garrattj

Five-Minute fiction - 00:38-00:43

You need to press your advantage, Alabaster said as he stooped to retrieve the fallen sword. You hesitate in striking and it costs your moments, and though they may be brief one such moment could cost you your life, or anothers. So, do not hesitate.

Is there not a time when hesitating is necessary? Am to so blindly follow the sword in its deadly duty that I am to become a slave to it? Thanus asked taking the sword and sheathing it.

Alabaster froze, his brow furrowed in contemplation. The boy, Thanus, was a surprise at every turn. While he lacked the fighting skills many of the other boys exhibited he learned so much faster. Alabaster had taught him several of the more difficult forms, and while he still struggled with some of the complex moves the form itself was passable.

No. The sword is a tool. You must control it, it can never be allowed to control you. You must not hesitate, but you can. There is a time and place for it, but until you are experienced enough to know that time and place, do not hesitate, or you will never experience it. Now, show me the form again.

Steel sang against steell