In the training yard were Kjaran, Elstan, Ervin, and Osgar. Desimir and Ujiyoshi arrived.
"Well, you finally made it," said the captain of the first division sharply, but not frustrated.
"We apologize for being late, captains. We got held up at the tavern," replied Desimir as the two of them entered the rectangular space enclosed by a wooden fence. The members of the royal divisions were usually training in the same space.
At that moment, two well-known foreign knights arrived.
"Well, if you were held up at the tavern, then all is forgiven, right, Captain Brin?" said Nuro Hino who overheard their conversation, clad in light armor like most of those present.
With him walked a man who barely surpassed two meters in height. Besides that, he was massive and muscular, with long blond hair tied in a bun. His face showed he was over forty, but the scars revealed by the rolled-up sleeves of his green under-shirt showed that he had battle experience.
"Ah, Captain Nuro, I didn't expect you to come to watch the training," Elstan interjected. "I see you're doing better than yesterday, Captain, but you shouldn't set a bad example for the young ones. They might think alcohol is a good thing."
"Depends on the quantity and the timing, Captain," added Caerwyn Slanei, captain of Tolan's 2nd division. "I think everyone would agree that, in some cases, a certain amount of alcohol is required."
"Well, I suppose I can agree with that," continued Elstan, "and you, Kjaran?"
"Definitely, but at seven in the morning, on such a beautiful start of the day? I don't think that's the right time, is it, Captain Hino?"
"Tch, well, I suppose not." He admitted reluctantly.
The four boys only watched and listened to the captains' banter. At that moment, Gerde arrived.
"Weren't you supposed to start training already?" he interrupted their conversation. "I came to see whose ass I'll have to wipe in Ganalor when they screw up." Gerde's harsh critique didn't leave Ervin calm, but Desimir stepped in before him, not holding back.
"I'd worry about your own ass if I were you. I hope you brought enough underwear, sir. I heard that at your age, that can be a problem."
Everyone fell silent and stared at Desimir. Then suddenly, Gerde burst out laughing, followed by Nuro.
"You're good, kid," said Gerde. "I hope you keep that attitude when we land in Ganalor." He laughed as he walked away.
"You really are great, kid," added Nuro through laughter. "If all four of you are even half as amusing as him, we'll get along just fine."
Elstan sighed. "Well, alright, I think that's enough warm-up. Why don't we get down to work? Kjaran, explain the structure of the training."
"Of course." He took a deep breath and continued. "Here's how it will go: first, you'll spar with me, two by two. Everyone will pair with everyone else. After that, you'll spar with Captain Elstan in the same format."
"Just a normal sparring? Isn't that a bit boring?" Nuro called from outside, leaning on the fence.
"Want to bet how many times he'll throw a comment during the session, Elstan?" Kjaran shot him a look.
Elstan just glanced at him, smiled, and continued from where Kjaran left off.
"After that, we'll have a short break to refresh ourselves, and then we'll spar with me. That sparring will be with fists."
"Fists?" added Ervin. "But we're swordsmen, not brawlers."
"Ha ha ha, brawlers. I like that term," Nuro threw in.
Caerwyn intervened, "Do you think your sword is the only weapon on the battlefield, young knights?" The boys looked at him, and he continued: "A sword, spear, katana, bow, or any other weapon can be lost at any moment. Your opponent might knock it from your hands, it might become unusable, or you might simply forget it. After that, the only weapon you have is yourself. Your body, legs, and arms become your weapon. You can lose your sword, but never your body. Don't forget that."
"Yes, Captain!" all four shouted.
"Thank you for the wise advice, Captain Slanei," said Kjaran, and Caerwyn nodded mildly, as if saying "you're welcome."
"Then, why don't we begin? Ervin and Osgar first. We brought the same training weapons you used in the tournament—a sword and spear, plus a sword for Captain Kjaran. When you're ready, start."
After that, in the enclosed training yard, only Kjaran on one side and Osgar and Ervin on the other remained. Ready for combat, they assumed their stances.
"This is getting interesting, ooooh," said Nuro Hino excitedly, holding onto the fence.
Ervin and Osgar slowly but steadily gathered natural energy as they closed the distance step by step.
"Looks good," thought Caerwyn. "A bit shaky, but good."
"Well," Kjaran spun his sword in his right hand and smiled. The movement was so natural it seemed the sword didn't carry him—it carried the sword. "Let's begin."
In that instant, the air resonated, and he appeared between the two of them, a bead of sweat running down his face.
Both of them thought the same thing:
"I didn't even blink, and he appeared there."
Kjaran swung in a large arc to hit both of them, but they used the previously gathered natural energy and sent it to their legs to quickly dodge. Kjaran only sliced the air; they jumped to opposite sides, about four meters away, seemingly surrounding him.
"We've reached this far, huh," thought Ervin, gripping his sword tightly, "might as well have some fun." Then he charged at Kjaran with full force, leaving dust in his wake, while Osgar seemed to read his mind and attacked from the other side.
