Heir of the Sword

05 | Praeceptor

Praeceptor {A teacher, or instructor}

As Arya sat on the cold ground, she let her mind wander. It was one of the few things she did before meditating. If her mind wasn't clear of the senseless thoughts, she would not be able to achieve the peacefulness. Meditation was one of the first most things that Zelie had taught her. When she was younger, she had found it pointless to be sitting on a cliff for hours long. However, after months and years of sitting, it had turned into something else. Zelie had heightened her hearing by making her sit still for hours. When Arya's eyes were closed, she became reliant on her ears to act as her guide. In this way, she was able to sense and hear things much better than the rest of the world. Her ears had become used to listening to every little sound and alongside her brain; she was able to visualize how close they could be.

Arya took in a deep breathe before letting nature reel her in. As usually, it took a little while but Arya was able to hear the things closest to her: the spring which they had filled their water canteens from, the birds chirping and rustling around in the trees, and the various noises that the animals were making. Arya further extended and opened her mind to be able to hear further, what she was expecting was nature but all she heard were the clanks of metal.

Arya summoned her mind to draw a visual symbol. She could hear the movements and visually see them. It seemed to be two women fighting, as their blows weren't as hard as they could have been. They both weren't exceptional fighters as their steps and movements were out of sync. Curiously, Arya got up from her meditation and went back to where their camp was. She was right, Bianca and Silvia were missing.

Sighing she grabbed her sword and search for them. She had a vague idea of where they would be as they rest could be found out by hearing the noises of the swords. Arya knew she was going the right way when the sounds of the swords became louder. Walking a bit deeper, in the clearing she saw Bianca and Silvia facing each other holding their swords.

There were a couple of things that Arya noticed at a first glance. The first being that their stances were incorrect as their feet weren't positioned correctly. The second was how uneasy they were with the blade. A fundamental part of being a swordsmen was that you need to be at ease with your weapon. Knowing every groove and the general feel would allow your instincts to take over. Thirdly, their reflexes weren't fast enough.

Arya stood there in the clearing wondering if she should approach them or let them continue their practice. She was generally someone who didn't stick her nose in the business of others but Zelie had assigned them to her in hopes that Arya would be a good influence on them. At this moment, Zelie's wise words came back from earlier.

I wouldn't be a good headmistress if I didn't teach my students.

Well she wouldn't be a good person if she didn't help them improve. What if they were in a battle? Would their blood be on Arya's hands as she didn't teach them?

Shaking off her thoughts she made herself visible. Silvia was clearly rattled by her presence as she lost her footing and tumbled to the ground.

"Rule number one; don't let any distractions move you from the task at hand." Arya's felt weird as this was something that she didn't do, ordering people around.

Silvia nodded and brushed herself off the grass. Arya was satisfied. Silvia at least had one thing down, to never give up. Getting up from the ground symbolized that she was ready to learn, and quickly. It was often arrogance that got in the way of learning from someone who you didn't think much off. But Zelie had once told her there was something that you could learn from everyone, even ones closest enemies. Docere et Doceri meaning to teach, and to be taught, Zelie would often say.