Chapter 7: Working to the Bone

"Get up Charli!" Sir Aeron yelled from across the arena.

Lord Ubo had allowed me to move about the castle freely, but I still wasn't allowed to leave the castle grounds.

I had been training with Sir Nigelle under the supervision of Sir Aeron for the last few days, but I had been knocked down repeatedly.

I hated how weak this new body was. I now understand why Lady Syn was always so exhausted. I could barely hold up a sword with two hands, let alone swing it, but I'll be damned if I'm to be stuck in such a weak form.

I have to get stronger. If I am going to go into the dragon's lair, I need to be able to protect myself. I must be even better than I was before. It may seem impossible right now, but I have to.

I pushed my shaky body off the floor and held up the sword. "Again."

Sir Nigelle stood before me and pushed his curly brown hair out of his face, scratching at his chin strapped beard.

"Are you sure, my lady?"

"Yes." I said sternly. The more they questioned me, the more determined I got. I despised being weak and not being able to do anything for myself. I refuse to be looked at, like some useless child.

Sir Nigelle sighed and cocked an eyebrow before swinging his sword toward me.

Even with just that one swing, he disarmed me and I fell to my hands and knees.

Frustrated, I punched the ground, picked up the sword and held it up again, and again.

Why won't this body let me do what I want to do?

I can see the moves, I can see what he is going to do, I can see myself parrying and striking, but my body just can't follow it.

"AHHH!" I screamed as tears of anger streamed down my face, dripping onto the dirt terrace that soaked it up gleefully like a sponge.

"Are you alright my lady?" Sir Nigelle ran up and knelt down in front of me, looking me over.

"I'm alright." My voice was shaky, as shaky as my annoyingly trembling hands. "I'm just –" I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. "I'm just so frustrated that my body is so weak."

"It's alright my lady. Strength doesn't build over night. You will grow stronger with time."

"I just want –"

I want my body back – I want Lady Syn back.

"I just want to get stronger." I said, feeling a rush of frustration overwhelm my trembling shoulders.

A pair of brown leather boots approached, stepping into my vision as I stared at the dirt below my fingers. "Let's stop for tonight, my lady." Sir Aeron said, holding out a hand "I've already informed the maids to prepare your bath for you."

"Thank you Sir Aeron."

After being called my lady for a few days, I just ignored it now. There was no use wasting my breath to correct everyone. Besides, Lord Ubo would throw a fit if I didn't pretend to be lady-like.

I had to get to the Royal Castle as soon as possible, so I trained hard everyday to master swordsmanship, and to be a noble lady. I must prove to Lord Ubo that I am well if I am to find her.

The hot bath felt nice as it soothed my aching muscles.

How long would it take for me to get my strength to where it was before? Months? Years? I didn't want to have to wait that long. I must be even more determined than I ever was and work ten –

No fifty times harder!

Even if my legs are falling off, I must never give up. I will find whoever is behind this.

"Would you like me to wash your hair, my lady?" The maid said.

"No. I can do it."

When I made it back to my room, I dropped onto my bed and weariness took over with my already aching body.

As much as it irked me, I held in my anger and acted as lady-like as possible in front of the maids and servants, all the while training like a knight at every chance I could get. Even while I was in my room, I squatted with a handful of books or did push-ups to strengthen my arms. I even helped the knights put away gears and weapons after training. Every little thing I can do will help me strengthen this body.

"My lady, please don't trouble yourself." Emerik Gibs, a young squire seeking to be a future knight was carrying swords in his skinny arms.

"It's quite alright Emerik. I want to do anything I can to get stronger, so this helps."

"I love your determination, my lady." He smiled softly, and yet I could see the pity in his eyes. "May I ask why you are so determined, My Lady?"

"There's something I need to do."

"Ah, I see." He pounded his chest with a thud, "I will not probe any further, my lady. I too will strive to be as determined as you!" He bowed a most gallant bow, showing me he must've been practicing just the bow alone every night.