"I like how you think," Kjaran thought, "but." He parried Ervin's strike effortlessly, the dull metal clanging against his own, and redirected Ervin toward Osgar, whose spear he grabbed with his left hand and drove into the ground. Somehow, Osgar avoided Kjaran's counter, but both ended up on the ground after the captain kicked Ervin toward Osgar, who softened his fall.
"Come on, guys, we've just started, so mistakes are allowed. Don't be so scared," shouted Desimir, and Elstan laughed.
The two glanced at him and smiled, then looked at Kjaran, who tossed Osgar the spear.
"What are you waiting for? We haven't even warmed up, have we?" said the captain of the first division.
Meanwhile, Alvis and Landan worked hard to devise an infiltration plan. They moved to Landan's study, which was very tidy—or at least, that's how he saw it.
"Landan, when you said your room was better because it's tidy," paused Master Alvis, inspecting the books scattered on the floor, several maps of Frozen Land and Luganor on the desk held down by a compass so they wouldn't fly away in the wind, and the lack of space where barely two people could fit. "I didn't imagine this as tidy."
"Well, you are right, teacher. I'll have to put these books and maps back soon. But you know I am in charge of the Northern Compass operation, so I need this for now," he said, pulling out two chairs and making room on the desk to spread out the map of the continent.
"Yes, yes," said Alvis, sitting down. "We've been fighting the Agradis for years; why not just make peace with them? Let them keep the Frozen Land; there's nothing important there anymore."
"Well, some sources say there is currently a stone from our kingdom hidden there," Landan added, placing two teacups on the desk.
"Those stones, son, are the greatest evil this continent has ever seen. It's better left lost."
"I think the soldiers currently in the far north share your opinion. That's why I try to make it easier for them as much as I can," he sat down and added, "let's get to work."
The afternoon passed, and the boys finished sparring with Kjaran, resting and drinking water before it was Elstan's turn.
While resting, Nuro gave them advice.
"Guys, I must admit I like what I've seen so far. Honestly, all four of you have talent, but you can see that you train day in, day out. Remember, talent is worth nothing without hard work."
"Do you have advice on how to gather natural energy faster, Captain Hino?" asked Osgar.
"Well," Hino said, scratching his chin thoughtfully, "that comes with experience. The more battles and training you go through, the more your body adapts to natural energy. Of course, as always, never overdo it, or it will be fatal for you."
"Then, why are we still lying around?" Desimir stood up. "Captain, can we start? Ujiyoshi and I will go first." He shouted, but Elstan had gone to relieve himself and wasn't there.
"He'll be back soon, so we—" Kjaran was interrupted by Caerwyn. "Why don't you spar with me, boys?" He paused, then continued, "if the captain allows it, of course. I promise I'll be gentle." He looked at Kjaran, who smiled. "I hope you won't be gentle with them, Captain Slanei."
Now in the sparring yard were Caerwyn, Desimir, and Ujiyoshi. Elstan returned from relieving himself and tightened his belt as he approached the fence.
"What's going on here?" he asked Kjaran, pausing. "Did you just allow them to fight him?"
"Of course, this is excellent training for them. Tolani soldiers are known to be extremely intimidating in hand-to-hand combat."
"I know, but even so. You know his reputation, right?"
"Of course, Captain Caerwyn Slanei is known for being captured in a war fifteen years ago by the then royal troops of Luganor. Of course, his imprisonment didn't last long since he killed all thirty guards with his bare hands and escaped. After that, he continued to fight in the war on our side, fortunately."
"Some say he deliberately surrendered to get closer to their captain, whose head he crushed. And you still think this is a good idea?" Elstan asked.
"Well, even if something goes wrong, you're there to stop it. Just like last time," Kjaran replied calmly, a slight smile hidden under his hair.
Elstan exhaled deeply and leaned on the fence.
"Whenever you're ready, boys," said Caerwyn, standing in the center of the arena. Desimir and Ujiyoshi slowly approached from both sides.
"I know I don't have much experience in hand-to-hand combat," Desimir thought, circling the captain's left side. "I hope Ujiyoshi does."
"Honestly, I know plenty of hand-to-hand combat techniques, but this man is huge. Big guys are usually slow, and that's what we have to exploit. After all, this is a two-on-one fight, no matter how cowardly it sounds; we have to attack from both sides." At that moment, they both shortened the distance with lightning speed. Where they had been remained only a cloud of dust.
"Interesting, I didn't feel any fluctuationes from either of them. I assume Ki is 'quieter' when gathered, but what about Desimir's?" Elstan thought to himself.
"That kid is simply....brilliant," Nuro thought while watching Desimir.
Caerwyn was surrounded from both sides, and they both swung their fists at his chest. The air whistled from the speed of the strike. When their hands reached the target, there was a loud impact, almost like hitting a water-soaked wooden table.
"They managed to connect their strikes," Osgar thought, but the three were covered by a cloud of dust raised by the blows. When it settled, they saw that Captain Slanei had not only blocked but actually caught his friends' fists.
