Admiratio {Astonishment}

Arya had been riding constantly for almost a day and a half. The only times she had stopped was at nightfall and when Eclipse needed a break. Her lower back was sore but she knew that she needed to reach the Academy first. Glancing at the map once more, Arya made sure she was heading on the right path. According to the map, she would be nearing the Academy soon.

Earlier in the morning, Arya had ridden through the city of Xuthviy. Zelie had told her that the academy was located behind the city and acted like a covering, much like the city of Dzfrah did for the Narvian Academy. The sun's rays burned through Arya's back. It was mid-day now and the sun was at its highest point. Arya tried staying in the shade of the trees but the curved path strayed from it.

In the far distance, Arya could hear something. She closed her eyes trying to focus in order to heighten her hearing. She was sure that the noises were human, and they seemed to be male. This meant that Arya was nearly there. She dismounted Eclipse because his hooves were making too much noise on the path. She tied him to a rope around one of the trees and whispered, "Stay here boy."

He neighed loudly but Arya patted him to soothe him down. "I'll be right back, I promise."

This time Eclipse didn't say anything as Arya left him heading towards the direction of the noises. She tiptoed further as the noises became louder. She peeked around trying to locate the owners of the voices without any avail. It was time for step number two. Nimbly she started climbing the closest tree. The branches were much sturdier making it easier for Arya to keep her balance. When she believed that she had reached enough height she moved the branches to get a clear view.

What Arya could see took her breath away. There were boys of all ages lined up and dueling in the open courtyard. Their moves were in unison something she had not seen in a while. Instead of fighting, they seemed to be blocking their opponent's moves and learning how to work as a team. A man with strands of silver-grey hair stood in front of the boys with his sword resting at his hips. He was gazing very intently at the boys and made sure to point out any mistakes they made.

Arya looked on amazed at how they were practicing. Perhaps she became too absorbed as she didn't notice the figure approaching under her before it was too late.

"Oi, whoever you are, make your way down at once!" The voice shouted at Arya.

She was quite startled and the branch she was sitting on rattled. Thankfully, it didn't break. Arya ran through the possibilities of her going down and decided that she rather stay where she was hoping that the person on the ground would give up. But no such thing happened as a few minutes later an arrow whizzed by her ear missing her by an inch.

She sighed; it looked like she was going to have to climb down after all. Carefully, she made her way back to the ground to come face to face with familiar face. It was the male guard she had met when she had been travelling with Damien and Aaron. The guard himself looked quite surprised to see Arya as his hand rested on the pommel of his sword.

"Miss, what are you doing here?" he questioned.

"I have business to attend with Prince Zander." Arya replied.

He looked confused. "Why were you up in the tree then?"

"I was merely curious," Arya responded in a clipped tone not revealing anything else.

The man slowly nodded as if his brain was trying to process the information. "Would you like me to accompany you to the academy then?"

Arya slightly tilted her head. "That would be appreciated although I do have to fetch my stallion before we go."

"Very well," the man said.

The pair of them made their way to Eclipse who was still standing tied to the tree. He neighed when Arya came and bared his teeth when the guard tried coming to close.

"Still doesn't like people huh," he muttered.

Arya allowed a small smile to make its way onto her face. She led Eclipse as they followed the guard towards the academy. When they reached the training grounds it seemed that everything halted as the boys stopped to stare at her. Arya trained her gaze onto her feet not liking the attention she was receiving. It was almost as bad as it had been in the Narvian Academy but this time it was as if the boys were seeing a new species.

When they reached the mahogany gates the guard turned to her. "I'll lead your horse to the stables; Prince Zander should be in there somewhere. If you don't find him, just ask one of the students."

Arya nodded before proceeding through the doors of the academy. She was amazed at how similar it was to the Narvian Academy. Bright red carpets adorned the cool marble floors while portraits lined the wall. There were boys bustling around looking for their next classes and chatting while they had a break. Like the lads outside, the boys looked at Arya curiously as she made her way through the halls. The outline was extremely similar to the Narvian Academy to the point where Arya knew exactly where Prince Zanders study would be.

When she arrived at the doors, she felt as though she was visiting Princess Zelie although she knew she wasn't. Knocking lightly, she awaited a response.

"Come it," muttered a deep voice.

