Magi's Path (Aether's Revival Book 3) Daniel Schinhofen (books to read in a lifetime .txt) 📖

“She didn’t expect us to be here,” Jenn said.

They were just putting their slippers on when Baylyss met them. “Apprentices, Novices, it is good to see you. We didn’t expect you three,” Baylyss said, looking at Gregory and his wives. “I will make sure refreshments are in order. Are you going to use the courtyard first?”

“Peaceful Fist first,” Gregory replied. “After that, if it’s okay, we’d like the children to have the majority of today off.”

“I had planned for it, as Indara has started to teach them unarmed combat,” Baylyss said. “Is she not coming today?”

“She isn’t, but we will take her place,” Yukiko said. “She had them working on falling? We can teach them that. We’ll need the second training room though, as the other one will be for us to spar in.”

“I’ll have it ready for you by the time you finish your meditation,” Baylyss said. “It hasn’t been overly long, but they have been just as focused on doing their chores and practicing as they were when you were out of the city.”

“Good. How is Elsa doing?”

“She is doing very well. When she does find free time, she has taken to reading.” Baylyss’ lips turned up at the corners. “I believe she’s trying to emulate those she looks up to.”

“As long as she doesn’t shirk her duties,” Yukiko smiled.

“Oh no, she is quite certain that her tasks are done before she goes off,” Baylyss replied. “They should be gathered by now, so if you’ll all follow me, please?”

“Baylyss, before we go,” Gregory said, “if it’s okay with you, the three of us would like to stay here tonight. We have tomorrow off and would like to spend the time with the children.”

Baylyss’ smile grew and she bowed her head. “That would be lovely. I will make sure dinner is prepared with that in mind. I take it this information is not to be shared with them until later?”

“Please, we want it to be a surprise,” Yukiko said.

“Very well. I’ll show you to the changing rooms. Your gi are still hanging up and waiting for you.”

“Thank you,” Yukiko smiled.

Entering the inner courtyard, Gregory smiled, as the children were all present. The six of them had stopped to change into gi, and Gregory was happy to see the children were similarly attired.

“We are ready for instruction, Sensei,” Elsa said formally, bowing to them. The rest of the children bowed along with her.

“Very well,” Yukiko said. “Everyone, spread out and take up the first stance.”

~*~*~

When their meditation came to an end, the children were all smiling.

“We were told you’d started training,” Yukiko said. “Indara will not be here to train you today, but in her place, the three of us will. We’ll be taking turns with you, as we’ll be sparring with the novices. Once we’re done training you, you’ll be allowed to sit along the edge of the room and watch us spar, but only if you do your very best today.”

Elsa bowed low. “We will not disappoint you.”

“Very well. Jenn will be your first instructor,” Yukiko said.

Jenn stepped forward. “Second training room. Let’s go.”

As the children filed out, led by Elsa and followed by Jenn, Victoria smiled. “They’re so cute.”

“They are,” Gregory agreed. “We get the first training room.”

Daciana was already moving, eager to fight.

“We’ll be fighting in rotation,” Yukiko said as they trailed Daciana. “Loser steps off, and the next person in line fights. This way, everyone has a chance to practice and, as we’ll be going for most of the day, you should get the chance to face everyone multiple times. After an hour, I’ll be switching with Jenn to train the children, then Gregory will switch with me.”

“Then we’ll pause for a snack and meditation,” Gregory said. “Once that is done, we’ll go back to sparring, and the children will be watching those fights, since I’m sure they’ll do their best today.”

“Understood,” Nessa said.

“This is all unarmed and without aether, right?” Victoria asked.

“That is correct,” Yukiko nodded. “This is the best we can do to help get you ready for the first tournament.”

“And we thank you for it,” Nessa said.

“Thank us afterward,” Gregory chuckled. “You saw the pain we endured over the last five days? Today is your day.”

~*~*~

The hours slipped by as they sparred. Daciana was aggressive, but controlled in her actions. Nessa was more cautious, ready to capitalize if given an opening. Victoria had the roughest time of it— she was the least trained among them, but she kept picking herself up and asking questions to improve.

When Gregory went to the children, he could see the tiredness in their faces, so he went a little slower. He corrected as needed, but made sure that none of them were pushed too hard. Elsa was nearly vibrating during the last hour, and Gregory just grinned as he watched her do her absolute best.

When their snack break came, they informed the children they would be able to watch them spar, which brought smiles to all their faces. Tea and small sandwiches helped rejuvenate the adults. The yard was quiet as they ate and meditated, with the children trying to copy them.

“There is one thing we wanted to tell you before we go to spar again,” Gregory said as they all got up. Seeing that he had all eyes on him, he cleared his throat, “Tonight, Yuki, Jenn, and I will be spending the night here.”

“Really?” Elsa asked with wide hopeful eyes.

“Yes. After our friends leave, we’ll have dinner, and after that, we were thinking of playing some games with all of you,” Gregory said.

The children began to chatter excitedly, each suggesting different things. Elsa cleared her throat after a moment, and they settled down. “We would love that,” Elsa said,