The Lord of Shadows Rises by James Terzian Read Free Book Online Page A

balance for a moment, but she remained elusive, jumping forward and connecting a knee to Alexander’s chest. Losing his stance, Alexander stumbled back. Before she could force home her advantage, he recovered and blocked a second attempted knee with his arm. Spinning on his standing foot he landed a forceful kick to his opponent’s side, striking her midsection and making her growl in annoyance.
    Lenora launched a return kick to his midsection, but the fluidity of movement possible by using the Crane Kung Fu’s style easily allowed Alexander to dodge the powerful kick. Sensing the chance to go on the attack once more, he changed his style to that of the Snake and started to use fast jabs, his superior speed allowing him to land a combination of blows.
    Alexander and Lenora were breathing hard, reaching a stalemate as they grew tired, more and more blows landing successfully on the two opponents. Master Thompson choose this point to step once more into the middle, raising his hand. “This match shall be called a draw as Alexander has proven to be a very capable fighter. I shall be honored to teach him our style in the dojo," said the Master. Gesturing for Alexander to follow he crossed the mat and headed to his office.
    The Master sat down behind his dark brown, uncluttered desk. “What's your name?” he asked the young man standing before him.
    “I am Alexander Theodorson, I have just arrived in New York from Oslo, Norway,” said the teen.
    “From what I saw today, you were trained by Master Luray. Am I correct?” asked the Master.
    Alexander was shocked and tensed up, quickly ready for either fight or flight while asking his question. “Master Thompson, how did you know?”
    The man chuckled. “No need to be paranoid, Alexander. The Masters of the White Rose keep in touch. He contacted me about his new student, but he never gave me a name. Though I can tell from your eyes that something is wrong. What happened?” The Master asked looking concerned.
    Alexander took a breath. “Master Luray was recently killed by a general of the Lord of Shadows, trying to help buy time for me to escape their clutches."
    The Master sighed at the news. “I didn't want to believe it when Luray told me about the murder of his old student. Now Master Luray is also dead.” The Master ran his hand through his hair, before adding, “This complicates things greatly.”
    Master Thompson got up and looked at Alexander with a serious expression. “Your training will be difficult because it seems we've got to get you as strong, if not stronger, than each Master. Are you ready to push yourself beyond your limits? Your bones may be broken and battered from the training, but we have no choice, it is the only way to reach the levels that we need you to achieve.”
    “Whatever it takes,” responded Alexander.
    Master Thompson rose from his chair and the two left the office, he spent the next hour guiding Alexander on a tour of the dojo. “The students live at the school during their training.” He informed the teen. He moved forward to show him the room that would become his temporary home. “The room may be small, but it’s got a cot and the bathroom is down the hall to your left. We believe in simplicity and we show it in how we live our lives."
    Alexander bowed his head. “Thank you, Master."
    As he was leaving, The Master turned to Alexander, “After the training, I promise that you’ll hate me. Training starts promptly at five every morning, so be punctual." With his message delivered, The Master left his newest student to get acquainted with his new surroundings.
    Alexander settled into his room and placed the box with the key under the cot, hoping that no one would ask him questions about it.

Chapter 5: Death of a Master
    In the temple on the mountain, three warriors stood in front of the statue that held the banished Lord of Shadows.
    “Where did the boy go?” said the voice.
    A small man stepped forward and said, “Our