"AGAIN!" the instructor yelled at the top of his lungs. Ethyn didn't want to hear that word anymore.
He was exhausted and he didn't understand why he needed this training. Did you have to be able to fight in every position?
In Ethyn's point of view it was totally unnecessary. Maybe it was just him but it wasn't vital! The swordsmaster didn't agree for sure.
"Up!" he bellowed. Ethyn struggled to his feet. Why was everyone pushing him?
He was only human! And he wasn't his father! He wasn't perfect!
He just wanted to hang out with in the stables, with his beloved horse, Nihride.
But then no one cared about what he thought. Oh no, this is for the kingdom, this is important, this, that. He was sick of it. "Are you deaf boy?" the instructor yelled, spraying spit all over his face. "No, sir!" Ethyn said quickly. "Then attack! " the instructor screamed. Ethyn made a weak attempt at an attack, getting knocked down to the floor easily.
To make everything worse, his instructor was Sir Rathorn, a tough old man who was the general of the army. Sir Rathorn pushed him to limits and tried to get him to attack.
"AGAIN! " Sir Rathorn bellowed. Ethyn stood again and with his rage as his fuel, he punched the older man in the face.
"Better", Sir Rathorn said, seeming a bit satisfied. Once he would've been overjoyed with that answer but now better was just another small word of praise. It wasn't going to make him a better warrior. At the end of the day better meant nothing.
The old knight nimbly dodged Ethyn's next attack. He kicked Ethyn in the stomach, making the boy collapse to the ground.
Ethyn coughed throatily. The general offered his hand but Ethyn pushed it away. "I don't need your help," the boy said, angrily. "Suit yourself, " Sir Rathorn said pulling his hand back. He climbed to his feet, glaring at his instructor.
"You could've done better," Sir Rathorn, " But you're learning. Your final punch was good." "Shut up," Ethyn said through his teeth," Don't speak to me." Sir Rathorn said nothing.
"You'll make a fine warrior with the right practice and training," the knight said quietly.
"What if I do not wish to be a warrior?" Ethyn said, infuriated." You must become a warrior, " Sir Rathorn said as if anything else was ridiculous. "Must I?" Ethyn said, wanting to leave as soon as possible, " My sisters don't need to be warriors." "Your sisters are women," Sir Rathorn said, his tone full of agitation,"Women are not warriors." Ethyn pursed his lips. This was the answer every single time! Was everyone in this kingdom that narrow-minded!
He stomped off. "Where are you going, child?" Sir Rathorn asked. "Firstly, sir, I am not a child! I am twelve years old and in six years I shall be a man!" Ethyn yelled back at him, " And secondly, you shall find me in stable!"
Ethyn hated his life sometimes. Why can't this world be merciful upon him! He was just a-a-a boy... Ethyn had to admit it. He wasn't mature enough yet to be even considered a man.
He wasn't like his father. He would never be strong. He was just going to be a boy for the rest of his life.