Sharpening Weapons and Minds

Thorn had been right outside the castle, practicing with his newest sword of wood.  It was better than the first, the wood actually sharpened on one end, and a hole in the middle of the stick let the crossguard slide into the long branch.  Vines are still wrapped between the wooden ‘cross guard’ stick and the ‘blade’ stick.  The wooden blade was chipped and cracked at points since wood does not so early sharpen smooth from a child's attempts.

When he heard the howl the boy charged into the castle, through hallways to the great hall, and into the armory.  He knew the path well enough but of course, he had never been in the armory.  Never.  Except maybe once but he hadn’t touched anything!  Besides, no one had seen him so he was innocent.  His aunt and uncle were giving the lesson today it seemed.  The boy already knew his aunt used a sword so he was quite excited at this opportunity.

Thorn lay his own sword at his feet, bright eyes looking up to the adults with pure joy at this weapon class.  He’d absorb everything!  Thorn needed to be a great fighter as soon as possible! The boy glanced at Ciaran, bobbing a greeting to his brother and then to Andy before his focus swerved right back to the teachers. "Hi!" a greeting was offered all around, "Did I miss anything?" He'd ran as fast as his four paws could carry him so hopefully not!

"Thorn Carpathius"