Steel and Sorrow: Rise of the Mercenary king

Chapter 206: Learning more

Chapter 206: Learning more

Alpheo stood by one of the tall, narrow windows of the keep in Bracum, his gaze settled on the training yard below, where Ratto moved with relentless focus. The boy's stance was low, steady, his muscles coiled with anticipation as he sized up his opponent, another youth of his age and height, yet lacking his intensity.

He lunged forward, his wooden sword arcing swiftly through the air, testing the other boy's while not fully commiting . His opponent raised his blade just in time, their weapons clashing with a satisfying crack that echoed off the keep's stone walls. But Ratto pressed on, feinting left only to dart right, swinging his sword in a sharp arc that his partner barely managed to deflect. 

At one point, Ratto took a calculated risk, pivoting on his heel and delivering a sweeping strike aimed low, forcing his partner to jump back. He then kept pressing forward with a series of rapid strikes, his footwork deft and agile. Though his movements still carried the rawness of youth, each blow seemed a little sharper, each reaction a little quicker, Alpheo knew that the boy was learning his way.

A slight smile curved at the corner of Alpheo's mouth.

Ratto was eager to learn, not only in the rigors of physical training but in the discipline of the mind as well. After the campaign ended, Alpheo ensured the young, sandy-haired boy received the education worthy of a noble.