your captain i demand you let me see it, Runner."

Elle dropped her hand. He pulled back the shirt. "You'll need stitches." he said and pulled the shirt back farther looking for further damage. "What the hell?" his eyes flew up and clashed with hers. She hastily looked away. His hands dropped.

"I'm sorry, Captain." she said unable to meet his eyes.

"Harve knows?" he demanded. He pushed her hand over the wound. She nodded and her face twisted in pain. "Stay here." he demanded as he stood and left.