We gathered at the appointed place, at the appointed time, and I uttered a few words of encouragement, as some faces seemed a little pale and anxious. I said how it will suit the rest of our noble House, and our Lord Anglachelm’s high authority, if we learned the art of defense and fighting. Then I said how advantage favors the well-practiced hand, and it would please me to see one or two of our Order strike a solid blow above the girdle. Then turning to Brasseniel and Yrill, I asked them to show us the noble art of Avoiding, or as some prefer to call it, Defending.
As is usual with scholars, there was a lengthy debate before any weapons were taken up. We wondered who has the advantage in battle, and who makes the better fighter, attacker or defender. Some thought it to be he who first strikes. Yet some remarked the defender has the advantage, for he may find opportunity to strike, if he is not in danger of wounds of death, when the striker has made himself open to attack. But it seems to me that the advantage falls to whosoever is still standing after the initial coming together, and keeps his sword up against his adversary, and who does not succumb to strong blows.
Brasseniel said that strong blows are naught, when the sword is lifted high over the head, because therein all the face and body are unprotected and open. Yet I recall reading that in old times, when plate armour and heavy great swords were favored, these sorts of strikes were good and most courageous. Now-a-days fighting is different; he that fights with the strong blow only will find himself sore hurt or slain. Longer swords have a longer way to come around, and therefore a quick jab connects sooner than a strengthy blow; while a longer blade hits harder, a thrust from a dagger, or a long knife, is swifter. But these do not have as much power behind the thrust, and the attack may be done sooner, but a thrust in the arm or leg may not be enough to kill, or cause an attacker to pause. Therefore, it is of vital importance to aim carefully when choosing a target.
Then we discussed bucklers and shields, but Yrill and Brasseniel agreed these were too advanced, and besides, too heavy to bear without encumbrance. I said if I could not move and be nimble withal, I could not fight, for my body would be unable to keep proper distance from an attacker, and I would rather stealth up to an enemy and valiantly skewer it in the guts than stand toe-to-toe, because I cannot hope to overcome him by strength, and I do not have so much skill in wrestling.
In battle, there is such variety of weapons, swords, axes, knives, and halberds, and staves, and there is so much yelling, smoke, and arrows hurtling around, that the two-handed longer weapons are very dangerous for the novice. Brasseniel and Yrill thought it best to have us train in the short sword and learn to thrust strong and quick.
I thought so too, when I saw Anglador drag out an ancient heavy great sword, tarnished, yet still with a keen edge. What defense would shields give us, when a wild swing from an unpracticed arm would keep us in danger of death? His sword was too long by almost half a foot to perfectly strike or thrust. But he flourished it boldly above his head, and made to bring it down hard, I think, but it was rather hard to tell where he aimed it, as he taking his time allowed me to step aside and bring up Steelthorn to block his blow. However, our swords did not connect, for he jumped backward several paces. I cautioned him to make ready, and this time I was the oppressor, and pressed hard by moving my feet closer, forcing Anglador to thrust, ward, or step back. He stood as brave as he could, holding his sword-arm very straight in front, but such was the swiftness of my blow (very quick and prettily made I think) that he yelped and jumped back again, as if he had stepped on a snake. Well, when such blows are used, it is easy to be a little afraid.
Laurelindo was unwilling to practice, making ridiculous excuses and, at one point, dropping his sword in the dirt, but he did show some cunning in the defense and thrust his foot out to trip Yrill as she attacked. He showed no love of the fighting, and I am unsure whether he can stand against a foe, but I thought it my bound duty to admonish him to take heed: without this teaching, never shall a scholar be made able to do his uttermost, nor fight safe.
As for myself, I thought the exercise most welcome, and it put my heart in a bold and valiant place.