I tried not to let the amusement show on my face, though I wasn't sure how well I was able to hide it. "No need to be so formal Emerik."

"A knight must always have chivalry, my lady."

"Well, I thank you, but I would be more comfortable if you just talk to me like a normal person."

"Uh –" He shifted uncomfortably from foot to foot. "I will try, my lady."

***

I worked myself to the bone in the following weeks. I had more stamina and was able to swing the sword easier, but I was still nowhere near how I was before. If only I had my strength from back then, I would've marched right up to the Royal Castle by now.

"There you go, my lady!" Sir Nigelle said. I parried his sword and spun around going for a strike. "Yes, just like that!"

"Faster!" Sir Aeron commanded from the sideline. Sir Nigelle swung faster and faster. My eyes were able to keep up, but I struggled trying to get my body to follow. Next thing I know, I was flat on my back again, with a sword pointing at my neck.

"Much better." Sir Nigelle looked down at me with a huge stupid grin on his face.

"Not – good enough." I growled, dropping my head into the dirt and gasped for air. I can feel the heat rising from my body, slicken with sweat and dirt.

"Don't be so hard on yourself. It's only been a month. Your persistence is paying off."

"Not fast enough."

"Agh, you're too hard on yourself." Sir Nigelle lowered his sword and held out a hand to me.

"When you stop going easy on me, and still knock me on my ass, then you can say I'm being too hard on myself." I took his hand and got back onto my feet. "Again."

"As the lady wishes." He gave a deep courteous bow before charging.

The swords clashed and resonated through the arena, sounding like thunder and war. I could feel the vibration travel from my hand up my arms and to my shoulders. He was beginning to swing harder. The more confidence he had in me, the more mine built. Even though this body wasn't mine, I could still tell when he was going easy on me or not just by the way he moved.

He swung the sword toward my head and I ducked out of the way, only to see a fist hurling toward my face. I dodged out of the way as fast as I could and rammed my shoulder into his chest, knocking him back a step.

He let out a whistle, dusting the little patch of dirt I left on him. "That was beautiful my lady. You have surpassed my expectations today." He gave a deep acknowledging bow. "We should end on a good note today, my lady. That – was truly magnificent."

"Thank you Sir Nigelle." I grinned from ear to ear, holding my head up high. I was finally starting feeling like I was getting myself back.

"Lady Syn." Sir Aeron leaned one shoulder on the archway, his arms crossed, showing those taught muscles beneath his shirt. "Lord Ubo and Lady Dee have requested that you join them in the Great Hall for dinner.

"Thank you Sir Aeron." He gave a nod and departed the arena.

Satisfied for the moment, I waltz to the bath to wash and change. Still uncomfortably shifting in these ridiculous dresses, I forced myself into one with the assistance of the maids, knowing full well the earful I would receive from Lord Ubo should I be dressed in anything but.

-"You must be a lady!" Lord Ubo would say. "Ladies don't bow, they curtsy."

-"Ladies don't run!" Lady Dee would say. "Ladies walk with elegance."

They would constantly nag at everything I did, just like Lady Syn when she was still here. Maybe, that was where she got her nagging from.

That is exactly why I didn't want to be a so-called 'lady', I can't do anything. I can barely wipe my own butt without a maid checking my bowl movements to make sure I was healthy.

The maid braided my long hair to make me look more presentable before I proceeded to the Great Hall.

As we approached, the attendants pulled open the giant creaking doors and I stepped in.

Lord Ubo and Lady Dee were sitting together on one side of the long table. The man sitting at the head of the table stood and bowed courteously. His black and gold cape draped over his shiny silver armor, a sword tied to his hip and a helmet under his arm.

"Prince Talks-a – hem-hem – Crown Prince Renaud, what a pleasant surprise." I lowered my head and curtsied elegantly. A sheepish smile slowly making its way to my lips, and yet – it seemed to be lost behind the utter shock.