The Champion's Shadow

The Fish Duel

Achillean

    "Excellent! Your progression and growth is exponential," Aegus Nestoris complimented the young Sendaris as he swiftly landed a somersault, wooden sword in hand. Thalleous's eyes twinkled as he offered the master a grin. On the opposite side of the open, flat, grassy clearing, a Young Nestoris lay flat on his back. A frustrated groan uttered from his lips as he stayed still, admitting defeat.

    "Achillean Nestoris, get up and face your adversary!" the master called, urging his student to persevere and show grit. "You're letting your frustration cloud your mind. Take a few deep breaths and try again."

    As if he were submerged in molasses, Achillean slowly got up to his feet and closed his eyes. Breathe in. Breathe out. Reflect on the stress. Let the stress go. He had begun to form a pattern of stress-relieving as peaceful days grew thin. The rhythmic consistency of it soothed his nerves- until it didn't.

    Thalleous stood his ground, his feet digging in the rocky soil. Breathe in. Breathe out. Reflect on the stress. Let the stress go.  Achillean's eyes flashed open, making contact with his opponent. The Sendaris lifted his sword, preparing another attack. Breathe in. Breathe out. Reflect on the stress. Let the stress go.  Achillean did the same with his own sword, copying Thalleous's movements. In a blue-and-gray blur, Thalleous charged with all of his speed and strength. His acceleration was jarring. Bracing for the moment of impact, Achillean bent his legs and moved a foot backward slightly. Shaky breath in. Shaky breath out. Look back on the stress. Let the stress grow.  The first blow came. A sharp and concise jab to the Nestoris's right shoulder made its way past his high-alert guard. Look at you. Look at him. He is a prodigy. And you will never win. In a pitiful attempt to counterattack, Achillean lowered himself and swung at Thalleous's legs, causing him to retreat for a moment. As if nothing fazed him, the younger Ardoni's attacks surged again. He came in with even greater speed and strength. Darkness will prevail. Your ranks will grow thin. In a month or so, the Netharans will come in. Achillean did his best to dodge and parry, however helpless it was. DARKNESS WILL PREVAIL. YOU WILL DIE. YOUR FRIENDS AND ENEMIES ARE ALL A LIE. A sudden amplification in Achillean's strength flared with built up rage. Using his free hand, he threw a punch toward Thalleous's face. It was quickly blocked and flung back, throwing Achilean's balance slightly off.

"No, they are not!" he exclaimed to his doubting mind. His hand cradled the side of his head, trying to subdue his dark thoughts.

Aegus's face softened. Worry took over as his pupil slouched and dropped his sword onto a bright patch of grass.

"Why do I feel so... so helpless!? I am giving my all and nothing is coming in return!" Achillean cried out in frustration.

"It is not your fault that Thalleous sustains victory. You have never fought with a sword before the coming of this week. Time will tell and you will become a brave warrior. I see it in your iron will and spirit. The reason as to why Thalleous is winning the majority of the matches is due to the fact that this is his realm of expertise."

"I fail to see how this is making anything any better... Excuses will not make me improve," he doubted, voicing his concern.

"Thalleous, may I ask you to duel Achillean again?" The two young Ardoni donned a perplexed expression after Aegus's request.

"Yes. I do not see how that could be a trouble," with a slight nod of respect, he accepted the challenge, still slightly confused on what the master was attempting to prove.

"However, there is one condition I ask of. It has to be a duel to see who can catch the most fish by the end of the day. The winner will be given a new song," Aegus stated with a smile. Thalleous and Achillean exchanged glances. Confidence and a competitive spirit surged through Achillean's veins. Finally something his aptitude was suited for. He grinned at his opponent, who was beginning to resemble a deer discovering the presence of hunters. Not only was Thalleous scared of losing, he was scared of letting down Aegus and his clan. "Once I strike my staff in the soil, the challenge will begin. Return to this rendezvous point before the sun touches the horizon or you will be ineligible to receive the title, 'Renown Fisherman of the Ardoni Clans.'"