Born to Lead

Chapter 4 (Training montage)

The thick shrubbery at the top of the mountain gave them great cover and gave the wildlife many hiding places, but Borial knew where every animal would hide and he knew how to hunt each and every creature.

"Why are we here, you know of the dangers that lurk at the top of the mountain," said Simon worried.
"Yes, but you are here, you can protect me from those dangers," chuckled Borial.
"I'm not ready, at least that's what Cesar thinks," said Simon.
"Ahhhhh you listen to Cesar too much, tell me is he your father, can he push you around?" asked Borial.
"Well no, but he is the highest in command of The Defenders," said Simon.
"Hmmmmmm, much you have to learn about life, you will never survive in battle if you don't trust your instincts," said Borial.
Simon shut his eyes and took in a deep breath, he then opened them again and saw five hundred meters to the left of him an Ice Deer.
"Tell me Borial, what is that Ice deer doing all the way down here," asked Simon.
"Ahhhhh a perfect first target," said Borial.
"Wait you want me to kill it," said Simon in shock.
"Yes you must," said Borial as he jumped on a rock, he breathed in deeply and then let out a loud screech. It frightened the deer and caused it to run away from them. "Now, shoot it, shoot it now."
Simon focused on the deer and shot at it, the arrow landed behind it and the deer kept on running up the mountain.

"Come Simon, we must track it," said Borial climbing off the rock and then hobbling quickly after it.

Simon had run ahead of Borial and didn't realise until he reached the top of the mountain, he looked back and saw Borial run out of the shrubbery, he looked at the only tree at the tip top of the mountain to find Cesar standing right next to it.

"You guys are early, I gather you didn't kill the deer that was set there for you," said Cesar.
"You set that deer in that area for me," said Simon confused.
"Yes, I saw it come running out of the forest so I killed it myself," said Cesar pointing to the dead deer with a arrow sticking out of its neck.
"So what is this anyway?" asked Simon.
"It's time I test you, see if you are ready to come with me to Demons Gorge," said Cesar.
"Of course I'm ready, I've been training all day," said Simon trying to impress Cesar.
"Well if you think you are ready, draw your sword and show me your stance," said Cesar.

Simon drew his sword and stood with his knees bent slightly and his left hand free and open to grab his dagger if needed.
"Good good, your legs could be a bit further apart, but you did it quickly and efficiently," said Cesar. "Now show me a jab."
Simon pointed his sword out in front of him quickly and pulled it back a bit, he lost balance and tripped on a rock.

"Terrible, you just got killed because your enemy evaded the attack and killed you when you fell," said Cesar.
"Try again."
Simon tried again but this time he got straight back into his battle stance position. He smiled and looked at Cesar happily.
"Right, think fast," Cesar said throwing a rock at Simon. Simon ducked and covered his head with his arms but managed to keep the sword upright being able to block any attack from a sword.
"Oops, I did that wrong didn't I," said Simon disappointed.
"No that was ok, but it could have been better, what I expected was for you to drop your sword, catch the rock and take out your bow, like this," said Cesar throwing a rock in the air and catching it while getting his bow out.

"How do you make it look so easy," asked Simon.
"Years of practice," responded Cesar. "Now let's fight."

Cesar threw the rock at Simon, however Simon did something unexpected, he hit the rock out of the way and charged at Cesar to show Cesar everything he had. Cesar dodged the attack and attempted to hit Simon with his sword but Simons reaction time was at its apex. He managed to block the attack with his shield and slightly cut Cesar. Cesar managed to trip Simon and drive the sword right next to his head.