In the training yard were currently Osgar, Ujiyoshi, and Kjaran. It was time again for sword-fighting practice.
"Now we'll make things a bit easier for you," Kjaran said as the two young men stretched, "we won't be using natural energy."
Both looked at him somewhat puzzled.
"But why?" asked Osgar.
"Isn't the point of this training to prepare us for the battles we'll face in Ganalor?" added Ujiyoshi.
"Exactly. No one will spare us there, so you shouldn't hold back now either," Osgar finished.
Kjaran sighed and continued. "The truth is, we aren't going to Ganalor for at least two more weeks, so you'll have time to get used to all the forms of combat we simulate."
"Two weeks?" interrupted Desimir from outside the enclosure. "That's right, guys, in roughly two weeks we head for Sotoz Harbor. From there we travel along the Silver Sea all the way to Baregall Island where the inspection takes place." Elstan spoke, then Kjaran added, "At least, it should go like that, but our strategists are still working on the plan, so nothing is certain."
Elstan continued, "Anyway, you'll have enough time to spar with us and to perfect your control over natural energy in your free time."
"Exactly. But for now, I won't use natural energy. Attack me with everything you've got. Let's see how far you've come."
The sun was slowly setting, and the hours-long training session was coming to an end. In the yard, Elstan, Desimir, and Osgar had removed their shirts. Sweat dripped from their faces and ran down their bodies. Today had been a very warm day thanks to the sun. Even though it was early autumn, Tlum was known for attracting heat. The settlers of this continent had noticed this long ago and decided to build a fortress here, which still serves as the royal castle today.
"Alright, guys, let's see what you've got for the finale," said the sweaty Elstan, assuming a fighting stance, raising his hands slightly, leaning on his right leg. Desimir was the first to attack, taking a quick step to close the distance. He aimed a punch at Elstan's stomach, but Elstan easily stopped it, catching his right fist with one hand. At that moment, Osgar ran in, jumped over Desimir, and aimed a kick at the captain, which he dodged, but he was forced to release Desimir and step back.
"I like how you think," Elstan thought as the two of them attacked again. They came at him from both sides, but he dodged and parried with ease.
"Interesting," said Nuro.
"What's that?" asked Ervin, who was beside him.
"Those two aren't using any natural energy they've stored. They're probably saving it for a final attack," explained Caerwyn. At that moment, the two surrounded Elstan.
"So that's it," Elstan said, seeing the ground beneath their feet crack from the pressure of their natural energy. "Come then!" he shouted.
Both moved quickly. Desimir was in front, Osgar behind the captain.
"Great, he can't block from both sides," thought Ujiyoshi.
Then they both struck, channeling natural energy from their legs into clenched fists.
"This has to connect," they both thought.
"Nice, very nice," thought Kjaran.
"But not good enough," Captain Slanei finished his thought.
The two swung their fists, and Elstan quickly dropped to the ground, avoiding the strikes. Then, with a swift spin, he swept them both with a kick in mid-air, performing a split with his hands. He then flipped with his hands and pushed off the ground, landing on his feet. Osgar and Desimir lay on the ground, completely defeated.
"He didn't even use natural energy," Desimir thought.
"My father is truly amazing," were Osgar's thoughts.
The others entered the training yard, Ervin and Ujiyoshi helping their friends up to wash.
"You were so close, what a pity," said Ervin, a bit frustrated, lifting Desimir.
"Yes, the captains are truly incredible, aren't they?" he replied.
Everyone left the yard.
"Guys, you were very good today. I believe you'll be ready for Ganalor in the next few weeks," said Caerwyn, putting a smile on everyone's face.
"See you guys, maybe I'll join you tomorrow," Nuro shouted playfully, waving as he and Captain Slanei left.
The rest of the team went home.
When they arrived, Elstan and Osgar were greeted by Atala, but with her was a young girl about Osgar's age. She had long ginger hair down to her waist, a youthful pale face, and translucent blue eyes. Her slender,maidenly figure was visible even though she wore a simple home tunic of light blue, or "loren" as their ancestors would say. Loren is a simple dress made of coarse linen reaching the ankles, with narrow sleeves.
"Well, I'm glad you made it, boys," Atala stood to greet them, "We were just preparing for dinner."
"Looks like we have company tonight," added Elstan.
"Good evening, Captain Nualami, and you too, Osgar," said the girl with a bow.
Osgar blushed for a moment, and Elstan subtly patted him on the back.
"Good evening to you too, Inis," Osgar replied, bowing his head. Elstan and Atala smiled sweetly. This girl was the daughter of Captain Vesper Solas of the 3rd Royal Division of Luganor. He and Elstan had known each other since their early days as young knights, fighting together in wars and many missions. They became captains around ten years ago. The Nualami and Solas families were very close and often visited each other when possible. Tonight, Inis had come to visit.
"So, Inis, how is your mother?"
"She's well, thank you for asking, Mr. Nualami. She apologizes for not coming, but had to stay in Westcreg for work."
