Excerpt: Journey in the Dark

“All right, you’re doing great, Amethyst, but you need to use a little more weight behind your swing. If you keep holding back, you’re never going to strike me.”

The edge of Amethyst’s lips curled upward on one side, his green eyes narrowing as he focused on the opponent before him: Master Castelan, his weapons instructor and guide to life. The man who stood before him with a watchful, knowledgeable gaze was the man who had found Amethyst and his little brother when they were all alone and had nobody. He was the man who took them in and raised them unquestionably as his very own. Watching Master Castelan eyeing his every move, Amethyst hefted his long, slender sword in his hands, shifting it so that he’d have a better grip on it. Master Castelan saw this movement, though his stern, waiting expression did not change.

“Remember, Amethyst. Swing at me as you would somebody who threatened the life of your little brother,” Master Castelan nodded his head in the direction of Amethyst’s younger brother, Jaspar. Jaspar stood on the sidelines beside the fourth and final member of their ever-traveling group, Fei Ling. Both boys’ eyes were large and round as they anticipated the spar between their master and his eldest pupil.

Amethyst grinned at his little brother, which turned out to be a big mistake. Out of nowhere, a blow struck Amethyst on the lower jaw, forcing his head violently aside. Spit flew from his mouth, a startled cry issued from his throat, and he stumbled, nearly falling into the grass. He righted himself hastily, sword ready and slicing through the air, leaving a graceful silver arc in its wake. The sword struck nothing but air, and Master Castelan looked disappointed. More than anything, Amethyst hated to disappoint. Uttering a savage yell, Amethyst sprang forward, sword meeting sword with a delicious clang. Jaspar and Fei shouted encouragements, and Amethyst could picture their triumphant, eager faces as they looked on. His grin widened as he stared at his teacher above crossed blades, his eyes blazing intensely.

“This enough weight?” Amethyst said in a teasing tone, pushing against Master Castelan’s sword with all of his weight. Master Castelan’s expression remained impassive, his voice placid as he spoke.

“Child, you still have much to learn.” Master Castelan slid back, away from Amethyst, whose weight now caused him to topple over. Amethyst didn’t let it faze him—he’d been expecting such a maneuver from his teacher. Laughing, Amethyst rolled through the tall grass, slashing his sword into a circle around him. Master Castelan jumped backwards to avoid having his shins cut. Long blades of grass floated down around him. Amethyst’s eyes were on Master Castelan, who was standing, sword brandished before him and a look of contemplation on his face.