The Warrior Within
By J.T. Marie
For Skye
When I leaned down to wash my face, I saw
her reflection above mine in the pond a moment before I felt her
staff strike my ribs. I rolled away from her attack, reaching for
my own staff, but it was gone. She struck again. I held up an arm
to ward off the blow.
“Never underestimate a fallen opponent,”
Makena said through clenched teeth, bringing the staff down hard on
my forearm. The crack of wood on flesh resounded loudly in the
quiet afternoon.
I let my arm fall limp and bit my lower lip,
the pain bringing tears to my eyes. Instantly Makena’s harsh
expression softened—she bent down, reaching for my arm. “Oh,
Jhyssa!” she cried. I let her inspect my arm, gingerly feeling for
broken bones. “Are you all right?”
I grinned. Twisting he
