Chapter 12

Thomas and Katherine continued their practice, the rhythmic clashing of their staffs filling the air as they skillfully maneuvered without landing a hit on each other. Tierney, watching with a smile, eventually decided to intervene.

"Okay, that's enough. You can stop," Tierney announced, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction. "This means Katherine and Kristen are on my team, and Niall and Courtney are with Thomas."

Confusion etched across their faces, Courtney rubbed her hands together, seeking clarification. "What does this mean?" Tierney patiently explained, "It means you and Niall need more practice with the staff. Katherine and Kristen, you're moving on."

Courtney, now visibly frustrated, questioned the decision. "But why?" Thomas, with a mischievous smirk, responded, "Because you and Niall got hit and failed the test. Katherine and Kristen passed to the next round."

"That's ridiculous! I didn't get hit," Courtney protested. Thomas, maintaining his smirk, explained, "No, you didn't, but you dropped the staff, and you can't afford to do that in a fight."

"My hand started to sting from the impact of the staff coming together," Courtney explained while still rubbing her hands. Tierney interjected, "That's why you need more practice with the staff."

Reluctantly, Courtney agreed, "Okay, fine," as she grabbed her staff. Meanwhile, Tierney ushered Katherine and Kristen to the other side of the room, leaving Thomas to continue training Niall and Courtney.

"The next test is to see if you guys can connect with a weapon," Tierney announced, demonstrating the concept with her hands. "Grab a weapon and see if you connect."

"How do we know if we can connect with it or not?" Kristen inquired as she lifted a hatchet. Tierney replied with a confident smile, "You will know."

While Katherine and Kristen explored the array of weapons, Thomas focused on training Niall and Courtney in the intricate art of blocking and attacking with speed and agility.

"This is boring," Niall complained, lifting his staff. Thomas, empathetic yet firm, replied, "I know, but it's essential. First, you have to block once and almost hit me. That's all."

"Okay, here I go," Niall announced as he swung his staff. His swing nearly hit Thomas, who adeptly ducked and countered. Thomas swung his staff, and Niall managed to block it, though almost dropping his staff in the process.

"Very good, Niall. You finally did it," Thomas praised, offering Niall a congratulatory hug. "Now you can go over to Tierney." Feeling left out, Courtney protested, "That's not fair!" Thomas, locking eyes with Courtney, responded firmly, "Yes, it is fair because he did what Katherine and Kristen did, and you didn't."