Chapter 1: Echoes of tomorrow

  It has been two years since my mother fell ill; she has now resumed her daily routine completely free of any illness. I was now eleven years old, having more freedom than ever before while also having more responsibilities. My daily tasks were chopping lumber, tending to my studies and practicing swordsmanship with my father. Today we were studying literature about old tales following sailors as they encountered different mythical creatures on their voyage through the vast daunting sea. The tales fascinated me, I wondered if it was possible for mere sailors to be able to battle monsters as giant as mountains. “Louis” I heard a familiar voice yell breaking my trance. “Are you going to join us outside or are you replacing Jean-Pierre as the scholar.” Gaspard said jokingly from the window. “You are misspoken my dear friend; we both know Jean-Pierre would have read these tales twice over before I could finish a page.” I retorted in equal jest, closing the book. I welcomed Gaspard inside as I fetched my wooden sword and cloak. “Where are you off to young man.” Said my mother separating me from the outside world. “Gaspard and I were going to practice swordplay in the fields; I finished my responsibilities.” I say bowing my head in respect. “Then you may go.” She said patting me on the head with a smile. I give her a hug as I rush off to join Gaspard. “Onward to Sir Jean-Pierre.” Gaspard said while he galloped his feet mimicking a horse.

  We arrived at Jean-Pierres home, his father was in the field harvesting wheat while Jean-Pierre was on the porch reading a book. As we approached Gaspard made bugle noises mimicking a messenger. This caught Jean-Pierres attention causing him to look up from his book. “Hear ye hear ye we gather here in search of a small diplomat he is easily mistaken for a twig”. Gaspard said with a smirk on his face. “I see from the sweat on your brow you thought long and hard for that one.” Jean-Pierre shot back without a second thought getting a laugh out of me. “I wouldn’t laugh Louis you are as much ape as this baboon” Jean-Pierre said causing me to cackle. Gaspard didn’t take these words kindly as he remained silent. “I shall be ready in just a moment let me tell my sister I will be leaving. I had started taking a liking to her after she helped me with my studies while my mother was ill. She was a sweet girl with hazel eyes and bright wavy brown hair. Jean-Pierre shortly returned as his sister stayed on the porch.

  “Don’t get hurt out there Jean, or Father will be mad.” She yelled at him

  We had locked eyes for only a second and I could feel heat begin to gather in my cheeks before eye swiftly looked away bashfully.

  We raced towards the open fields, wooden blades already in hand. We spread out circling one another, grinning like fools. A free-for-all. Three strikes and you were out.

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  I barely had time to brace before Gaspard lunged. His sword cut through the air, missing my chest by inches.

  “That’s one,” Jean-Pierre called.

  A sharp sting cracked against my arm. I hissed

  “Be faster, Louis,” Jean-Pierre added. “If I can land a hit, that baboon will maim you”

  “Don’t take me lightly, halfling,” Gaspard snapped, slamming Jean-Pierre aside

  Jean-Pierre hit the ground with a grunt.

  I didn’t waste the opening. I stepped in and struck Gaspard’s arm. “Stalemate,” I said, retreating as Jean-Pierre climbed back to his feet.

  The two of us traded blows, wood clattering and arms aching. I lost my footing for half a breath. We struck at the same time, pain flaring up my sides.

  “Sudden death,” Gaspard said, looming over me. “I don’t plan to lose today.”

  “Neither do I,” I said, pushing myself upright.

  We charged blades colliding again and again, each impact rattling my arms. Gaspard pressed harder, his strikes growing heavier, forcing me back

  My chance was slipping.

  I drove my sword into the dirt, kicking it up into his face. He cursed, blinded for just a moment.

  I didn’t hesitate. I brought my blade down onto his shoulder,

  “Good fight Gaspard, but it takes more than force to—”

  Pain exploded at my side.

  I staggered holding my side as Jean-Pierre lowered his sword, grinning. “As Louis was saying,” he said, “Strategy matters.”

  We lay there laughing, swearing we would win the next bout—still thinking battles ended when bruises faded.

  We parted ways as we arrived at our own homes, saying farewells and making plans to play in the fields again. Waiting for me on the porch was my mastiff fang, He was barking as if telling me to your late for dinner hurry up. I hasten my steps while Fang wags his tail following behind as I head to the dining room.

  “Alas, you decide to come home,” My Father said from across the table beckoning me to the table. “Hurry son sit down and eat.”

  We didn’t talk much as both of us had to hurry, before I could finish eating I heard feet shuffling as a hand hit me upside the head.

  “Where have you been young man, I told you to be back before dinner.” Mother said, “And you sir, you are as guilty as the boy.”

  “My battalion scouted a bit longer; the group sent to take over for us showed up late.” Father said not to meet my mother’s gaze.

  She silently picked up our plates and sent them to be washed, as Father and I rose from the table.

  “Wash up and prepare for bed son” she said before going to the kitchen.

  I walked towards my room making space for Fang to follow behind. As I walked me and father crossed paths, he had a worried expression as he headed to his room. We made eye contact and I gave him a nod saying good luck, that got a smile out of him.

  “don’t worry.” He chuckled out with a smile “get good rest son,” He added patting me on the head. I headed off to bed Fang in tow as I slowly dozed off reminiscing about today while he sniffed around, circled once, and settled beside me.

  I hope tomorrow is as good as today was.