Arya took a deep breath and turned the knob. Prince Zander had clearly been expecting someone else as he looked up in surprise when he saw Arya instead. Arya respectfully curtsied, before standing up.

"And who might you be?" he asked in a rich, deep tone.

Arya was momentarily startled by his looks. He had short-cropped golden hair and stunning green eyes which were very similar to Lady Zelie. He was dressed in a long red robe and his sword rested on the oak table. There was no doubt about it; Prince Zander was clearly as handsome as the rest of his family.

"My name is Arya Ernestus. I have come from the city of Dzfrah baring a message from Princess Zelie." Arya said.

Prince Zander's eyebrows rose at Arya's proclamation. His eyes quickly skimmed over the scroll before he put it to the side and slightly shook his head. "I should have known that Zelie would think of the same thing."

Prince Zander's statement confirmed that Aaron had indeed been sent from the Narvanian Academy. His green eyes peered at Arya drawing in all her features before resting on the sword at her hip.

"Very well, I shall set up a room for you as my sister requested. You are free to stay as long as you wish. If my sister saw that I kicked you out, she would probably have my head." He mumbled.

Arya bowed respectfully, "thank you my Lord for your hospitality."

Prince Zander stood up his height towering over Arya's. "Don't mention it; I'm only doing this for my sister."

He briskly walked away before looking at Arya who was rooted in her stop. "Don't you want to know where your room lies?"

Arya hurried after him having to double her stride in order to keep up with him. The students of the academy seemed keener to stare at Arya then they had before. Arya could suppose this was due to the fact that their headmaster was escorting a female they had never seen before. Nevertheless, she didn't let the stares get to her as she simply looked forward with her head held high.

Prince Zander had led her to her room before announcing that dinner would talk place in half an hour. Arya had opted to keep her sword at her waist as she wasn't sure how the boys would treat her. Instead of waiting for the actual meal, Arya had gone down to the kitchen earlier and had bribed the cook into giving her a meal before dinner. She was in no mood to be stared at through her entire meal. The staring made it seem normal, almost like back in the academy, a place she now considered home.

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Arya awoke the next morning and for a second she almost thought that she was back at the Narvian Academy. After getting a close look at her surroundings, Arya realized where she was. She quickly got dressed before tiptoeing her way to the training room. Just as she had expected, it was in the same location as the one in Narvian Academy. It was almost creepy how close the layout seemed to be between the two academies, it was as if they were mirror images of one another.

When she entered, the room smelled faintly of sweat. Targets, bows, arrows, swords, and dummies were all scattered around the room. In the Narvian Academy, everything had a designated place, however here it seemed that everything was jumbled together. Arya unsheathed Anaz before she firmly started practicing with the dummy. She found ways to get around its body while also ensuring that she hit the correct places. Practicing with dummies was not the same as a real human but that was all she could get at this moment.

Arya felt as though she was in the zone. Her eyes were closed, her heart beat calm and her mind was awake. She was the predator and she was getting ready to hunt her prey. She practiced some of the different techniques that Madame Kenna had taught her with the sword. After a while, Arya sensed another presence in the room.

She opened her eyes to see the same man she had seen yesterday with the silver streaks of hair standing in front of the boys. Now, he had the same gaze trained on Arya.

"You remind me of someone," he replied in a deep tone.

Arya stood still. She still didn't know what to make of him. She was confused by his presence, unware of how she should react.

"Do you perhaps know a Lady named Kenna?" he questioned ignoring Arya's stiffness.

Arya's curiosity got the better of her. "She is my teacher." Arya replied.

"Ah," the man said knowingly, "that is why your fighting style is similar to hers."

It was then he noticed the confused look on Arya's face. "My name is Sir Alexander, Kenna is my cousin. We spent much of our childhood days trying to best each other under the apprenticeship of my father."

It was like a puzzle piece coming together in Arya's mind. It all made sense now. He probably taught the boys swordsmanship just like Madame Kenna taught the girls swordsmanship. He had probably been Prince Zander's teacher.

"I never would have guessed..." Arya trailed off.

Sir Alexander gave her a light smile. "How is she?"

"She is doing well, training the girls for the Heres Gladii." Arya said airily.

"Now that is something I can't wait for. It will be like our childhood again." Sir Alexander said laughingly.

Arya nodded not knowing what else to say.

