Into the woods. Pt 1

Since when August arrived at the keep. It had passed 2 years. It was now 1062, September. August lately turned 7 along with his friend who also grew.

Eskel and Geralt were slightly younger than him, but still the same age. Lamber was the youngest of all he had lately turned 6, the oldest of all was Gwelt, who turned 8 years old.

This was a rare occurrence, but today boys got day off the training. The reason for that was unknown, since older generating didn't tell them about the reason behind.

In fact, the matter was serious and old witchers were discussing the situation that they were facing. Just lately there is a huge decrease in contracts that Witchers can fulfill, making it harder day by day to make any money off their hard and tedious job.

There were several reasons for a such a thing happening at first place, and today they were having a discussion and were talking about the ways to make money, while the kids were allowed to be free, while they will stay not too far from the grounds of the keep.

5 boys were practicing on the training field with their sword fighting techniques, while also occasionally chatting and having some fun.

[August Pov]

Today is a strange day. It is a first time when they cancel all the training for all of their students, there must be something happening to allow such an event to happen.

Anyway, it is not the right time to think about those things that don't concern me. I need to focus on training and getting better at sword fighting.

Right now is the most important duel of the day, I need to face Geralt once more, so far he had been the most challenging opponent of all, I still can't believe that with half the effort he is putting in swords training he is able to keep up with me, even including those nights I stay up to train alone.

Let's start with a correct posture, front leg here to have stable ground and back leg here to be able to give a fast and furious attack.

Both hands of the handle of the sword, eyes on the opponent. I need to follow the instruction of the teacher so I can beat Geralt. I need to observe how his muscles work. This will give me an advantage of reading his movements before he will be able to move his weapon.

"Are you ready?" inquired Geralt, looking at me with this face of his.

August, full focus on your opponent. Don't let any details slip through your attention.

Nodding my head, I saw how Geralt neared me with his usual way of fighting, being offensive, not giving your opponent time to react.

His left arm tensed up. I need to parry it.

Sword flew at my side, with an accurate swing I parry his sword, following it up with an attack.

My sword was in perfect position to deliver the next fatal swing. I need to succeed.

When my sword was about to touch his body, he pushed himself backwards with a small jump, avoiding the attack.

Damn, he is agile.

[Outside perspective]

Geralt once against dashed at August, swinging his sword from the right side.

August, who was prepared for such a move, quickly paired the swing and counterattacked, trying to hit Geralt in the gut.

Using the hilt of his sword, Geralt used it as a shield, successfully deflecting the August attack.

This time Geralt didn't move back, but kept a close distance.

They engaged in the close combat, swinging their swords and parrying them, trying to counterattack.

August did everything according to his teacher's instructions, trying to repeat and grow to the level of his teacher.

Following the signs that Geralt's body gave away, he prepared for any attack that Geralt did and every move that he could take.

Geralt went for a fast and dangerous swing that exposed his hand to his enemy.

August, spotting the opening in the defense of Geralt, went for a hit towards his hand.

As swords were nearing each other, August spotted how Geralt sword somewhat shifted, resulting in even clash that will cause one thing.

Swords clashed.

Sound of wood smashing echoed throughout the grounds.

Both boys' hands were hit on the fingers, resulting in their grip getting weak and dropping their weapons.

Both of the training weapons fell to the ground, while August relieved and went for a his sword .

Geralt didn't even look at his sword. Gathering power in his legs, he dashed at August, grabbing him by the waist and pushing him back, making him trip and fall on his back.

*Agh* August fell to his back, spatting saliva from his mouth. His face skewed from the impact of the fall.

Geralt sat on top of August with a small victorious smirk. "I won"

Tensing his muscles, August groaned and pushed Geralt off his body. "This was not a fair fight!"

[August Pov]

What the hell was this? We were supposed to fight on the swords, not jump on each other like wild animals.

"This is not a sword fight!"

We were supposed to pick our swords back and continue fighting like it was supposed to be. Why he is ruining our training? And this grin! Annoying!

"Training is there to prepare us for real-life situations" said Geralt.

What he refers to? This was clearly not a sword fight, as it was supposed to be.

"And?"

He shock his head, expressing what? Disappointment?

"What is there that you are shaking your head for?"

"August" Spoke Geralt

I looked right inside of his eyes, piercing him with my gaze.

"You need to learn how to fight in all situations. There is nothing that will guarantee that your enemies will wait for you to pick up your sword," explained Geralt

So this is what he refers to? But this is clearly a sword fight. Why would he attack me like a rat with his hands? We are training here, not smashing our fists into each other's flesh.

"This is training on swords. Why would you use rat like moves?" I inquired. I didn't understand his point. This is not right what he said. When you learn about reading, you are not studying math at the same time.

He waved his hand and said "Forget about it"

And now what? You want to walk away, taking away the win right from my hands? No, this is not how it works. I need a real rematch on swords.

"Stop!"

He stopped and turned to look at me, with bored eyes of his. Why do I look like I'm wrong and he is right?

"I demand a fair rematch!" I pointed my finger at him, to agitate him to agree to fight once more.

"Not today. First you need to calm down," replied Geralt and walked away along with others.

[General Pov]

August stood there, mulling over the fact that he was right about his claims and he had a rights for a fair rematch, while other went to get some food, since it was already noon.

August continued to analyze the battle, to point out all of his right moves and the move that Geralt pulled off was not fair in any way, ruining the entire matter of having a sword training.

With a grumpy expression, August went after the rest of the boys. However, despite others trying to talk to him, he kept his mouth shut and his brows furrowed.