บท 3: Training exercise
Leto found himself seated in the grand hall of Ravenfall Keep, surrounded by the comforting presence of his mother and his two younger brothers, Michael and Samuel. The flickering candlelight cast a warm glow on the polished wooden table, and the aroma of a delicious meal filled the air.
As they shared the evening meal together, laughter and stories echoed through the hall. Michael, the curious and talkative 11-year-old, eagerly recounted his adventures in the castle's training yard, where he had been practicing with wooden swords, emulating his older brother. Samuel, the youngest of the siblings, clung to Leto's side, his wide eyes filled with wonder as he listened to every word.
Lady Asha, Leto's mother, watched her sons with a fond smile, her love for them evident in her gentle gaze. She played the role of both mother and father in Lord Ravenheart's absence, providing guidance and support for her children during challenging times.
After the meal, Michael eagerly led Leto to the castle's courtyard, excited to show off his newly acquired sword skills. The evening breeze rustled the leaves, and the sound of clanging metal echoed through the training yard.
"Leto, watch this!" Michael exclaimed, his eyes shining with enthusiasm. He picked up a wooden training sword, determined to impress his older brother.
Leto smiled warmly, his heart swelling with pride at his brother's enthusiasm. "Alright, show me what you've learned," he encouraged.
With a sense of determination, Michael faced off against one of the knights who was willing to engage in a friendly sparring match with the young boy. Leto instantly recognized the young knight, it was Garland one of his fathers most loyal knights and master at arms of hous Ravenheart, which means he was responsible for training the Lords children that was by no means his only assignment tho.
The young squire, faced off against Garland, the seasoned knight. Michael gripped his wooden training sword, his heart pounding with both excitement and nerves. Garland stood before him, exuding confidence and experience.
"Remember, Michael, stay focused and keep your guard up," Garland advised, his voice steady. "I won't hold back, but this is an opportunity for you to learn and improve."
Michael nodded, taking a deep breath to steady himself. He knew that sparring with Garland would be a true test of his skills, but he was determined to prove his dedication as a squire.
With a swift movement, Garland lunged forward, his sword slicing through the air in a single fluid motion. Before Michael could fully react, Garland's strike landed perfectly on his sword's hilt, disarming the young squire in an instant. The wooden sword flew from Michael's grasp and clattered onto the ground.
The courtyard fell silent, the only sound the echo of the swift swing that had left Michael disarmed. He stood in surprise, wide-eyed, and momentarily stunned by the quick and precise move from Garland.
Garland's face remained calm and composed, a stark contrast to Michael's struggling demeanor. He saw the young squire's surprise and knew it was an opportunity to teach an important lesson.
ou have potential, Michael," Garland said, his voice firm but encouraging. "But you need to work on your reaction time and agility. In a real battle, a single swift strike can decide victory or defeat."
Michael swallowed his pride, realizing the significance of the lesson. He knew that becoming a skilled knight required more than just physical strength; it demanded precision and quick thinking.
"I understand, Garland," he replied, his voice determined. "I'll keep practicing and improving."
Garland turned around with a stern expression, his eyes locking onto Leto's. Without saying a word, he pointed his wooden training sword at Leto, who instantly knew what was expected of him.
Leto's heart raced as he recognized the challenge in Garland's gaze. The seasoned knight wanted him to step up and face him in the same spar that had just unfolded between Garland and Michael.
Taking a deep breath to steady his nerves, Leto stepped forward, accepting the unspoken challenge. He picked up Michaels wooden training sword from where it lay on the ground and faced Garland, mirroring the seasoned knight's determined stance.
His heart pounded with both excitement and nerves. Taking a deep breath, he decided to take the initiative and attack first. With a swift movement, Leto lunged forward, his wooden training sword aimed at Garland's side.
Garland's response was swift and precise. He deftly parried Leto's strike, and in a fluid motion, he countered with a powerful swing of his own. Leto quickly raised his sword to block, feeling the force of Garland's attack reverberating through his arms.
"You're getting better," Garland said, his voice calm but encouraging. "But don't let your excitement cloud your judgment. Be mindful of your openings."
Leto nodded, realizing that his eagerness had left him vulnerable. He needed to maintain focus and not let his emotions dictate his movements.
As the spar continued, Leto engaged in a series of exchanges with Garland. He put into practice the lessons he had learned from previous training sessions, attempting to anticipate Garland's moves and find openings in his defense.
Leto's mind flashed back to the time when he had recklessly charged at the foot soldier during a real battle. He vividly remembered the feeling of being easily overwhelmed, the fear gripping him as he faced a deadly situation. Triston's timely rescue had saved his life that day, but the memory served as a harsh reminder of the consequences of acting without caution.
As Leto stood in the courtyard facing Garland, his expression darkened with determination. He knew that if he wanted to grow as a knight, he needed to confront his weaknesses and push beyond his limits. With a firm resolve, he looked at Garland and said, "Show me your real strength, don't hold back. I don't care if I get injured, I need to face real danger in order to improve."
Garland's eyes met Leto's, and he recognized the determination burning within the young squire. "Be prepared," Garland replied, a hint of respect in his voice.
In an instant, Garland launched forward. His movements were swift and precise, a display of his seasoned skill. Leto did his best to defend himself, but he quickly found himself overwhelmed by Garland's expertise.
With each strike, Leto's defense crumbled, and he stumbled back, trying to regain his balance. Garland pressed on, displaying a mastery of combat that Leto could only aspire to achieve one day.
During the exchange, Garland executed a well-timed maneuver, disarming Leto with a swift strike that sent the training sword flying out of his grip. Leto stood defenseless, breathing heavily, his heart pounding with a mix of exhaustion and determination.
Garland's voice was firm, his eyes still locked on Leto. "It's not over, boy," he said, his tone unwavering: "You still have hands and feet, so keep fighting!"
Leto's heart raced as he realized Garland intended to continue the spar. He knew he stood no chance against the seasoned knight, but he also understood the importance of pushing through his limits and facing his fears.
Leto's heart pounded in his chest as Garland came at him once more. Before he could react, the sword swung in the direction of his neck, and Leto instinctively braced for impact. But to his surprise, the blade stopped just before hitting him, mere inches from his neck.
Garland's face remained expressionless, and his words were blunt. "You're dead," he said, his tone serious and devoid of any emotion.
"I won't forget this lesson," Leto replied, his voice resolute. "I won't forget this lession, next time I'll put up a better fight."
Suddenly a scout galloped through the main gate, carrying the banner of Ravenheart, sent a ripple of anticipation through the castle. Leto's eyes widened as he watched the young man sprinting towards the keep, completely focused on his mission. The urgency in the scout's movements fueled Leto's curiosity and excitement.
Without a moment's hesitation, Leto sprang into action. He didn't wait for an explanation; he knew that important news awaited him. With a swift nod to his family and the knights, Leto sprinted after the scout, his heart pounding in his chest. Leto thought "Has it something to do with father?"
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