8 The Sword

My muscle training continued for about a week. Then one morning while i wait for Sir Liam's instruction he came to me and said.

"Follow me" I stand up thinking he'll probably just gave me more task. But then he suddenly stopped and he pointed at something on the ground.

"Go pick up that sword"

I wasn't quite sure what he meant. I stared at the sword and remembered. It was too heavy last time that i have to put it down the moment I lift it. So I'm not sure if I could really pick it up this time. I bent down and placed my hands on the sword's grip. I pick up the sword and huh? I can carry it way easier this time. I'm pretty sure it was the same sword to last time.

"You need to train more so that you can get use to that feeling. The weight on your hands are lighter when you're used to it, so don't stop you're usual chores. You might be able to raise those for now but getting used to it is way harder". After talking to me he went to the shed and started looking for something. Minutes later he drag out a scarecrow. It was the usual kind, you know like the straw and the open arms. It has some head too and a hat. It looks well made. Anyway, he placed it at the center of the backyard. After digging, finally turns to me.

"This scarecrow is your practice partner. For the following week you'll train with this. I'll supervise and point out your mistake. You get that?" He sounds like his not interested at all but watching his effort to teach me, made me think otherwise.

"Now grab those handles with two hands. You're new to this so I need you to focus on your weakness. For your footing, place your one foot forward while the other is behind." I listened to everything he says and followed every instructions. "Remember last time when I held a sword to you? Use that as a reference. Put that in your head and imagine that scarecrow as your enemy." I tried to imagine it. The way he stands, the way he gripped the sword and the way he swung it to me. But it is hard after all. Then he yelled " Now go and strike him!" He said. I swung the sword but I got called out. "Too slow!" He said. I tried again but then he shouted "Wrong Posture" and again "be more accurate" and again "use your brain!" The last one does hurt. I tried more but the sword suddenly slipped off my hand. I tried again but I almost fall forward. Finding balance is quite hard too. I'd either fell on ground or let the sword go flying. Thankfully no one's around or else I'm pretty sure someone we'll get hurt. By the time it's afternoon, I was too tired and too hungry that my hands started shaking. I couldn't hold the sword any more.

"Oh my! William Greystone! You are a knight for goodness sake. You know better than I do. Why are youur pushing her way to hard?!" Lady Kera came stomping out of the kitchen. 'Greystone' this is the first time I'm hearing sir liam's last name. She took my hands and she was right. It was full of bruises. I didn't even noticed. She turns her head to her husband and glared at him. Sir Liam raised his hands as if he's telling her he surrender and sneak in to the house. She returns her attention to my hand and sighed. "Come here dear. Let's wash those dirt away." She pulled me away and led me to a little fountain at the side of their house. Then she took a piece of cloth from one of her pockets and soak them in cold water. She then gently rub it to my palm and I winced from the pain.

"Learning the ways of the sword doesn't happen in one day. You need to give yourself a break" she said. But I laugh it off "Don't worry, I'm sure Sir Liam would have stopped me if I've overdone it. It's cause I'm weak that I am in this mess". She suddenly laughed way too hard that water begins to form in her eyes. "You don't know one thing about my husband. He isn't the type to stop anyone once he sees that you're willing to go a bit farther. He doesn't care if you can't stand up or if you cut off your hands along the way" she wiped the tears away. "He's the type who'd watch you up to where you can pull yourself to. He likes determination. He admire those who has the Will to keep going. That's probably one of the reason why he agree to do this in the first place and why he didn't stop you earlier". After washing my hands, lady kera said to go in. She said i should take a bath since I'm covered in sweat and change my clothes too. "I've put them in your room so go take them from upstairs and bathe yourself". I took a lamp with me since the sun is setting. It'll get dark by the time I'm done so I don't want to compromise. I ran to the woods and looked for the river. I'm used to it now since I've taken this route for a couple of time. When I found it, i quickly jumped in and soak in on it's cold water. The way it washes on my skin makes me relax. It's been a while since I've felt like this.

I was right to take a lamp. It has gotten way too dark when i was finished with my bath. I quickly ran behind bushes near the river banks and change my clothes. After changing, I grab the lamp and walk back to the house.

The Moment I walked in, the strong aroma of the food welcomed me. Lady Kera was arranging the plates on the table when she saw me. "Done already?" Her remark. I nod and gave her a hand. I helped her serve the food and fetch the water. When I sat down with them, Lady Kera and Sir Liam was already seated, my stomach grumbled. I felt really embarrassed as both of them looked at me. Sir Liam cleared his throat and Lady Kera giggles. I grabbed my spoon and savored my meal. My stomach calms and I continue to ate until my stomach is full. When I went to bed that night, I dreamt of sword and flowers. And the flavorful meal I ate. It was a peaceful night and i slept till dawn.