Chapter Three: Observance

Even the sloppiest of individuals are able to enlighten the simplest of minds.

The constant clanging of swords was really something. One would think, outside in this unpleasant heat, that a level-minded fellow would lounge about within imperial walls and have a good drink of water.

And yet, here am I, watching two knights doing some ungodly training sessions. They're dripping bullets of sweat and panting like a fish out of water. While I, along with a rowdy other bunch of knights, am just watching this inhumane spectacle of endurance.

I don't even know why I bother watching in the first place. The two knights are light-years apart in terms of skill and tact. Still, seeing the younger, much shorter knight take a shot at the first division captain surely is an impressive sport to watch.

Ah, I seem to be getting ahead of myself, now aren't I? My apologies, I do believe I should point out the setting of this next miniscule entry.

First off, the imperial walls I refer to lie within the boundaries of Inciens, a quaint little capital of money and dolled up girls and boys. This is where spritely men such as me, and a few others, reside as Imperial Knights. It sounds like a large organisation, but really, this dollhouse is set up of only three divisions, each led by a captain. The three divisions and their captains are as follo�"

Come now come now. "Show don't tell" is such an old, useless little saying. When was the last time you as a child listened to the same phrase during a lesson, hmm? Definitely not recently, I bet. Alas, I shall at least let you learn of the divisions when given the time.

This brings us to our next topic. The two impossible knights that are a giving show, rather than training. The one with a rather placid look on his face and stiff brown hair is indeed a captain of one of the divisions. See how he brandishes that sword about? He's completely on defence, there's no need for offence against his lil' opponent. For all I know, he's repeating in his head "1, 2 , 3. 1, 2, 3," over and over again. His dodging and deflects resemble that of a dance, really. His sword stays at just the right height, able to deflect any blows to the chest or shoulder.

On the other hand, that determined, fast moving little knight is the one who is on offence. 

The poor thing is using more energy than he should in an attempt to land a simple single blow against his opponent. The moment he moves a step forward, the captain there moves seven steps away. Truly anyone who tells you that a battle of energy vs. experience has never truly seen such a fight. It's like comparing a scrawny lion cub trying to defeat the alpha lion in a pride. Futile, but enjoyable to watch from a distance.

I beg your pardon, I make it sound like those two hate each other. Ah, but quite the contrary! Those two knights are in fact close, being brothers and all. But that's a story I'll save for the younger one soon enough.

Now back to the topic at hand. I am indeed watching this training session, and it is an interesting one at that.

However, as all enjoyable pleasures do, it comes to a quick end. The young knight loses footing on dry, brittle soil, giving the captain a chance to disarm him within a split second. It is truly remarkable, but not worth giving the exact detail. You're young; use your imagination~!

The poor young knight is panting up a storm in this heat. Of all the things he seems to work genuinely hard on, not once has it occurred to him that a canteen in these circumstances is your best friend. That said, it's almost as if he expects me to have one as he approaches.

He's considerably wiped out from just that brief squabble, sheathing his sword and giving a nod of acknowledgement to his cheering and clapping peers. Now while I am not one to clap, I do give the lad a pat on his shoulders, returning his nod.

"Quite the show back there. You do realise you and your brother have the right to hog the private training grounds all to yourself, right?"

The knight nods, wiping sweat from his forehead and giving a cough of dirt. "That makes an even bigger deal out of it, so no thank. But before the interview, can I please get a �""

"A canteen? I believe your sister has one, however she is in the palace's library. Not exactly a quick trip if you ask me."

With a shrug of the shoulders, I am already off and away to speak to a fellow captain.

"He certainly is getting faster. Don't you think you should let him get a hit on you every once in a while though? Otherwise we'll never know if he can manage to�""

"I have a reputation to keep up. I'll save things like that for when there isn't a conveniently gathered audience during a training session I never announced, Kasper," the captain intervenes.

"Conveniently gathered" really makes it seem like I set the thing up. How perceptive of this guy. I manage to laugh off his assumptions, and give a casual nod. "You know me so well. But I don't want to be the only one watching you two go at it in the blistering heat. I'd look so odd, Serren. As a captain, I can't afford to look odd."

Serren gives a grunt and shakes his head. "You already dress like a slob, so you're already odd enough as it is."

While these conversations are short-lived, one can't help but enjoy the brief amusement they can give.

I don't have much else to tell you. I do apologise for not being as in depth as some of the previous entries, however, if one were to give you all the answers beforehand, what fun is there in life?