The streets were quiet now. The sun was setting as we left the training grounds.
Lanterns hung on walls or overhangs burnt a low light. Streaks of orange and gold spilling across the cobbles in the road and bricks or wood of walls. Aric walked ahead of me, humming to himself despite the fact that he spent the entire day getting beaten into the dirt by Thyra.
Aric: "I think that's an Inn over there. Its close to the training grounds so it'll be easy to get back here tomorrow."
He pointed forward to the building at the end of the street. A large sign above the door reading 'Accommodation'
I sigh
Kareth: "You think? Thyra didn't give you brain damage right?"
The building was sandwiched between two much taller buildings. The walls and door worn with age. Light emanates from the first floor out of the windows and the crack beneath the door. Though the second story was dark.
He walks up and opens the door, which creaked loudly as he opened it.
Inside the air was heavy with the scent of smoke and ale. A handful of men were drinking at a small bar off to the side of the entrance.
The woman behind the counter seemed half asleep. Probably bored out of her mind from having to wait out here until the drunks went up to their rooms. Likely even more annoyed by the constantly flirting they were directing at her.
Woman: "Room?"
Aric: "Yes please! Two beds if you've got one."
She rummages through something under the counter before resurfacing and sliding a key across the counter.
Woman: "That'll be 10 shards"
Aric went wide eyed. Seems like he just realised we need to pay.
Aric: "I… I only have 5 shards."
Aric turned to me expectantly. I shook my head in response.
Aric turns back to her. She stared back, unimpressed.
Woman: "No money, no room."
Aric dug through his pockets and bag but couldn't find anything
Drunken man: "Hey kid! Hic. You outta money!?"
Aric nods. The man chucks over a few shards
Drunken man: "Take em. I used to be in your position. Hic."
I'll ignore the weirdness and convenience of a random man giving us money. Only because we really need it.
Aric thanked the man profusely before giving the woman the remaining shards. She scowled when even then It only totaled to 9 shards, but she let us through anyway.
Woman: "Up the stairs, turn right. It'll be the third door on the left."
I walk up the stairs, Aric following. We find the door and insert the key. Pushing the old door open.
The room was small. Two thin mattresses lay on shoddy bedframes. A single window with slight cracks. The room smelt a bit damp. But neither of us cared enough.
Aric dumped his stuff on the floor and flopped onto the bed
Aric: "This is so cool. We're getting training by super strong people. The food here is really nice."
Kareth: "Yeah but we're flat broke now. We need to find a way to make money. We'll be on the streets tomorrow night if we don't."
Aric's mood died instantly
Aric: "Right… just one night."
Eventually both of us fall asleep.
The next morning both of us woke up around the same time.
I don't know how Aric was feeling but I felt like shit after sleeping on such an awful matress.
We grab our bags and head out to leave back to the training ground. The woman at reception was replaced by a different woman, much more lively than the one from last night.
After some walking we get back to the training grounds. They smelt like mud. Thyra was waiting by the entrance. She was leaning against the post, her spear resting against her. Rhovan was pulling out the weapon rack. When he saw us, waving as he did.
Rhovan: "You two look worse than you did yesterday."
Aric: "The beds at the inn were terrible. And now we're flat broke so we don't got anywhere to stay."
I nod
Kareth: "We can't keep training at all if we're on the streets. We might have to skip today to find work."
Rhovan rubbed his jaw. Studying us both
Rhovan: "Convenient. I have a deal for you two. I've been thinking about opening these grounds to the public for training. If they see you two here all the time it'll attract more business."
Kareth: "And that means?"
Rhovan: "I'll let you two sleep in one of the rooms I got out back. In return you have to train here everyday and help maintain the grounds."
Aric lit up.
Aric: "Wait really? You're saying we can stay for free as long as we train and clean? You mean it?"
Rhovan nods. Thyra said nothing, though I caught a flicker of approval.
Kareth: "We'll take it. Thanks again Rhovan."
The days blurred together after that.
In the morning I would eat breakfast then do drills with Rhovan. He forced me to train blocks, deflections and avoid attacks until my arms were numb and my legs shook. Every strike rang through my bones until I could barely hold the blade. Every hit came with advice or corrections.
Afternoons were spent with Thyra. She wasn't as nice to me as she was to Aric. I did full sparring matches with her, using wooden prop weapons instead of sharp blades. She beat me into the ground more times than I can count. But eventually I began to be able to fight back. The training I got from Rhovan being put to the test against Thyra's relentless jabs and swings. If she's this strong while holding back with one arm I can only imagine what she's like while trying with both arms.
Aric moved around opposite me. Starting with Thyra and ending with Rhovan.
By the evening I could barely move enough to eat dinner and get back to the small room behind the main building that Rhovan let me and Aric sleep in. It had nothing but two mattresses on the floor and a single shelf. We'd stare up at the rafters, too tired to speak or move from our beds and sleep.
Yet each morning we got up. Rose again. Stronger, faster, more precise.
The training grounds also got more populous over the week. By now there were 5 people aside from me and Aric that consistently came. Even more walking by and seeing people training.
Now my blocks don't rattle my bones or shake my hands. I can feel the force behind each strike and control where and how to block them.
I still don't know why I got into the state I did when I fought Rhovan the first time. It's never happened again while fighting Thyra and I haven't a clue how to get into that state. The meaning behind all of it lingers on my mind while I fight. That feeling of being led through each attack by my sword.
Aric was improving rapidly in his technique as well. Though he still left some openings, missed some opportunities. He was good. The style of the straight sword allows him to be free with his movements and attacks.
My eyes blink open. It's the eighth day of Me and Aric living at the training grounds. Aric was already awake.
Kareth: "How long do you think we'll stay here Aric?"
Aric: "Never really thought about it. I think we'll know when it's time to leave when the time comes."
Kareth: "You really haven't changed at all."
Just as I get out of bed and stretch he leaves.
Another day of training. Another day closer to whatever it is this world has in store for me.
Another day closer to hopefully figuring out what led to me being here.