"Tch, I thought it had connected," both thought as sweat ran down their temples.
"Hm, I've got you," he said, tossing them to the other side of the arena. Of course, the fall wasn't hard since the captain restrained himself.
"Tch, so close," Ervin thought.
"Come on, guys," said Caerwyn as he approached. "No time for lounging around."
Both got up and looked at each other. Ujiyoshi wiped a little blood from his lip.
"Okay, now let's get serious," he thought, charging at the captain. "The bigger they are, the harder they fall, right?"
He attacked first from below, sliding, which the captain avoided. But Ujiyoshi quickly got himself up using his arms and attacked with his legs, forcing the captain to block.
"Not bad," said the captain, stepping back. "Give me more."
"You're not just fighting him," said Desimir, appearing behind him and kicking him in the air. The captain blocked with both hands, but Desimir continued to push, shaking the ground around him.
"What strength, what focus. This is brutally good," Caerwyn thought. Ujiyoshi attacked with a right hook from the side, which the captain could only partially block. The combined force of the two forced him to step back.
"You're good, really good," said the captain, stopping. "But I think it's time to give your friends a chance." The two sat down from exhaustion.
"I agree, Captain Slanei." Elstan jumped over the fence, helping the two to stand. "You've tired yourselves out enough, and we still have at least six more hours of training."
"Well, at least we managed to move him a little," said Desimir.
"Next time, he's mine," added Ujiyoshi, heading to wash up. Ervin and Osgar took their place.
"Well, you've seen what your friends did to me. If you give me at least half of that effort, I'll be satisfied."
"Half?" Osgar stepped forward, his step accompanied by a slight crackle of the ground. "I'll give you the whole, Captain."
"Oh," Caerwyn assumed a stance. "Come then, lad!"
Osgar didn't attack directly but used quick zig-zag movements to close the distance, attacking from the right. He hit a left hook, which the captain blocked with his right, but when he felt the pressure, he had to assist with his left. Then he quickly moved back, Osgar following with zig-zag steps, delivering a barrage of direct strikes that the captain could only block.
"Incredible, putting him on the defensive," said Nuro Hino.
"I believe you deserve some credit for that, Elstan," Kjaran said, looking at him.
"Yes, well." Elstan grabbed his neck, laughing.
"Not surprising, coming from a student who learned Val'Kar art from you. Of course, it mostly combines the short sword, like the ones you use, but he's adapted." Kjaran analyzed.
"This is really getting interesting," Nuro said again.
"You're really amazing, aren't you, Osgar?" Ervin thought, watching their fight. "But I didn't come here just to watch." He soon joined the fight. Osgar tried to sweep the captain's legs, but when he jumped, Ervin kicked him in the lower back. The strike was so strong, packed with natural energy, that the ground cracked.
"Great technique, Ervin," shouted Desimir.
Caerwyn absorbed the strike but stayed in place. He covered the part of his body with natural energy, then grabbed Ervin's leg and tossed him aside. Osgar didn't stop attacking—left hook, right hook, then a kick attempt, which the captain blocked. Osgar stepped back, visibly tired, sweat dripping from his face. Ervin approached him, also running low on energy.
"Good, good." Kjaran stepped in. "That's enough for now; let's rest a bit and eat something."
"I agree with that, Captain," added Caerwyn. Osgar and Ervin lay on the ground, exhausted and breathless. Desimir and Ujiyoshi helped them out of the arena.
"You're good, boys, really," said Nuro. "I got hungry just from watching. Where shall we eat, Kjaran?"
"Don't worry, I asked Rina to prepare a meal for us today. She's an excellent cook."
"Prepare food for you? Right now?" said the woman in her late twenties, a beautiful figure noticeable even under her cooking apron. She had long ginger hair tied back in a ponytail. "I told you I don't have time for this besides preparing the feast for tomorrow." Everyone looked at Kjaran, who held his head and muttered, "I forgot."
After that, they all went to the tavern to eat.
"Isn't this wonderful," said Nuro, dipping a spoon into cooked rice with vegetables and chicken. "A bit of bonding before our mission." He took a large bite. Everyone ate the same because the tavern didn't offer much cooked food, and this was the freshest. What wasn't fresh were the four boys and Captains Brin and Slanei, all sweaty from training. They enjoyed this break the most.
The tavern wasn't crowded since it was lunchtime, and it wasn't known for exceptional food. Overall, the drinks were good, and nobody minded the sweaty knights, though most probably wouldn't even think about it at that moment.
"Boss, can we get a beer for everyone at this table?" Nuro shouted, and the owner nodded. Eight mugs of one of Tlum's best beers arrived at the table. The foam was perfect, and the balance of tartness and sweetness was just right.
"Cheers, boys! Let's get back to training," Nuro toasted. They all drank, paid the bill, and returned to the training yard. The sun hid behind the wind carried clouds casting a shadow over the city. The training continues.