The Asters of Ogaza

Ready, set, spar!

            The first day of training was not such a mess-but it was a mild mess. After some Asters had panicked over the sight of an actual sword, Master Poja and Princess Haile taught them the basics of swordsmanship;

Hold your sword right hand at the top end of the grip and left at the bottom, closer to the pommel

Your sword must be in the ‘ready’ position- sword upright blade perpendicular to the ground

You must perfect the eight different angles of attack. But we would take them one at a time.

Parry your opponent’s attack with your sword

Do not even think about making stabbing movements with your sword. It makes you vulnerable to your opponent.

Be sure not to lift your arms and sword behind your head. You would be an easy kill.

Deception is key in sword fighting, master it.

“You are one with your sword, treat it like it is a part of you. Having this knowledge would help you

 practice and attack better. Remember, the object to cut down is your enemy. As long as you have your sword, show no mercy until you take the win” Master Poja drew out his sword and bobbed his head. They did the same. Wooden dummies were arranged- one for each person, and with their waster swords, they began to practice the eight different angles of attack; straight down from the top, straight up from the bottom, diagonally down to the left, diagonally down to the right, diagonally up from the right, and left and right strikes horizontally.

          After an hour of doing that, they were paired and asked to spar. Angel had troubles maintaining balance and coordination- the shorter leg countered the longer one and he often fell. Amare struck down his enemy after a tough fight and Marjani easily performed a feint by raising her sword above her head. When her opponent ran to attack, she parried it and finished him off with a powerful kick to the groin. She placed her sword on his shoulders and smiled at him before helping him up. Zina lasted in her battle against Jael, but when she failed to counterattack, Jael took advantage and won.

“I would rather stick my head in a bucket of ice than watch you all repeat this joke for another second. I am not impressed, not in the slightest. But I’d assume it’s a first for most of you and let it slide” Princess Haile’s face was grim. Marjani scoffed, her fight was the best so far, she received a small nod of approval from Master Poja after it. How didn’t the Princess notice that? How didn’t she notice her? Princess Haile unsheathed her sword, an actual sword, from her scabbard

“Watch how it is done.” She motioned for Master Poja to spar. They bowed at each other before they started. It was impossible not to be overwhelmed with fear as their swords clanged, whistling as they cut through the air.

          Master Poja had good control of his sword, Princess Haile was skilled. And they parried, counterattacked and dodged each other’s attack with swift and nimble motions only professionals could possess. Master Poja attacked Princess Haile, but when he was some seconds slow, she was able to briskly step away from the attack in good time to slit his attacking arm. The Asters gaped as Master Poja’s dark skin- now stained with blood, became evident from the s***h. Princess Haile smiled satisfactorily and bowed. He replicated. She turned to one of the guards standing watch.

“Fetch a nurse and have him cleaned up” She turned to the Asters. “Do not wear thick clothing for physical trainings like this. It restricts your movements, and that’s not what you should aim for. You need to be nimble. Instead, wear light clothes, clothes made of cotton-polyester fabrics. Like hers” She pointed to Zina and everyone’s head jerked towards her. Zina flushed from the sudden attention, but she stayed still. She noticed Princess Haile’s amber eyes linger on her for a moment and she averted her gaze. 

“You are dismissed. Get ready for the Etiquette class tomorrow. The Empress just may show up. Oh, and if you depend solely on our Monday trainings to practice your sword fighting, then I fear for the future of North Ogaza because you would remain horrible swordsmen and swordswomen”. She moved to pick up a bottle of hibiscus tea and left the training ground with Master Poja. Some Asters sat on the ground. It had been a hectic start, given that most of them had not handled swords prior till this day.

A worker brought some buttered bread and hibiscus tea for them

“Hibiscus tea!” Marjani opened a bottle and gulped. The Asters had now moved under the shade and away from the burning sun that lived directly above the center of the training ground.

“After a day like this, the hibiscus tea is the most energizing drink. It’s my favourite drink after pineapple juice”

“Your sword skills are so perfect. I’m so close to being jealous” Angel pouted and Zina smiled fondly at him. He had been keen on taking classes seriously, but things became very hard for him during the training. And although he had promising skills, he was easily defeated.

