Chapter 9: The Request

Eldric continued his training with Sir Reynard throughout the week, Improving his skills with the sword and his physical strength. On the last day before the weekend, Sir Reynard took Eldric to the side of the training field before he went home.

"It's time for you to go through training outside the city lad" said Sir Reynard in his deep, gruff voice. "I will teach you how to survive in the forest and I will educate you on things that may save your life one day".

Eldrich looked to his instructor, anticipation written all over his face. "Finally it's time for me to explore more than just this city" Eldric said with a hint of relief and expectancy in his tone.

Sir Reynard looked at his young protoge with a slight note of disappointment, but he soon smiled as he to remember the first time he left the city as a child, and how exited he was to explore more than just the city.

"We are going out there for more than just a picnic" he said in a gruff tone. "make sure you get plenty of rest this weekend, and get your father to bring a few days of supplies with you".

"Yes sir!" Eldric shouted, throwing up a mock salute. "I'll ask him to make me a knife as well" Eldric said in anticipation. "Good luck with that son" Sir Reynard said with a dark tone. "Your father may not be so accommodating to you for that request"

Eldric looked to his instructor and said "He has to make me one, especially when I can be attacked at any point". A shiver ran down his spine when he remembers the night that two men tried to steal from him.

Sir Reynard put a hand on Eldric's shoulder. "It is always a good idea to carry a knife, if not to protect others then to also protect yourself at all times". He then looks at him with sympathy, "do you want me to escort you home?"

"No thank you sir" said Eldric, " I can get back plenty fine by myself!". Sir Reynard shook his head slowly in disbelief how confident his student was. "Make sure to be here sharp and early on Monday morning!" Shouted Sir Reynard, as Eldric had already started to run off home.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of gold and crimson, Eldric made his way home from his training session with Sir Reynard, his mind buzzing with excitement and anticipation.

Arriving at his family's humble abode, Eldric found his father hard at work in the forge, his face streaked with sweat and soot as he tended to the flames. Clearing his throat nervously, Eldric approached his father, a sense of determination burning within him.

"Father," Eldric began, his voice steady but tinged with uncertainty. "I... I was wondering if you could forge me a knife."

His father paused in his work, turning to regard Eldric with a mixture of surprise and concern. "A knife?" he repeated, his brow furrowing with worry. "What do you need a knife for, Eldric?"

Eldric took a deep breath, steeling himself for his father's reaction. "I want to be able to defend myself," he explained earnestly. "With everything that's been happening lately, I just... I want to be prepared."

His father's expression softened with understanding as he laid down his hammer and approached Eldric, placing a hand on his shoulder. "I understand, my son," he said, his voice gentle but firm. "But remember—a knife is a tool, not a weapon. It should only be used for self-defense, never for violence or aggression."

Eldric nodded, his eyes shining with gratitude. "I promise, Father," he said solemnly. "I will only use it for good, to protect myself and others from harm."

His father smiled, a twinkle of pride in his eyes. "Very well, Eldric," he said, his voice filled with warmth. "I will forge you a knife, but you must promise me that you will wield it with honor and responsibility."

Eldric nodded, his heart swelling with gratitude for his father's understanding and support. And as he settled in for the evening, he couldn't help but feel a sense of reassurance knowing that he would soon have a blade to call his own—a symbol of his determination to protect those he loved and uphold the values of knighthood, no matter the cost.