Timestamp: TBD
The various terrains at the Antonius training grounds offered the very best facilities for Imass’s training. Not even the hallowed hall of the majestic city Riverfall could offer the squire the ability to learn and grow so much.
Taking his broadsword in hand and clasping his shield close to his heart, Imass got mentally prepared to endure the hardships of the day. After a quick introduction they would begin the hard work immediately. The Akalak needed to be in the most relaxed state of mind so he could complete the tasks assigned to him.
Moustache approached the men, “Before we begin today, we are going to correct a problem you squires have,”the instructor cleared his throat, “No more lollygagging on the floor anymore! Never again! I am so tired of seeing you lads taking five minutes to stand up after falling to the floor. Boo hoo! This isn’t nap time! This is squire training! On the battlefield if you fall, you are dead! You must never dwell on the floor during conflict. We must break the hold habits. I will fix your problem now!”
The instructor spread his legs and clenched his fists hard. Imass would come to dread this look of anger. Imass knew immediately that the next four hours would be brutal. Enjoying his last moments of morning rest, the blue squire zeroed in on the task at hand.
“Drop your weapons. You squires barely deserve to wield those tools of combat. Do you understand?” Moustache spitted.
The motley group yelled “Yes, ser” uniformly and dropped their weapons to the ground. Imass couldn’t even guess what was to happen next. He was mortified he would mess up. Dressed in gray and white training linens, Imass suddenly felt naked. He had come to bond with his broadsword and shield. The grip of his pommel was already wearing down and in need of replacement.
“Alright, quick, move, move, move!” Moustache yelled. His thick handle bar moustache already wet with spit. The group started running, but it was not fast enough. The instructor stopped the group.
“Stop! Now listen. You have to sprint to the next location as quickly as you possibly can. There is no room for slowness here. If but one of you do not sprint immediately, I WILL remind you ‘why’ you are here.” Everyone got back in line silently. Imass could count on himself to sprint quickly, but what about the other knights? Would everyone follow orders on point? No way, no one was going to lag.
Imass stood completely still, anticipating the command to run. He would not be late. Moustache suddenly ordered them to run. Imass left nothing behind. Pivoting on one foot, he sprinted towards the direction his trainer pointed to. The Akalak moved as fast as possible. His efforts did not matter though as one of the other knights failed. After three strides, Imass found himself jogging back into formation.
“Not swift enough!” Moustache bellowed, “Take a good minute and look around,” he paused for a heartbeat then continued, “Look to the right and to the left. These are your new brothers in arms. You are only as good as the man next to you. You are a team now, that means if one of you fails, you ALL fail! Do you understand?”
“Yes, ser!” Imass yelled enthusiastically. Although the Akalak responded appropriately, as a whole the squires sound lethargic.
“I can’t hear you! Do you understand?” Moustache spat.
“Yes, sir!” the group said loudly this time.
“Now. Start running in place…Ready! Exercise! Go! Go! Go!”
Moustache’s torture had finally begun. Although this was no baptism by fire, it was close enough for Imass.