18 The Night Before Training (2/2)

Will was slightly unnerved from the blade so he didn't respond other than a shake of his head, still staring at the dagger. ”It's reflex William, muscle memory. Strengthening your arms and your agility, you will be able to rely on more than just your flames.” Michael had taken a more serious tone with Will. He could tell that learning the basics might actually save his life one day.

Will stood there for a minute, wrapping his head around what he learned. 'This world is about more than just magic,' he thought as He dislodged the dagger from the sword. Looking down at it, he remembered all of the fights he had been in so far. The clear difference between Michael and himself was most definitely skill. When Michael went up against the wraiths back in Colorado, he was able to match their strength blow for blow. Will wished he could forget exactly how pathetic he was when he attempted the same thing when he was traveling with Maya. Throwing the dagger at a tree, Will waited for Michael to say something else.

Instead of words, Michael drew another wooden sword from his cloak and lunged for Will. ”The next lesson is in form!” he shouted as their training swords connected. Will could feel the shock of the collision as his hands became numb from blocking. The moment the two practice swords connected, Will knew that even though they were sticks, Michael would have no problem killing him with just a blow.

Trying to keep up with his uncle's movements, Will parried most of his advancements. Within no time the two of them started a dance of swordplay, Michael's grace against Will's, and in this dance both knew who was superior. Within a moment of predictable movements, Michael switched the sword behind his back to the other hand while ducking from a swing. ”You have to be ready for anything!” he said as he attacked with the other hand. Michael's movements completely changed, instead of predictable swings, his arm was practically a blur of barrages which hit their mark each time.

In an instant, Will found himself back on the ground, his hair matted with sweat and dirt, his white t shirt completely drenched with sweat and his cross pendant was burning his skin from the heat. He could feel welts on his skin from each hit his uncle laid on him.

”You have absolutely no form William.” Michael said as he stared down at his student. He couldn't help but chuckle a little when he saw the minor hurt in his nephew's eyes.

”You're burning up William, take off your jacket and we will continue.” Michael said while patiently standing and staring down at his student.

Will was about to shrug off the jacket when he realized that if he did, it was literally the first time he had since he got to the new world. Will hesitated a moment while looking up at Michael. ”I haven't taken this thing off once since I've been here, not even in the desert.”

”A piece of home that you won't part with right?” Will nodded at his uncle. ”Haven't you wondered why not? Surely you don't believe that to be a normal jacket.” he said and he put a hand out for Will to grab. Upon giving up his hand, Michael instead took the sleeve of the jacket and pulled it off.

The moment the jacket left his body, Will felt light! Incredibly light, almost as if the jacket had been weighing him down. Will got up instantly, his body no longer felt the pain of the welts and he felt ready for another session, he didn't even feel tired.

”How could a jacket make this much of a difference?” he asked as he stretched his newly rejuvenated body. ”I've worn that jacket for so many years, it was a gift from my mother.”

Michael turned the jacket inside out and looked at the inside pocket. Turning the pocket inside out, he showed Will what looked like a brown parchment with writing on it. ”This is an inscription to hide you and your power, it's the reason the wraiths couldn't locate you when we first met.” he said as he threw the jacket back to his nephew. ”There's a coat rack in the cottage, go bring it in there.” Michael said while he got up and started walking behind the cottage. ”When you're done, meet me out back and don't worry.” Michael said with a hint of a smile. ”The wraiths won't find you here.”

Will went inside and put his jacket on a hook of the coat rack. He now knew there was much more to be done before he could defend himself let alone attack.

Looking at the pictures on the wall, Will's eyes rested on the one of his mother holding him with his uncle off to the side. Taking a long look, Will steeped himself for what was yet to come. The training would be intense, yet if he could get stronger, he would be able to protect himself and those he cares about. He would finally be able to avenge Maya by killing the wraiths, if nothing else, he could go back and see Bianca for the first time in five months. 'Just hold on for a little longer guys, I'll be there soon,' he thought as he left the cottage. Cutting himself off from all other distractions, Will sighed. ”In the words of a wise man. 'Nothing is ever easy,'” he muttered to himself as he went to the back yard. The sun rising behind him, Michael waited patiently, holding two practice swords in hand.

”Today marks the first day of your training under me,” Michael said As he threw Will a sword. As he caught it, his uncle walked toward his student. ”During this training, you will not wear that jacket and instead use a pair of simple clothes I set out for you each day, is that understood?”

Will took a minute, enjoying his last feeling of freedom. Sighing ever so slightly, he nodded to his uncle, a look of determination set in his eyes.

”Good,” Michael said with a smile, ”then let's begin.”