"Too bad she couldn't come with you," said Elstan as Atala placed rabbit soup with vegetables on the table. "By the way, how many times have I told you to call me Elstan?"
"I know, you always remind me, but I just forget," she said with a smile.
"Well, I guess we can now say there are two Mr. Nualamis in this house, right?" added Atala, sitting down. Osgar shyly touched his neck, smiling as Inis looked at him with a smile.
After dinner, Elstan and Atala moved to their room to rest, while Inis and Osgar stayed in the kitchen. Osgar was reading and studying a book about various military tactics while Inis silently watched him, sipping ginger tea. The lantern light flickered over the table, casting shadows over the book.
"Did you find anything interesting?" Inis asked, receiving no initial response. "Osgar," she repeated, and he flinched slightly.
"Ah, sorry. I didn't hear you the first time," he said apologetically and quietly. He adjusted the lantern closer to the book to illuminate it.
"This tactic is interesting—" he paused as Inis pulled a chair to sit next to him. "So close," he thought. "Oh, this tactic used by an admiral of Kaharu thirty years ago at the Battle of the Stony Bays," he pointed to a small map in the book.
"Ah, what's so interesting about it? Explain, please," she leaned slightly toward him.
"Well, of course. Back then, the Ganalor navy had an advantage over Kaharu's fleet. They had more ships pursuing the enemy at sea—or so they thought. As the name suggests, the Stony Bays are surrounded by rocks rising from the water up to 20 meters. The admiral at the time commanding the Kaharu ships was a young Atsumu Nagamine, now known as the 'Water Dragon of the East.'" Osgar paused as Inis took a sip of tea. "To summarize, he brilliantly feigned a retreat, leading the Ganalor ships among the rocks. It was a brilliant move from an inexperienced but ambitious admiral. The Kaharu ships were smaller and more maneuverable, while Ganalor ships were larger, stronger, and more durable in prolonged battles. Of course, both admirals knew this, but the younger one's maneuver practically made the ships vanish among the rocks. Then he attacked from behind unexpectedly, destroying the pursuing ships."
"Sometimes," she sighed, leaning on the table, "war almost sounds interesting… if you ignore the bad parts—people dying, mothers losing husbands and sons, friends losing friends."
"Yes, war is truly terrible," Osgar added.
"But I suppose there's no better feeling when you return from war," she yawned, "and someone who loves you greets you at home, right?"
"Well, there's truth to that," he paused, "I'm sure anyone greeted by you at the door would be very happy." He then extinguished the lantern; Inis was already asleep, and he carried her to her room and tucked her in.
The night passed, along with all the fatigue accumulated from the previous day.
Early in the morning, everyone from yesterday was back on the battlefield, ready for training.
"Who wants to go first?" Nuro said, entering the training yard with a spear.
"Ervin, how about we start the day with a good show for the captain?" Desimir said, placing a hand on his shoulder.
"Yes, I was thinking the same," Ervin agreed. They stood opposite each other in the yard.
"Well, since everyone's joining the training, this isn't a problem at all," said Kjaran, adding, "The most important thing is that the structure of the training remains the same, and the experience of fighting different opponents will help you."
"Okay, guys, since we're just starting, I believe we should all use natural energy first, agree?" asked Captain Hino.
"Works for me," said Desimir, twirling his sword as he approached the captain.
"I don't see a problem either," added Ervin.
"Good, then," said Nuro, "since I have plenty already." Then, with a swift move, he closed the distance and attacked Desimir. Captain Nuro Hino specialized in the Dan'Kor technique, specific to Ganalor knights, using a spear. His swift swing practically sliced through the air, but Desimir dodged. Ervin took the opportunity to attack from above, which Nuro blocked. The force of the strike practically pinned him to the ground, cracking the earth beneath his feet.
"Excellent, you look great today, guys," he shouted, clearly enjoying himself.
After the block, he deflected Ervin's sword and pushed him back. He spun his spear skillfully; the air around it whistled, natural energy concentrated in the weapon's blade.
"Incredible concentration of natural energy," thought everyone present.
"I practically know that if that blade just touches me, my arm will be torn off. And he's just playing with the spear," Desimir thought, smiling.
"Captain Nuro, you're not just a joker," Ervin thought. Nuro Hino, at 33, became one of the youngest Ganalor captains and perfected the Dan'Kor technique a year later. Now, at 35, he is one of the greatest spear masters on the continent.
Ervin and Desimir attacked again, together, but the advantage of Nuro's long-range spear, wielded with both hands, was clear. Every strike was easily blocked or evaded. His quick thrust caused sparks to fly everywhere.
"Amazing, he draws enormous amount of concentration from them," said Kjaran.
"They know that if they don't respond correctly to each next move, the fight is over," added Elstan.
