73rd of Winter The crisp winter air was ruffling Roberts hair, which was drenched with sweat. He was outside of the city, on the edge of Lake Ravok. In this area of the lake Robert believed himself to be alone and at peace. He wondered all this way for one simple reason, to hone his skills a bit on this wonderful day. He needed to relax and straighten out things out with himself. He had been thinking a lot lately, about his lifestyle, choice of work, and people he had killed. He was growing tired, not of him exercising today. But of living the way he had been. Robert began to go through the motions of another sword stance. He lifted his right arm high into the air, sword tip pointing toward the ground. He spread his feet into a balanced position. His left hand was folded behind his back, gripping his axe handle. In a fluid movement he reacted as if an opponent was attacking him. He brought the sword tip down into the ground, he released the hilt letting it rest in the dirt. Meanwhile his boot came up as if to kick an opponent in the chest, and his left arm freed the axe from his back strap, bring it around with lighting quickness. It was a well executed move, if he was in an actual fight. He stopped the assault, re-strapping the axe to his back. He walked over to where he left his belongings. Robert picked up his sack and searched for his water canteen. He opened the bottle and took a few gulps. “I don’t know what to do anymore…I am loosing my ways” He spoke softly and to himself, he was truly beginning to loose himself lately. He had quit searching the city for work. And had not robbed or killed anyone in nearly a month now, he would begin to run out of funds soon. He needed to figure everything out. Robert restored his water and belongings back to there original position. He lifted his arm and wiped the sweat from his brow. With a grunt he turned and walked back to the clearing where he was practicing. After a few second he fell back into a rhythm. He was learning to use sword and axe as one, instead of one or the other. Robert went through all the stances and position he had learned over the years. The whole time he was attempting to prioritize his head and determine what he wanted in life. |