Fight

We cannot let our guard down, said Thronir. We need to fight and fight really well, he said. Any weakness we have must be mastered. He pointed his axe at everyone now. And I'm war or life, he said. A Weakness is most felt when it arises in the mind. Not in the way you wield your axe, but if you think you are not worthy of being a warrior. He stabbed his axe on the ground. You may not be the most skilful warrior, the world has ever seen. But if you are strong on the mind, then you can defeat the most worthiest opponent. Even a Hylin? Asked one of the older children. Especially the Hylin, he replied. There was a loud cheer among them.

At the caves in Andorra….

Buskar and Ilvandir took Ilkir and the children on yet another hunting expedition. This time a large trusk was on their sights. And on closer viewing, there were two of them. Cover yourselves, he said to them. There are two of them and they could tear any of us into pieces, the older dwarf said. Buskar and the children, go over to that side, and hide yourself behind that rock, he said. And ilkir and myself will edge closer to the two trials, he instructed. Buskar nodded and followed his orders. Ilvandir looked at Ilkir. He seemed a bit nervous, he could tell. Don't worry, he said to the adolescent. I will put my life before yours! Ilkir nodded. And the dwarf and him treaded carefully without getting detected by the animals as they edged closer to them and hid themselves behind a rock! Ilvandir took his axe out and waited patiently! He looked at Ilkir, his hands trembled. Out of fear that the large trusks will attack him. Ilvandir then looked at his eyes. They were fierce without any fear. He was reminded of his own son. His sword had fallen down many times during battle. But his eyes, they were never terrified. They were sharper than the sword he wielded itself. As though his eyes could pierce the enemy by itself. He looked at Ilkir, the dwarf. And he thought the same, he once did of his own son. He could kill this trusk without a sword. But not yet! He needs a little bit more training. Ilkir saw Ilvandir staring at him. What? The young man asked with his eyes. Nothing! Replied Ilvandir. The trusks were now moving, but they still were together. Taking down two trusks at the same time would be an impossible task for any.

Just then....

Two spears flew over their heads. Each one of them struck a trusk. They were hurt, but certainly not dead. Ilvandir was shocked and he looked over at Buskar. Thinking that it was him that threw the spear. But Buskar was no where to be seen. The trusks were now charging towards them. Ilkir held his axe firmly and was ready to attack. Ilvandir stood in front of Ilkir. He turned back to Ilkir " My life before yours" remember? No one needs to die, said a calm and composed voice. They tuned back. It was Philippe. He had two spears with him. He launched them again. This time the spears hit the eyes of both the trusks, putting them down on the ground immediately. He looked at Ilkir. The first rule of hunting " aim and shoot. Second rule of hunting " Don't wait for too long " and third he looked at Ilvandir. Ilvandir was humbled at the sight of imminent death. Carry a spear! He said. Good, said Philippe!