A Light in the Darkness Book: The Moonlight Murderer

Chapter Forty-One: The Minister of War

            Quintus Cevarius wiped sweat from his brow as he clumsily dodged the strike of a blade. He raised his sword high and clashed with his opponent. Spinning his weapon, Quintus looked for an opening in his adversary's defense but found none. He had to use his size to his advantage, relentlessly assaulting the other combatant with fierce strikes to wear them out.

Unfortunately, he hadn't gotten any younger but nor had his opponent. Jack was still as sharp as ever, but his movements had been dulled by years of peace and the rigors of age. These weekly training sessions had been essential into keeping each other in some semblance of fighting shape. Even the most hardened of warriors could grow soft if they didn't hone their skills.

Once more the two men circled each other, blades raised in anticipation. The problem was, they knew each other's fighting styles too well. Jack knew he'd make the next move. It wasn't in him to wait around and so he was surprised when the guard captain made a lunge for his left flank. Unfortunately for Jack, his strike had fallen short and he was now in close range. Quintus stepped his foot over the captain's and pressed down with all his weight. Jack grunt in pain but he couldn't free himself.

This left him open for Quintus to elbow him in the gut, knocking the wind right out. He took a step back releasing the captain and Jack swung his sword wildly. He was clearly off balance which gave his opponent the opportunity to sweep his legs ands knock him to the padded floor. Jack rubbed his backside as Quintus offered a hand to help his friend up.

"That was a cheap tactic, my lord," the guard captain groaned as he rose to his feet.

Quintus placed their weapons in a rack on the edge of the practice room. He let out a hearty laugh at continual fussing over the loss.

"One of the first rules of combat is take your disadvantages and turn them to your benefit." He patted his extend gut and smiled. The amount of activity he got wasn't quite enough to keep his weight under control and it was no secret he had a fondness for the drink. Changing his fighting style to compensate for this had been a challenge but, he'd managed.

He tossed Jack a towel and they sat down in chairs at the edge of the chamber. The captain wiped his face off and slumped into the seat.

"I just can't seem to cut a break. This is the third time in a row you've beaten me. Have you been practicing without me?"

"Afraid not," Quintus said. "I'd entertained the idea of training with Nob but even with his blind side, he's too quick for this old man. Besides you and I both know you let me win last time, so it's not really three in a row, now is it?"

Jack shrugged. "I was getting exhausted, if it'd gone on any longer, you'd have beat me anyway. I consider that a loss. Is his uncle still proceeding with the candidacy?"

"Aye. He's set on that that course. I wouldn't worry about it. You'll soon have more to deal with than a simple Lord Mayor's job."

"We're going through with it, then? How soon?" Jack asked, his voice growing frantic.

"Soon," he calmly assured the captain. "You have men at the ready for when the time comes?"

"Yes. But our friend in the Phoenix Guard may need some reassurance." 

"I'll leave it to you. Leon will do his duty when it's time. He's gathered those loyal to our cause and is ready strike at a moment's notice. When those traitor's make their move, we'll have them snared and my cousin as well."

Jack's face was implacable to most but to Quintus the subtle moustache switch on his trusted second's face, may as well have been a cry of alarm. He took a deep measured breath.