Book 4 Chapter 17

Tirr walked steadily as he slowly made his way further down into the little valley. As he followed along the rough paths and game trails, he glanced about the terrain, appreciating the mountain's natural beauty. Once things settle down… He thought to himself, I’ll have a palace built up here…

It didn’t take him long to find who he was looking for… Settled into one of the few bits of even ground in the valley were Doran and a young man not quite in his twenties. Tirr found a nearby rock to sit on, watching the action with interest.

Doron stood almost idly, his lacking any kind of tension as he took a lazy defensive stance. Despite the ease with which he stood, Tirr noticed how firm the old soldier’s hand held his sword, its point directed at the opponent ahead. It swayed slightly, following the young man as he circled, giving away Doron’s calm confidence.

The young man was almost exactly the opposite. As he circled the grizzled vet, Tirr could tell his step were nervous and unsure. The young knight’s face was dripping with sweat, his body already showing signs of exhaustion as he searched for an opening.

Even without actively using his Blessing, Doron’s body was naturally stronger, a side effect of Tirr’s gift. Even more, the life blessing especially focused on rejuvenation. Those under its branch were gifted with inexhaustible stamina and endurance.

Combined with Doron’s experience as a soldier serving on the front lines, it made him a frightening foe for any normal person. Tirr couldn’t blame the young man for the small traces of fear and unease in his eyes. It was enough that he had lasted this long. Still… It did make Tirr wonder if he had made the right choice.

Doron was also watching the knight, frowning as he waited with a bored expression. Finally, he called out, “Come on lad, we don’t have all day. If you keep running around like that your gonna collapse without me even doing anything…”

The young man looked shaken at the old veteran's words but nodded obediently. He took a deep breath, his body tensing as he crouched, winding himself up like a spring. As he breathed out, he suddenly sprang forward, staying low to the ground as his sword slashed dangerously.

Tirr eyes widened, at the fierce charge. The young man was faster than he thought… At least, for someone without a blessing already… Unfortunately for the knight, it wasn't anything impressive to Doron.

The older man didn’t flinch as the young man leapt towards him. He waited calmly, his sword only moving just as the young knight’s did. As the attack flashed towards him, he swept his sword out, deflecting it deftly before launching his own attack.

Surprisingly the knight took it in stride, dodging the counterattack as he twisted away. They clashed back and forth a few times, swords ringing as they fought. The young man waited for one clash before throwing out a punch, aiming for the older man’s jaw. The old man let out a grunt of appreciation, but ducked under it, before taking some distance…

“I thought you were a swordsman!” Doron laughed, making the young knight blush. Still, he didn’t respond instead tensing once more, coiling up before springing out again, dropping almost impossible low to the ground as he rushed forward. Doron just shook his head, “We just did this lad…” He said as the knight’s body swept towards him.

He stood waiting once more and as the young man’s hand swept out his own blade rose to meet it… Except it came across nothing but air. Doron watching in shock as the knight's sword suddenly slashed out from his other hand. The older man let out a furious shout.

In a second it was over… The Knight lay on the ground panting as his sword tumbled down next to him. Doron stood over him with an unhappy expression. Seeing the old man’s anger, the knight ducked his head. “Ah, sorry, I thought… I promise I’ll do better tomorrow so…”

“Go back for tonight,” Doron said, still frowning. The knight could only nod and saluted before running off like a dog with his tail between his legs. As he passed Tirr he saluted again but seemed too embarrassed to say anything more as he disappeared up the valley.

Tirr smirked as he walked over to the still frowning Doron. The old Soldier held his sword at his waist, watching where the knight had fled. As Tirr approached he grunted,” I really am getting old…”

“You used the Blessing there, didn’t you?” Tirr asked snickering… “And not just a little of it either…”

Doron snorted and reached out rubbing Tirr’s head furiously, “So what! He’s good with a blade, maybe even a genius! That’s the whole reason he was chosen right? Besides, I wasn’t even taking it seriously…”

Tirr shook off his hand before continuing down into the valley... “Whatever, hopefully, it’s enough…” Doron agreed silently and started to pack up his things as Tirr went to look for his last trainee.