Eversummer

Chapter 4: Stephano the Drunkard

Stephano the drunkard

Three days has passed and Red still didn't know what he was going to do for the showcase. Instead, what he did was constantly practice his sword play in the solitary clearing in the jungle where he always went to be alone. He wanted to think deeply about his current situation. Countless times he thought to just give up. There were several other candidates out there who were better than him. There're sons of mages and archers all lining up for the special training in the capital.

The truth was, every day that passed, Red doubted himself more and more. Ever since he let it be known to everyone that he wanted to become the town hero, other kids made fun of him and the adults would just treat him a child. The townsfolk still saw him as a good lad and talks with him, but when he talks about his dream, they would just pass it as a joke and because of that, he felt different and alone. Of course there was also the fact that his hair was bright red which was different from the usual black hair of the wintercrest folk, aside from the silvery hair of the Solaria family.

And because no one believed him, Red began to doubt himself. The only people who would treat him seriously was Nana Lean, his grandmother whose red hair, he had learned from her, had become white with age, the mayor who was kind to everyone in the town, and the members of the Solaria family including Claire. Red had always felt it weird that the Solaria family was always kind to him but nevertheless, Red was very grateful to their kindness.

But despite the growing doubt, Red kept on practicing the sword every single day since his declaration to become hero. He was determined to do whatever it takes to achieve his dream.

"Always practicing as usuual huh Reeed Uuuuulric?" A raspy worn out voice said from Red's back.

Red looked to his back and saw Stephano the drunkard emerging from the dense forest. He wore a loose shirt and trousers both of which were tattered and dirty.

"why are you here Stephano? The tavern is that way." Said Red as he pointed to the direction of the town.

"Ehm nuh goin' to tooown Reeed. Ehm heeere tuh teeeeaaachh yooou he he he." Said Stephano almost incoherently as he was walking groggily towards red almost falling down with each step.

"Teach me? Yeah right just go..."

And before Red could finish his sentence Stephano collapsed and fell asleep on the ground.

"Geez what a pain in the ass." Red said as he looked at Stephano sleeping. He looked so peaceful, so different from his usual rough and rugged personality. He remembered the stories he heard about Stephano. The drunkard, used to be a great swordsman who was very good with the sword he could fight five swordsmen at once using his unique 2-sword style. He was set to be declared as a village hero when a plague hit the town. The Solaria family did all they could to stop the spread and successfully stopped the disease but for Stephano's family, it was too late. Her wife had just given birth to his son which made them easy target for the disease. That day that his family died, his ambitions died with them and Stephano the swashbuckler, became Stephano the drunkard.

"I wonder if he could really teach me at his state now. But this is surprising, I've never seen Stephano this drunk before." Red said to himself while he was dragging Stephano to one side of the clearing which had now been covered with grass. He took his coat from the heap of his belongings, covered Stephano and began to practice again.

Hours later, while Red was practicing his sword, he heard Stephano move and as he turned to check up on the slumbering soaker he was already upright with his hand on his head.

"Arrrrrggghh, what a head ache! This might be the only time I was sober in 10 years. Do you have some water Red?" Asked Stephano..

Red stopped practicing, amazed at hearing Stephano talk without the usual drunken slur. He looked surprisingly well without the red tinge of an alcoholic.

"Yeah there's a jug right beside you, but don't drink it all up, I'm a bit thirsty myself."

But Stephano stopped listening after he saw the jug and drank it down in a single gulp.

"There goes my water." Red thought to himself.

"I'm here to teach you Reddy boy, just as I've said earlier. Thanks for coverin' me up while I was sleepin' and for the water too." Said Stephano rising up to his feet slowly and with a lot of effort.

"Woah are you alright? You should sit down a bit more. You still have a hangover." Said Red.

"Don't worry about me Reddy, a good teacher doesn't let his student keep on waiting and I've made you wait long enough!" Said Stephano as he finally got to his feet.

"Hey don't call me reddy, just Red, and aren't you getting full of yourself saying you'll teach me? You could barely stand just a while ago. I bet you'll be drunk again in no time!" said Red, a little annoyed at Stephano's nickname for him.

"I'm never going to drink again Reddy that I can assure you. But more importantly, I saw your form and even if I was drunk, I was still a master swordsman, and I say you need some help and I'm here ready to teach you!" Said Stephano.

Red noticed the seriousness in Stephano's eyes. He was so determined, Red knew that Stephano was not joking. He was astounded at this sight. "Who knew Stephano could have this side to him? And what is up with that weird nickname for me?" Red thought to himself. But aside from noticing the change in Stephano, Red could not ignore the fact that Stephano was right. No matter how hard he would practice, he could never achieve anything great without proper guidance.

"I don't need your help Stephano, I can do this on my own and I told you, don't call me Reddy Boy!" Replied Red, he was determined to keep his grown-up, i-don't-need-anyone act.

"Whatever you say Reddy boy, I'll just stay here and watch then." Said Stephano and he proceeded to squat in the soft grass.

For another hour Red practiced non-stop while Stephano was watching. Red began to feel uncomfortable whirling his sword while Stephano was looking.

"Hey what's up Reddy? Feeling uncomfortable? You do know everyone'll be watching during the skill show, do you?" Said Stephano who was amused at Red's persistence.

"I know that already. Can't you just shut up? I'm trying to concentrate!" said red, this time,a little more weightily due to his rising temper.

So he continued practicing while Stephano was spurting out criticism. Each minute was becoming more and more uncomfortable until Red felt that he was just waving his sword around pointlessly and he again began to think that he could never be chosen with all the other talented kids his age.

"Okay I give up! This feels useless. Please teach me how to use the sword." Said Red bowing humbly to Stephano.

"Ha! And finally you cave in. That's good. Lesson number one Red, know you're limitations and weaknesses. Know when to give up and seek help. And don't doubt yourself Reddy. A man filled with doubt is like a man trying to climb up a cliff with weights tied to his legs. If you want to reach the top, let go of the weights."

These words made Red speechless. How could Stephano know how he was feeling? He felt like Stephano knew everything about him just by looking at him training. The thought that the person in front of him was but the town drunkard just moments ago dumbfounded him. Stephano was now a completely different person.

"Anyway, pack your things reddy, that's enough practice. You should get some rest. Meet me here tomorrow in the morning. Tomorrow, the real training starts. And by the way Red, when you get home, tell your Nana Lean, that the twin swords of winter is back." Said Stephano as he turned back and disappeared in the dense forest.