Date: Yithi 8th, 1590 - Before The Long Stillness
The air around me was crisp as I stepped onto the grassy training field.
Castor stood at the end, waiting. Watching.
He is Kathera’s father. I am supposed to protect his daughter.
Kathera said he won’t be hard on me, but I don’t believe her. I think he will want to make sure I am strong enough to support her.
I set my shoulders back and walked over to him. I held my chin high.
“Amiranthia, to protect Kathera, you must learn how to wield a sword. Your first lesson will be stance and breath,” he said simply.
I shifted slightly. What was wrong with how I stood?
He moved, stepping forward with his right foot, toes pointed toward me.
His left foot stayed behind him, the inner arch facing me.
He faced me. “Stand like this.”
I shifted my weight to mirror his stance. Instantly, my thighs burned, and the thin mountain air bit at my lungs.
Castor circled me, checking my form. He took his wooden sword and gently tapped my front leg.
“Bring your stance in,” he said simply. “A stance should be low, supported by a tight core. A loose posture leaves you off balance,” He tapped my shoulder with his practice sword, sending me stumbling forward. I immediately reset.
“Breathe.” Castor said. “Breathe from your belly; your breath is where you gain clarity.”
I nodded and held my stance. I took a deep breath and focused.
You are stronger than stone, fluid as water, powerful as fire, and sharp as the wind. My mother's words echoed in my mind.
Even though my knees shook, I had to believe those words.
“Pa,” Kathera said as she walked up, “Someone is in the treeline,” She pointed towards the left corner.
“You two go inside,” Castor said, pointing towards the door.
We made our way inside. Immediately, Kathera guided us to a window with a good view of where she'd seen the person.
We pressed our palms to the glass, fogging it with our breath.
Castor emerged from the forest, shaking his head.
Nothing.
Kathera looked at me, her eyes steady.
“Someone was there. I know it.”
I nodded. “I believe you.”