“And that is how you fight from horseback with the sword,” Lord Sigmund instructed Caith Delvin. They bowed to each other and walked off. Another good student trained. He wrapped his hands around the black roped hilt of his sword and drew it silently. Gazing along its long cruel Heron-marked blade, the Shienarian Lord smoothly took a guard and struck with blinding speed. The sword’s bright edge flashed in all directions as Sigmund cleaved down hordes of imaginary Trollocs.
“Master of Arms,” a voice called out. “You dance the sword well, but I hear you can also dance the spear.” The voice was an unfamiliar one, the dryness of the Waste coated his every word. Aiel savage.
“I have taken up the spear from time to time,” Sigmund said carefully, “but I have not fought with spears in many years.” He finished his last series of strikes, then stopped. Standing straight, he sheathed his blade. “However, if you wish to try my skill I can humor you.” He picked up a practice spear and tested its weight. Lord Sigmund thought for a second, and on impulse tucked a blunt dagger into the back of his belt.
“Come Aiel,” he said, “lets get this over with.” The Aielman smiled. “My name’s Coram. I’m the one who will best you.” Coram took a spear and one of those hide bucklers the savages liked to use. Silly things
The two warriors stood opposite each other in the Yards, Sigmund holding his spear low in both hands, Coram with his high in his right hand. The Aielman smiled and thrust at Sigmund. The Master of Arms deflected it clumsily, and by the time he got his own point ready for a thrust, Coram was gone again. Light, how long as it been? Four years? Sigmund stepped into distance and thrust hard. Coram pressed it aside with his buckler and thrust his own. The only thing that spared the Master of Arms a nasty bruise was that he leapt backwards before the thrust could land.
By the Creator, if I keep this up I’ll be humiliated. That just wouldn’t do for a Lord. Bested by a savage? I’d never hear the end of it! He cicled with Coram, just outside of range … then Sigmund had an idea. He shifted his spear to the left and waited for Coram’s thrust. Predictably, it came. Sigmund pushed the thrust aside with the spear … then dropped it.
With blinding speed the Master of Arms leapt forward past the spear point. He grabbed Coram’s spear with his left hand and drew the dagger with his right. Coram’s eyes widened. He started to bring the buckler up, but it was too late. Sigmund struck down past it, bending the point against Coram’s shoulder, just behind the collarbone. Both warriors saw that the dagger was in perfect position. It would have impaled the heart.
Sigmund stepped back. The crowd that had gathered around looked stunned. “Light, he bested an Aiel at spears!” was the sentiment spreading among the audience. Coolly, Lord Sigmund returned the practice dagger and spear to the weapon tent.