Reb Swordsman

The clanging of swords filled the hall, as the two fencers moved about the floor. Their blades made flashes of light like lightning. Back and forth they went.

As the contest went on, Alcindor was impressed by the swordsmanship of the boy before him. He had tried all of the Sleepers, to test their mettle with a sword, and had found that Jake and Wash were mediocre. He decided that the girls were worthless, not having the strength to wield the heavy sword he preferred. Dave was very good, Josh not so expert. But this young man with the red hair and the freckles that stood out on his pale face was holding his own against the best swordsman in Madria.

Suddenly Alcindor threw himself forward and risked everything on a single stroke. But he miscalculated the speed of his opponent. He found his blade turned away, and all at once the beaded point of Reb’s sword was on his chest.

“A touch!” Alcindor cried out. “I do confess.” He saluted Reb with his blade and then put his arm around the boy’s shoulder. “You are a fine swordsman! As good with a sword as Sarah is with a bow.”

[...]

Josh had been watching Reb and Alcindor and found himself to be somewhat envious. He waited until Reb left and then walked over to the king’s military aide. “Reb’s the best of us with a sword, Alcindor.”