Chapter 8: A Still River

The flickering light of torches cast eerie shadows on the cold, stone walls of the underground cell. Kaelen awoke to the familiar routine: the sound of distant chains, the muffled cries of other prisoners, and the ever-present stench of the pits. He rose mechanically, muscles aching from the previous day's brutal match against Eamon "The Iron Fist." The echoes of the crowd's bloodthirsty cheers still haunted him, but he pushed the memories aside as he prepared for another day of survival.

After their morning training session, Kaelen and Roderick stood in the center of the cell, panting and drenched in sweat. Roderick wiped his brow and began to settle into his usual meditative position. Kaelen, however, lingered, a storm of thoughts swirling in his mind. Doubt gnawed at him, and fear crept into his heart. The image of Eamon's lifeless body haunted him, a stark reminder of what he had become.

"Roderick," Kaelen began hesitantly, "I know meditating doesn't help me with aura, but you once said it helps you maintain focus. Can... can you teach me? Teach me how to clear my mind?"

Roderick opened one eye, studying Kaelen's troubled expression. He nodded slowly. "Sit beside me, Kaelen."

Kaelen did as instructed, folding his legs and sitting on the hard floor next to the seasoned knight. Roderick's voice was calm, steady. "Meditation isn't about thinking; it's about clearing your mind completely. Only then can you feel your aura. Even if you can't use it, there is still great benefit in the practice."

Kaelen closed his eyes, following Roderick's lead. At first, his mind was a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. Images of the fights, the blood, and the faces of those he had killed swirled relentlessly. But gradually, as Roderick's serene presence anchored him, the chaos began to subside. His worries and fears flowed away, like trash thrown into a raging river. The river, once tumultuous, grew calmer, more docile, until it became completely still. In that stillness, Kaelen found a rare, precious peace.

They sat in silence for what felt like an eternity, the oppressive atmosphere of the cell momentarily forgotten. When they finally opened their eyes, the world seemed different—lighter, clearer.

"Do you feel any better?" Roderick asked, his gaze gentle but probing.

Kaelen nodded. "Yes. I've reaffirmed my goals. My sights are clear again."

Roderick smiled faintly. "Good. Hold on to that clarity. Now that you've gained so much attention, I think we might have a chance to get out of this hellhole."

Kaelen's eyes widened. "You have a plan?"

Roderick's expression turned serious. "Before we can escape, there's one last thing I need to teach you. It's the most valuable lesson I can pass on to you: the way of the knight."

Kaelen listened intently as Roderick began to speak. "The way of the knight is not just about combat. It's about honor, duty, and resilience. It's about knowing when to fight and when to show mercy. In this place, surrounded by brutality and despair, it's easy to lose sight of these principles. But they are what keep us human, what keep us sane."

Roderick paused, his eyes reflecting the weight of his words. "You have shown great strength and skill, Kaelen. But now, you must learn to temper that strength with wisdom. To understand that every action, every decision, carries consequences. To be a true knight is to carry that burden with dignity and grace."

Kaelen absorbed Roderick's words, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. "I understand," he said quietly. "I'm ready to learn."

Roderick nodded approvingly. "Good. We will begin tomorrow. For now, rest and let your mind stay clear. We have a long journey ahead of us, and you will need all your strength and resolve."

As the day turned to night, Kaelen felt a sense of peace he hadn't known in a long time.