One step, two steps

Thorn was hanging out at the beach directly behind the castle, running along the shoreline, stick sword in his mouth.  When the waves went away he was simply running on wet sand but when the waves returned his his paws and a bit of his lower leg got covered in water.  The boy had figured out it took more energy to run in water and was using this to train, to build up strength.  He wasn’t going to lose in any races and against Talysa or anyone else.  Would this also help him fight?  He hoped so!

At Mercury’s howl and offer for training, Thorn turned tightly, switching the leg he put the majority of his weight on to keep the turn sharp and fast.  Thorn kept running for a while but there came a point his gait slowed to a walk as he had to get some air. When he did reach Mercury the boy dropped his sword, a pair of sticks that were tied together with vines.  A moment was taken to catch his breath before speaking up, “Hi! You’re going to teach us to fight?  What kind of fighting? Are we biting or slashing or what?”

"Thorn Carpathius"