In A World of My Own - Book One

14. In Summer Air

"I do. I think."

"Great," he nods slowly, but now shakes his head and steps away, dropping my hand. "On second thought, I... I shouldn't be teaching you anything, I'm just going to end up screwing you up."

"No, don't say that!" I protest. "I'm keeping up so far and you're doing a great job of explaining stuff."

"I've...never taught anyone anything before," he admits. "I've always assumed I'd be inadequate; I don't have a lot of patience if you hadn't already noticed."

I grin, I can't believe he confessed that something is difficult for him. "Nah, c'mon, you're doing great. I mean it."

"Well...whatever, I guess. Now then," he breezes on. "Let's just get to the meat and bones of it, someone with an actual degree will go over the boring shick with you at the palace," he looks me over, now scowls. "Remember your stance, were you even listening?" I blush and adjust my stance. "And what did I tell you about throwing punches? Make a fist."

I do and bring them before my face as he demonstrates. "Please tell me I can aim for your face," I smile teasingly.

He rolls his eyes and drops his hands. "Take your best shot."

I hesitate but now I shrug and just go through the motions of throwing a punch in slow motion.

Vyndren smacks my hand way. "Weak and slow. Move a little faster and actually act like you want to hit me."

"Well now I do. That wasn't a real punch, your hands weren't even up!" I protest.

"I'm the last person you should worry about. Now really throw a damn punch like you want to break my face."

Urgh. He is so annoying and all I really have to do is think about all the hundreds of times that I really wanted to punch him. I try to put weight behind this hit, but Vyndren effortlessly catches my fist in his hand.

"Still weak and slow which is sad because this time you were really trying," he sneers.

"You are...impossible to please," I pull away.

"You're not supposed to please me, you're trying to punch me in the face. C'mon, you got this. Think of something that will really piss you off." He waits with his hands on his hips.

I try again, he whacks my hand aside. "That one was good!" I insist.

"Uh, no. It wasn't." He scoffs. "Look, just think that your target is always behind what you are going to hit. Keep that in mind and you'll be able to hit harder if you tell yourself you have to go through something to reach your goal."

I blink. "I seriously doubt I want to punch your face in."

He smirks with amusement. "Well I seriously want you to try. Now keep that chin down, and don't flop around so much when you throw a hit. Throw out, this a jab, not a dance. Well," he smirks again. "I guess it is a dance of shorts. Shall we?" He bows mockingly.

"Urgh, you're such a jerk. And this is all new to me, cut me some slack, man!"

He drums his fingertips together. "Slack is something I do not cut. Now try again."

I do. I throw this punch with all I got and Vyndren neither brushes it off or catches it. He ducks out of the way and now comes up right in front of me.

"Better." He admits.

"Ha!" I smile victoriously. "That was fierce! I'm a badass now! You almost got your pretty face muffed up!"