Survival

I have been training for almost 8 yrs now, since that day with Laicard I have pushed myself training with him and training on my own. My sword moves with purpose, my spear stays true, and my shield can almost be said to cover me at 360o, the hard work I put in has allowed me to be able to spar with Laicard for up to 30 mins with each weapon combination.

About 2 years ago I manage to get a strike on him and he later told my old man that I have shown 'it', what that is I really don't know but since then I have been taken through and even tougher gauntlet with my old man that last time.

My weapon sparing was moved up to 4hrs of full force combat everyday with each weapon combination, and let's not forget the endurance sprints in the morning same 5km distance but faster speed and less rest between, he said there is no need to teach techniques as doing what fits my body will be the most optimal.

Mother began to teach me things like cooking identifying plants that can be used for food and/or used for medicine. I also saw a side of hers that is normal for me to see, her skills with a sword are very good, I thought it was odd and asked my old man and he just laughed at me telling me that, all spartan women can fight but they do not need to.

I have grown a lot I these 7+yrs I am now 5ft 10" with a muscular frame like those of a classic physic competitor in the off season. Through all my day of training I began to feel my body, almost like inner vision, I could feel each muscle used in anything I do.

My muscles, tendons, bones, and skin are being used in the best way they could be used, although I have just started puberty and I know that the time for my body to go through rapid growth is approaching, I need to consume more food for that.

"Hahaha … boy let us go, it is time for you to increase your pace again" laughed the old man as he burst into my room in full combat gear.

"Put these on," he said giving me a new sword, a large shield, and 7ft long spear saying

"You will grow into it."

We start our jog more like a run these days, took me a second to find my center again with the new equipment but we proceed and reach our usual resting spot.

"Atredies, you shall begin your thirteenth year of life tomorrow, you are going to be tested to see if you are worthy to be a spartan warrior."

'This is the first time that I have seen him with such a serious look on his face, it would seem this test would be very difficult to pass'

"You and all others of your age will be tested and only those who can pass this test can come home with pride and honor as a warrior who protects these lands."

"I will do what I must to succeed father," I said solemnly

"Very good, I shall await that."

We complete our run back, after having a meal I go to the courtyard to meditate, I know I don't have any class today but I have gotten used to it, and I want to feel my body on a deeper level I want to get to the blood, organs, cells, and hopefully neurons.

The next day 30 boys are gathered in front of the exit of the city, a big and tan man with a mighty beard, steps out in front of us saying

"You are boys today leaving your mother womb to face the dangers of the of the world, to live and survive what it has to through at you, to some back as spartan men and warriors."

We are then sent out by our parents as we head into the wilderness in different directions. Our starting point is at least 20 km from the city gates and we have to walk that journey and foot with the load of our weapons.

It took me almost a day to get to the starting point, I am taking my time to get there, memorizing the route I used and picking anything that I could use.

I made my camp at the starting point up in the trees with my shield and sword at the bottom of the tree. The night was quite, nothing happened and although rough sleeping on a tree it was not so bad, it is morning now and I went through all that I have collected,

'Okay I have most of what I need, sharp stone, some foliage that I can eat. What is left is something to wear and something to carry my supplies.'

We were told that we are going to be in the wilderness for 3yrs so I have to plan carefully.

'First goal is to get to a place close to a water source, time for some scouting'

I have to take my equipment with me but metal makes a lot of noise, even when other animals are making noise clucking metals make a very distinct sound. It has been over 32 hours since I last had a drink of water.

I am beginning to feel dehydrated and the hot sun is not helping at all, everything feels like it is moving slowly, my weapons feel heavier than normal.

In the distance I see a stream, I pick up the pace and I arrive dropping my weapons to the side, I bent down and drank straight from it not caring about hygiene.

'Oh … that way godly intervention right there,' I thought while seated beside the water

*roar*

I felt pain on my back as I was thrown into the water, I am disoriented and in pain but I know that pausing means death. I dive to the side as I was grazed by claws on right shoulder, I finally turn around to get a good look at what was attacking me.

'Huh, wait it has strips and a main … is that not a liger, I thought they are only possible through genetic experiments,'

*growl*