Read Online Sisters of the Sword by Maya Snow - Free Book Online Page A

hard-edged like a steel blade, as my father had taught me. But Master Goku blocked high, then low, then stepped to the side, his movementsunhurried, his face tranquil.
    Hips twisting, I aimed a furious kick at his stomach. He caught my foot and, with a gentle turn of his wrist, sent me spinning across the sandy courtyard. There was a sharp intake of breath from some of the students as I slapped the ground in a break fall.
    Hana recovered herself and abruptly sprang at Master Goku with a sidekick to his knee. He instantly blocked with his shin, spun around, and moved in close to snake his arm over her shoulder. Her balance broken, Hana fell backward and landed in the dirt.
    I scrambled to my feet and leaped back into the fight. I launched myself at Master Goku, moving in with one fist pulled back. I showed my intention to punch him, but I planned instead to spin around and hit him with a backward kick….
    But the Master was ready. He caught my foot and flipped me flat on my back next to my sister. I gasped, the breath knocked from my body. That had been my best and most agile move—but the Master had anticipated me like a mind reader!
    He nodded at us, half smiling as we both lay there in the sand, defeated. A cheer went up from the crowd of students and Master Goku seemed to notice them for the first time.
    â€œYou should all be at your studies,” he said to them, frowning as he pretended to be displeased. “Knowledge is like a tender plant growing in a garden. What happens if that plant is neglected?”
    The students all stood quietly. Then one of them, a pleasant-faced boy with short black hair, spoke up. I recognized him as the student who had been practicing alone when we first came into the courtyard. “A neglected plant will wither and die, Master Goku,” he said.
    â€œIndeed it will, Tatsuya.” Master Goku acknowledged him with a smile. “Just as a plant withers and dies, so will knowledge slip from your grasp and be forgotten. Go now, all of you, and tend to your studies. You are here to learn, not to stand idle.”
    The students bowed and hurried away.
    Hana and I were still on the floor, but as Master Goku turned back to us, we scrambled to kneel with our shins tucked under our thighs to sit respectfully in seiza . My muscles felt weak and I knew I would have bruises the next day.
    Master Goku bowed low to us. Together, Hana and I bowed in return, and I remembered what I had said to Ken-ichi earlier about not going onto my knees for anyone….
    But Master Goku was different. He was someone who was worth showing respect to.
    Master Goku indicated that we should rise andhanded us our swords. We brushed ourselves down and I was aware of him watching us.
    I wondered what he was thinking. Did he suspect that we were girls? I stood up straighter and widened my shoulders, trying to look tall and boyish.
    Please accept us, I begged silently. I didn’t know what I’d do if Master Goku didn’t offer us a place in the dojo. We had no other plan.
    Master Goku turned to Hana. “Your feet are as light as a gazelle’s,” he said softly. “Agile, fast, and with a natural grace. What is your name?”
    â€œH—” she began and then stopped, blushing in her confusion. She flashed me a desperate look and my heart began to pound. We hadn’t thought of names!
    Master Goku smiled encouragingly at her.
    Thinking quickly, I spoke up. “Otonashi,” I said firmly. “My brother’s name is Otonashi. Everyone calls him Silent Fist.”
    â€œOtonashi, meaning ‘gentle’ or ‘soundless,’” Master Goku said, gazing at Hana thoughtfully. “A good name. Silence is strength.”
    He bowed and then moved on to me. “Your focus is strong, my son,” he said. “Your kicks are fast and powerful. Does your name also reflect your skill?”
    I nodded, inwardly thanking him for the clue, although he of course had