"Would you do me the favour of joining my swordsmanship class? I would love for the young lads to see your moves and perhaps you would learn from them as well." He said knowingly.

Arya knew that the class would hold two meanings. Firstly, Sir Alexander would be able to read her moves and learn more about the academy and secondly in return Arya would be able to analyze the boys and report to Zelie how they were doing.

"I would be honoured." Arya replied. She would have been a fool if she didn't take the opportunity presented to her.

Sir Alexander nodded, satisfied. "The students shall be arriving shortly."

Arya waited patiently as the students began to trickle in. They had a surprised look on their face whenever they saw Arya. She chose to ignore then and instead starred at the wall ahead. When all the students had assembled Sir Alexander went to the front of the class, "This is Arya. She will be practicing with us today."

Arya could feel the students curiosity rising. They were probably wondering who she was and why she was standing in their class. Arya couldn't blame them. She would be surprised to see a male student in the Narvian Academy.

"Pair off with someone and start dueling. Remember to be sharp. The loser has to stay in for extra practice after class." Sir Alexander said.

The students got up obediently before drawing their swords. In a matter of minutes the room was filled with the echoes of clanking metal.

"Arya," Sir Alexander called out, "You'll be sparring with me."

Arya hid the surprise in her face and merely nodded. She was up for the challenge. She knew it wasn't going to be easy. He was older, more experienced and a better fighter. Arya had only dueled with Lady Zelie a handful of times. Nevertheless Arya drew her sword and got into position. Sir Alexander mirrored her motions.

"On the count of three," he said, "One, two, and three."

They were off. Sir Alexander made the first move forcing Arya to the defense. His speed was incredible and Arya barely managed to block his blow with her sword. The metals clanked against one another. Arya had to push her feet down in order for her to stay put but she could feel herself moving back. She was losing grip and fast. If she didn't get out in another minute or so, this battle would be over before it started.

Making a quick decision Arya quickly side-stepped making Sir Alexander's lower itself to the ground. Then she aimed for his ribs since they were wide open. 

Or so she thought. 

Sir Alexander was able to block that blow as well. For the next few minutes they exchanged blows each trying to one up the other. Arya was vaguely aware that the other students had stopped with their duels and were instead watching Arya. Arya also knew that if this duel were to drag on, Sir Alexander would win. She didn't have the same stamina that he did. Having a longer battle would only result in her defeat.

Arya knew that she was exhausted so this final blow would be the deciding factor of the match. His increased her speed before faking her attack to the left side. In the last moment she switched to the side. She could hear the slight rip in his garment before he blocked her.

"Enough," he said in a low voice.

Arya withdrew her sword panting heavily. Beads of sweat lined her face and his clothes were soaked. This had been one hell of an engaging battle. She had no doubt that he was equal to Madame Kenna, if not better. The students meanwhile seemed to be staring at the brown piece of cloth in Arya's hand.

"That is the first time in ages since I had a student get near my clothing." Sir Alexander commented.

Ah. That is why the students seemed to be looking at her in ... awe?

He turned to the rest of the students. "I hope that taught you something. It should have been a humbling lesson. Some of you think that you are on top of this world but the mere truth is there are always people better than you. Trying to best you, defeat you. You're not as great as you might think."

Many of the students looked down in shame but Sir Alexander continued. "It also gives you hope, something to cling on. Someday, you might be as good as her or any of the other warriors."

Arya hid away when Sir Alexander started complimenting her. She hated being in the spotlight.

A long bong interrupted the next words. "Class is dismissed; I'll see you all later." Sir Alexander said firmly.

The students began to file out of the room. Finally it was only Arya and Sir Alexander left in the training room. "You almost gave me a run for my age." He said slowly. "The last time I had to work that hard was when I was facing Aaron." A nostalgic smile played on his lips. "You remind me of him, Kenna has taught you well. I'll be looking forward to your match in the Heres Gladii."

He exited the room leaving Arya with an echo of thoughts. She was anticipating her match with Aaron as well but if she had learned something today it was that she was not the best. She could get better, and she would.

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Arya finally made it to the boys academy! So what did you think of her duel with Sir Alexander? Did you guys learn about Aaron's strength?  How about Prince Zander? You'll be seeing Sir Alexander and Prince Zander in the future for sure. Please remember to vote and comment! Thank you for getting this story to 500+ reads and over 100 votes! It really means a lot. <3