The Berzerker

Origins

CHAPTER 1:

Two men could be seen sitting outside the soldiers’ barracks, the sun is bright the cold season has ended. “Nothing like the warm sunshine in the morning” Alex sighed happily. “How about a cup of coffee?” Russel replied with even greater happiness while greedily helping himself to the contents of the pot. “If you leave some for me I’m sure!” Alex grinned at his student he was growing well. Russel quickly brought over a cup for Alex. They sat next together in the aura of warmth provided by the sun and coffee. Once the coffee was sipped Alex broke the silence. “I guess it's about time.” He was looking into the sky gauging the sun's position in the sky. “Yes, sir” Russel’s body immediately stiffened and he was ready for the day of training. “One day we’ll fix that” Alex muttered under his breath.

   A short walk away from the barracks was the training ground. The majority of the area was a massive rectangle stretching 50 units across and 100 units long. There were wooden posts with helmets and armor to use as practice dummies. As the other apprentices sat under the small roof of the spectators seating noticed their instructor heading over they began to take their spots. Russel walked a few rows to the side and stood with his sword facing down point into the soft dirt. Once all soldiers had reached their positions on the field Alex’s face hardened. “ATTENTION!” Alex bellowed filling the ears of all soldiers in the nearby area as well as a few passersby outside the grounds. “Sir, Yes, Sir” Russel and his fellow apprentices responded back with similar volume. “Position one” At the exact moment he finished speaking in one rhythmic sound of pulling the sword out of the ground and holding it blade vertical from the soldier held outwards and slightly tilted down. Alex briskly walked around the soldiers knowing it was more of a routine than a doubt in his men’s abilities. “Position two” Just as had happened with the first the soldiers brought their swords to the sky and slammed the blade into their sheaths. A hiss of steel on leather rung out in unison. Alex expecting perfection was pleased. “Position one” Once again all swords were brought to the extended vertical hold. “Sequence one” All swords flashed out and the steel reflected the rays of the morning sun as would water. The swords followed a simple right and left stroke. “Sequence two” The swords all in unison as a single machine thrusted forward then spun and thrusted behind. Alex looking at the soldier's performance with basic commands figured it was time for sparing. “Form in partners” The soldiers rotated ninety degrees to either their right or left and faced their partner. Russel’s partner was another boy of similar size and age by the name of Isak. The two boys had grown accustomed to the routine after so many years together. “Spar” when the last of the ‘r’ was said Isak spun 270 degrees around using the momentum to bring his sword clashing down upon what would have been a killing blow. Russel’s speed however allowed him to easily catch and parry this devastatingly heavy blow. It was Russel’s turn. Much like Isak he preferred momentum in his swings, unlike Isak however he didn’t need to turn. Russel believe that in battle eyes should always be on your opponent. Russel had devised his own move in his private time. He grabbed the hilt of his massive broadsword, standard for all apprentice knights. His eyes flared with a fury. Once he had assessed Isak’s slightly retreated stance he began to spin the sword above his head. Then while watching Isak’s eyes he sent the blade crashing down on the unsuspecting boy. Isak was a good soldier but had never seen such move and wasn’t ready. A violent hissing rang out. Russel looked up his eyes losing their fire. Alex stood stern unmoving. Russel withdrew his sword and kneeled before his senior. “Let’s chat” Alex said “At ease” this was a soldier's favorite command as they could talk amongst each other and take a break from the drill. “What was that?” Alex asked. “I’m sorry sir it won’t happen again” Russel replied ashamed. “Russel look at me” With this Russel’s eyes slowly came higher off the ground. His eyes were met with the largest grin he had ever seen. “This isn’t a chat between drill instructor and soldier, it’s one between friends” Russel understanding what Alex was saying relaxed into a more casual stance. “Now, once again, what was that?” Alex asked eagerly. “I was practicing in my freetime and that popped in my head.” Russel said slowly making sure nothing changed with the instructor’s face. “Could you teach me?” Alex asked eagerly. Russel replied shocked, “No it would be better for you to learn from a peer or a superior” Alex understanding Russel’s stiff belief in the power structure conceded, “Very well, I shall have that taken care of”. Alex strode off and motioned for Russel to follow him. “Attention!” Immediately all the soldiers’ eyes shot to their instructor, “I have an announcement”. Use to the normal announcements this generally was for their next practice or political matters that were disclosed to the military. “I have decided to appoint a second instructor to this group,” heads turn at this one it was uncommon for such low class soldiers to require two instructors, “his name is Russel” this made mouths widen. They recalled what had happened with the sparring match and Russel’s foreign technique and could only assume that's why he was suddenly promoted. Russel was the most shocked of them all. He being so used to his position and respects now being put on equal standings as his instructor made him feel queasy. “Russel as your equal I would like to request your tutoring.” “Very well, I accept” Russel’s cheeks burnt from speaking to his previous superior in such a formal tone among his previous equals.