Captain Hino moved back; his slender build, fast and strong like a spring, twirled his spear—it danced among his fingers. In these quiet movements, more threat was present than in a thousand words. He gathered natural energy again and attacked. The boys were ready, natural energy focused in hands and feet, swords raised in blocks. Nuro stirred up dust behind him, light reflecting off his blade.
"Oops," he said, standing behind them.
"Looks like I got a little carried away," he added, as their training swords cracked. Both turned, and behind them stood Captain Nuro Hino, silent and powerful, smiling.
Kjaran grabbed his head in relief.
"Good thing these are training swords, but you'll owe our blacksmith," said Elstan.
"Ha ha ha, sorry, good captains. It's just morning, and I'm full of energy. Are you up for a sparring match by any chance?" added the smiling Nuro.
"Maybe later," replied Captain Nualami.
"Okay, guys, today's training started brilliantly, so why not keep the rhythm? Next, Osgar and Ujiyoshi go against me. Let's go," said Kjaran as they entered the yard.
The whole day passed in grueling training, after which everyone lay down and washed outside the yard.
"I really had fun today, guys," said Nuro Hino. "And I haven't even gone to the celebration yet. Truly a great day."
"Ujiyoshi, I liked that technique you used during sparring," said Caerwyn. "Is that the Shoruha technique?"
"Yes, Captain. I'm impressed that you know Kaharu techniques; not many can claim that," he replied.
"Well, I've been on a few missions with Kaharu soldiers, and they showed me. I always considered it extremely demanding, requiring a high level of concentration. You used it well."
"Not even close to my older brother, honestly. My control isn't near his, but it will be someday," Ujiyoshi added determinedly.
"Well, guys, that's it for today," said Kjaran.
"Already?" asked Desimir.
"The celebration starts in two hours, where we captains should be present. We need to freshen up. Trust me, there will be enough time for training. We continue tomorrow morning."
"If I get drunk, don't count on me," added Nuro, making most smile.
The sun set, and the moon took its place in the sky.At least for a while until the clouds covered it. The night was quiet in Tlum, except in the royal palace, where a feast was taking place. Many important people from Luganor and other parts of the continent attended. Of course, the most important guests were King Ailred, King Jin, and Emperor Toshimizu, wearing ceremonial robes and kimonos adorned with elements reminiscent of their homeland. Alongside them was the host, King Anir.
Tables were filled with food: prosciutto in currant sauce, pork with sugared peaches, roasted goose, and numerous other meat dishes. There were also seafood specialties—mussels, crabs in tomato-pepper sauce, stuffed sea urchins, and Luganor's famous blue lobster. The aromas were irresistible, as was the drink, abundant and varied—seven types of brandy, ten types of wine, cognac, absinthe. Even Nuro Hino didn't know what to choose, so he toasted with the simplest drink: beer.
"Here you go, Kjaran, my friend," he said, handing Kjaran a beer as lutes, flutes and bagpipes played in the background.
"Hah," Kjaran sighed, taking the beer reluctantly. "With so many people around, I prefer to stay focused, Nuro."
"Come on, lighten up a bit, I heard your favorite cook will be here too," he teased.
"Tch, my favorite cook. I've known her for many years that's all."
"Oh? Then it wouldn't be a problem for me to try something, right?" Nuro teased again.
"Do what you want," Kjaran clicked his tongue.
"Ha ha ha, relax, my friend. I'd never do that to you. I'll go find someone to flirt with," Nuro left laughing.
"What's going on in his head," Kjaran thought, taking a sip of beer. When he looked up he saw her approaching. Rina, dressed in a dress the color of dry leaves with silver embroidery. The fabric was soft and natural, revealing her fine figure, her hair in a loose braid.
"Well," she hesitated, "do you think it's too much?"
"No, no," Kjaran blushed a little. "I think it looks great on you, Rina."
"Well, you're not bad yourself," she added, noticing Kjaran in his dark blue outfit made of sturdy cloth blended with linen, simple yet perfectly tailored, with silver clasps matching Rina's dress. They both laughed. Nuro noticed from the other side of the room.
"That's right, Kjaran, my friend. She's certainly yours. Now I'll find someone too," he thought with satisfaction.
The night passed peacefully, with music, drink, and food enjoyed by all. Outside, rain began to fall, but no one cared as they were having great time. Suddenly, the doors of the hall creaked open, and a scout entered, sweaty, muddy, and wet.
"I apologize for bursting in like this, Your Highness," he paused, kneeling and gasping for breath. Music stopped, and everyone looked at him.
"Speak, good man," said King Anir.
"Darni, Your Highness. They crossed the border and are attacking nearby territories with mercenaries' help. Royal divisions need to respond as soon as possible."
"Darni," Kjaran thought aloud. "They haven't attacked in a while, but it's not surprising. They even have mercenaries. Interesting."
"Well,they usually make problems at the border,but not with mercenaries." thought Elstan.
"Kjaran, Elstan," the king shouted.
"Yes, Your Highness. Tomorrow morning, we depart for the expedition," they said, leaving the hall.