“This is what we do for fun- my brothers and I. Sword fighting is how we ease off stress” She nibbled on the bread

“You have fun by playing with swords? Who raised you? Warriors?” Jael asked, her face contorted in horror and apparent disgust.

“Yep. My Dada is a General. Azura Province”

The Asters around her exclaimed in pure awe, and she was proud of herself.

“Woah, how cool! My Mama would rather be 6ft under than have my Dada let us handle swords. She didn’t want me becoming an Aster for the fear of me handling weapons” Jael heaved

“Well, my Mama’s dead” Marjani said and they became quiet, sad.

“I- I’m sorry I brought it up. I didn’t mean to…”

“Nah, it’s alright” She shrugged it off.

“Your Dada is General Haruni Adey?” Jael’s friend asked and Marjani nodded “So you actually have 7 brothers?” Jael’s eyes widened

Marjani chuckled her hoarse, odd girlish chuckle “You sure do love rumors, don’t you? I have just four brothers; Mazi, Marko, Mayza and Malie. I am an only girl and the middle child”

The Asters exclaimed again. Zina was not present. She looked around to see that Amare was no longer there. She sighed. How was she going to find out why he is interested in the Obsidian? She got up abruptly and caught their attention

“Going somewhere” Angel got up as well.

“No. I mean, yes. A walk. I want to take a walk. Alone.” She gave him a convincing smile. She was going to return.

“You caught the Princess’ attention today, roommate” Marjani remarked and chuckled when Zina’s expression read confused.

“She really did. With her polyester outfit” Jael added in a playful sneer.

“It’s nothing important” Zina dismissed. “I’d catch up with you folks later” She turned to leave and then stopped to face Angel “I’d be back soon. Would you wait for me even if they leave?”

Angel smiled his big, bright smile, his teeth tainted the purple-blue of the hibiscus tea “You bet I will”

Zina left and the others teased Angel

Are you guys in love already?

Do you like her?

Angel kept on smiling. Whatever they thought it was, he was happy with it.

          Zina stood amidst tall trees and chirping birds. Amare was nowhere in sight. Instinctively, she headed towards the Bones. When Master Poja showed them around the Royal Palace, he didn’t leave out the Bones- the gates of the Palace through which spies from the South had on many occasions attempted to break into. It was almost a danger zone. Her instincts didn’t lie to her. She soon saw Amare, hands in his pockets looking intently at the gates. She walked cautiously and stood a few metres away from him.

“What’s the deal?” Amare flinched at the sound of her voice. “First, you throw a fit about the Obsidian at the Royal dinner. Now, you’re here trying to pull down these gates with your gaze. What is the deal, salty Stevie?”

Amare curled his lips into a cynical smile. “Woah! Who in the mountains do we have here? Are you stalking me, vulture?”

“Answer the question.” Zina was now inches away from him.

“I am not obligated to answer your stupid question. What has me talking about the Obsidian got to do with me being here right now?”

“You want to cross it, don’t you? You’re looking for an exit plan. That’s why you were passionate about the death penalty. You want to cross it but you don’t want to die” Her eyes held what seemed like hope for a few seconds “That’s why you’re checking out Bones, to see if it’d be doable”

He let out a baleful laugh. “You’re sick, vulture. Really messed up. I was, and still am passionate about the death penalty because I am human. Every North Ogazaian should be passionate about it. And what horse crap are you giving me about Bones? I walked all the way here because I needed air, the air you just polluted with your presence. How dumb would I be to plot an escape through the gates with the toughest security watch?” He inched closer and his cynical smile reappeared “You may be attracted to me; I get that a lot. But do not follow me around. It’s just been three days, give it a little time. I may notice your attraction then.”

He was insane! Zina was certain that Amare was raving mad!

“Coward!” She yelled after him as he was walked away. “You know, I hope you get caught. I don’t know what your reason is, but I know that you want to go through the cave. I just can’t wait to watch your head roll off your body.” She moved confidently past him, fuming. She was going to write Pa and Zo letters.  She missed them and with the much that had happened, it felt like three days had equalled three years. She turned to get another look at the stone-faced Amare

“Oh, and before I would ever get attracted to you, I would first bear children for a gorilla” She stalked off. Amare had motives about the Obsidian, and she would get to the bottom of that.