Nine hundred and ninety-eighth swing. Nine hundred and ninety-ninth.
There was some primal poetry in this monotonous dance with steel—honest as breath, dark as truth. My muscles screamed, every blow sent pain through my shoulder, but I gritted my teeth. The pain was just the voice of weakness, whispering to me what I shouldn't hear. I had to be stronger than that whisper.
A thousandth swing - and the world froze, paying tribute to a small feat of will.
- Ah, this is where future legends are forged... or at least very stubborn young souls.
A voice sounded behind me, unexpected as the first autumn frost. I spun around, nearly dropping my sword. Lejont stood by the old pine tree, his eyes seeing not only the sweaty youth but also the hazy prospect of my future—one I had yet to earn.
" Sir Lejont!" I straightened up, trying to give my face dignity.
" Is the future pillar of the fatherland exercising?" His grin was devoid of malice, more like the good-natured irony of an old warrior who had seen many such burning eyes. "Burning calories or tempering the soul?"
" I want to become a real knight," I said, a little embarrassed under his piercing gaze. "Not just wear armor, but... well, you know."
" I understand," Lejont nodded, peeling himself away from the tree. "Eagles like these have always been the kingdom's mainstay. They may look more like wet sparrows for now—the main thing is for their wings to grow." He glanced around the deserted parade ground. "I heard a rhythmic ringing, as if someone was beating time itself. I thought maybe one of the old guard was training. And this is our talent honing its craft."
I felt uneasy. "Am I in the way, perhaps? If the parade ground is needed..."
" Come on," Lejont waved him off. "You set the right tone for the whole morning. A true example of a warrior, even if you don't have any scars or gray hair yet. Train—there's plenty of room for anyone willing to sweat for a great cause."
I felt heat rise in my cheeks. Praise from Lejont was worth more than gold.
He scratched his chin thoughtfully. "You know, young man, one who trains the body but forgets the mind is like a sword without a hilt: sharp, but useless. A true knight thinks in combat."