The Way of the Sword

Nat stood facing Lieutenant Stuntson. Sweat poured off his body and slicked his arms and chest. He had long ago discarded his shirt. It was soaked anyway. Stuntson was standing straight with his practice sword held high above his head. That pose was quite effective for attacking and useful in defense too. The two men circled warily before Nat rushed in again with a swift blow towards the Lieutenant's side. The Lieutenant deftly parried the blow and his sword flashed for Nat's head. Nat barely held off a swift and furious onslaught. Just a few weeks ago he would have been unable to defend against the Lieutenant's attacks but he was improving. Yes definitely improving. The Lieutenant had to work to get him now. Dyl was lounging on the side watching the fight. He and Dyl had begun practicing together in their spare time. Nat had determined to work hard to get promoted. If he couldn't farm he could at least earn money for his mother and send it home to her. Higher wages meant she might actually be able to survive more comfortably. Besides, his father had been a very good soldier back in his day. Before he had died at least. Nat grimly remembered his father telling him to do his best in all he did. Well Nat would make himself into a soldier like no other. Since he had no real choice in the matter anyway he may as well try to become an officer. Parrying a particularly powerful blow, something clicked in his head. He suddenly began a complex set of attacks which forced Lieutenant Stuntson back. Wondering at this new skill, Nat continued to fight realizing that he some how was winning! It was as if all the hours of training had suddenly unlocked a hidden skill! He could suddenly sword fight reasonably well! He understood it! The sword and him merged and became one as he parried and attacked with renewed vigor. Finally the match ended when Nat finally exhausted Stuntson forcing him to call an end to the practice. Nat had never been able to do that! Never fight him to a draw! This was amazing! He could match Stuntson blow for blow now.

The following days were much the same and Nat continued making rapid leaps and jumps in his sword training. Thursday was drawing near but Nat hardly noticed now with all his newfound skills. He felt stronger and had more endurance than before. Training wasn't quite so grueling. He wondered how he had improved so rapidly. He could out do anyone in the 35th in swordsmanship. Even the Lieutenant now. He started to seek out other blade masters and ask if he could practice with them. Many of them could still defeat him but not without difficulty. He was learning fast. Most other aspects of physical combat came easily as well. Nat had always been good with physical jobs. Hand combat was very easy to pick up. Each day Bullion had to find a new way to beat up Nat, and Dyl, well nearly he was impossible to beat up. Dyl could wrestle an ox and come out on top it seemed. He was now not only short and buff, but also hardened into a deadly warrior. Dyl was layered with muscles on muscles and walked around with a slight swagger when he was feeling particularly cocky about some wrestling match he had just won. Nat had changed too. He was taller and thinner than before. His body had hardened from all his marching and training. His hands grew more accustomed to his sword every day. He hardly noticed the changes though. This was life. Life was hard. Life was cruel. So far, in order to live, you had to know how to fight and so Nat decided to prepare for that. There were too few peaceful moments in life.