Chapter 4: The Spark in One's Soul

The first rays of sunlight pierced through the camp, casting a golden glow over the patchwork of tents and stirring the air with the promise of a new day. For most, it was a brief reprieve, another day to rebuild their shattered lives. For Leo, it was the beginning of something far greater. He stood outside his tent, gripping the wolf pendant around his neck, his heart pounding with anticipation and trepidation.

Valeria awaited him near the camp’s training grounds. The area was a wide, flattened stretch of earth surrounded by makeshift fencing. It was bustling with activity even at this early hour—soldiers sparring, recruits practicing stances, and veterans observing with critical eyes. The clatter of swords and shields filled the air, a symphony of determination.

Leo approached hesitantly, his gaze locking on Valeria. She was clad in lighter training armor, the polished metal catching the morning sun. Her silver hair was tied back, and her piercing azure eyes watched him with an intensity that made him stand straighter.

“You’re late,” she said, her tone carrying no malice but enough authority to make him flinch.

“Sorry, I…” he began, but she held up a hand to stop him.

“Excuses won’t help you here. Discipline will. Today, you learn the basics. If you can’t handle that, there’s no point in continuing.” She tossed a wooden training sword to him, and he barely caught it, its weight surprising him.

“It’s heavier than it looks,” he muttered, adjusting his grip.

“A real sword will be heavier,” she replied. “And deadlier. Now, stand here.” She pointed to a clear spot on the training grounds and began demonstrating the first stance.

For hours, Valeria drilled him on the fundamentals. How to stand, how to hold the sword, how to move. It was grueling. The weight of the wooden blade made his arms ache, and his legs felt like they were on fire from holding the stances she demanded. Every time he faltered, she corrected him with sharp precision.

“Your grip is too tight. Relax your hands.”

“Keep your back straight, or you’ll lose your balance.”

“Again. From the top.”

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

By midday, sweat soaked through his tunic, and his breaths came in ragged gasps. Finn appeared at the edge of the training grounds, watching with a mix of awe and concern. During a brief pause, he called out, “Leo, you look like you’re about to keel over! Are you sure about this?”

Leo shot him a glare but didn’t reply. He turned back to Valeria, determination burning in his eyes. “I’m ready.”

She raised an eyebrow, then nodded. “Good. We’ll continue.”

The afternoon brought sparring exercises. Valeria paired him with a boy slightly older, a recruit named Garrick. Stocky and confident, Garrick smirked as he sized Leo up.

“First time holding a sword?” Garrick taunted, twirling his wooden blade with practiced ease.

Leo ignored the comment, focusing on Valeria’s earlier instructions. Feet shoulder-width apart, grip firm but relaxed. When Garrick lunged, Leo barely dodged, the sword grazing his shoulder. Pain flared, but he gritted his teeth and countered, swinging clumsily. Garrick parried with ease, knocking Leo’s sword aside and tapping his chest with the tip of his blade.

“Dead,” Garrick said with a grin.

“Again,” Valeria ordered, her voice cutting through Leo’s frustration.

They repeated the exercise over and over. Each time, Leo improved—his movements became sharper, his reactions quicker. By the fifth bout, he managed to block Garrick’s lunge, though he still lost the match. Valeria’s gaze never wavered, her sharp eyes noting every flaw and every small victory.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, Valeria called an end to the day’s training. Leo collapsed onto the ground, every muscle in his body screaming in protest. Finn rushed over, handing him a flask of water.

“You’re insane,” Finn said, shaking his head. “I don’t know how you’re still standing.”

Leo managed a weak grin. “I’m not. I’m sitting.”

Valeria approached, her expression unreadable. “You did better than I expected for your first day. But don’t let it get to your head. This is just the beginning.”

He nodded, too exhausted to speak. She glanced at Finn. “Make sure he eats and rests. Tomorrow will be harder.”

That night, Leo lay on his cot, staring at the canvas ceiling of his tent. Despite the physical pain, a spark of satisfaction burned within him. He had taken the first step toward his dream, no matter how small.

But sleep eluded him. His mind replayed the horrors of Eldoria, the faces of those lost, and the searing image of his mother. He clenched the pendant around his neck, vowing silently to honor their memory.

The following days blurred into a routine of relentless training. Valeria pushed him to his limits, her standards unyielding. He practiced swordplay, stamina drills, and situational awareness. She also imparted wisdom between lessons, teaching him about strategy and the importance of understanding one’s enemy.

“A battle isn’t just won with strength,” she told him one afternoon, as they rested under the shade of a tree. “It’s won with the mind. Know your opponent’s weaknesses, anticipate their moves, and you’ll hold the advantage.”

Leo listened intently, absorbing every word. Though the days were exhausting, he felt himself growing stronger, both in body and spirit.

One evening, as the camp settled for the night, Leo found Valeria sharpening her greatsword by the fire. The blade glinted in the firelight, its surface unmarred despite countless battles. He approached cautiously, unsure if she welcomed company.

“Something on your mind?” she asked without looking up.

He hesitated, then sat across from her. “I was wondering… why did you save us? Back in Eldoria?”

She paused, her hands stilling on the whetstone. For a moment, the only sound was the crackling fire. Finally, she spoke. “Because it was the right thing to do. And because I’ve seen too many villages like yours destroyed without anyone lifting a finger to help.”

Her gaze met his, the weight of her experiences reflected in her eyes. “I can’t save everyone, Leo. But I can save some. And that has to be enough.”

Her words resonated deeply, planting a seed of understanding in his heart. He nodded, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. “Thank you. For everything.”

Valeria smiled faintly, a rare softness crossing her features. “Get some rest. Tomorrow’s another day.”

As Leo returned to his tent, he felt a quiet determination settle over him. He wasn’t just training to become a Knight. He was training to become someone who could make a difference, just as Valeria had.

And for the first time since Eldoria’s fall, he allowed himself to hope.