Grant a wish

When Efosa learned he wouldn't train with the group, he was relieved. However, the next morning, he realized he had celebrated too soon. His grandfather had assigned him numerous tasks to complete.

"What is the difference between this and being on the training ground?" Efosa muttered bitterly as he looked at the list his grandfather had written.

At the Training Ground

Bang!

The gong sounded to wake the new recruits for their first day of training. Most of the boys were already awake. They hurried to the training field because anyone who was late would be punished.

When everyone arrived, Edosa handed over the two groups of name sticks to his subordinates.

"You will be divided into two groups. Group one's name sticks will be given to Instructor Osaze, and group two's to Instructor Efe," he announced.

"Efosa, I pray we both end up in the same group," Ohiomuwa, who had made his way to stand by Iyare's side, whispered.

Iyare just nodded. Seeing his friend acting so quiet, Ohiomuwa was surprised. But, afraid he would be punished if caught talking, he shut up.

Osaze was the first to call out the names of those in group one. General Edosa had placed Efosa's name here to make it easier for Iyare and Efosa to switch back and forth.

"Ahhh! I can't believe we're not in the same group," Ohiomuwa whispered when Osaze finished calling the names without mentioning his.

"It's fine. We're here to train, not play," Iyare said as she walked away to join her group.

"Now that your master is gone, do you want a new one?" Osifo walked over to Ohiomuwa and whispered.

"You, mind your business," Ohiomuwa grumbled. He felt unlucky to end up in the same group as Osifo.

"I'm just saying, Osagie is also the grandson of the General. You can go and serve him too. Otherwise, I'm still here. My grandfather also holds a good position in the king's council," Osifo said.

Ohiomuwa decided to ignore him and moved to a different position. He didn't want to get punished because of Osifo.

---

The Morning Training

The morning training began after the groups were divided.

"This morning, we'll do a few weight-lifting exercises to warm up the body. After that, you'll all run three rounds back and forth between the camp and Ugarige River," the instructor informed them.

After the warm-up exercises, the instructors led the new recruits to run the first round to Ugarige River and back to the training field. For the remaining two rounds, the instructors stood at various checkpoints to ensure no one slacked off and that everyone completed the course.

The first run was easy for most of them. After all, to join the royal army, one needed a certain level of stamina.

"Why so slow? I thought you were praised for being young and skilled," Osifo slowed down and mocked Iyare.

Iyare just glanced at him and kept running without saying a word.

"It's just the first round, and you're already tired. What a waste," Osifo continued. He assumed Efosa wasn't responding because he was too exhausted to speak.

"Ahhh! Such a waste," Osifo grumbled in frustration when Iyare ignored him. Annoyed, he increased his pace to leave Iyare behind.

During the second round, many recruits began to slow down.

"You have until this lump stick burns out to finish the third round. Remember, you only have one hour for rest and a meal before the second round of training begins!" Instructor Efe shouted as the boys started the third round.

When the recruits heard this, they pushed themselves to run faster.

As the third round began, Iyare maintained her steady pace. Despite the increasing fatigue among the recruits, she showed no signs of slowing down. Osifo, who had taunted her earlier, was now struggling to keep up.

"Why isn't he tired yet?" one of the recruits muttered, noticing how effortlessly Iyare was running.

By the halfway point of the third round, most of the boys had slowed to a crawl. Some even stopped briefly to catch their breath, earning sharp rebukes from the instructors. But Iyare pressed on, her pace unwavering, her movements precise and calculated.

"Look at him! He's still running as if it's the first round," one instructor remarked, nodding toward Iyare.

"That's not just stamina—that's training," another instructor replied.

Iyare reached the Ugarige River and turned back toward the camp. The distance didn't faze her; her mind was focused solely on completing the task. She had even dared to run with a water pot on her head hoping to finish her task earlier and sneak to listen to her brother lessons.

"How is he still so fast?" Osifo panted as Iyare overtook him without a word.

By the time Iyare crossed the finish line, half an hour had passed, and not a single other recruit was in sight. She slowed to a stop, catching her breath but showing no visible signs of exhaustion.

The instructors exchanged surprised glances.

"He's the first one back—and by a large margin," one of them said.

"Impressive," Instructor Efe commented. "Osaze, you must tell us how you train your son later." Osaze laughed without making a comment but did not hide the pride in his eyes.

Iyare stood quietly, observing the training field as the other recruits trickled in, their faces red with exertion. Many collapsed onto the ground as soon as they crossed the finish line, gulping down water and gasping for air.

When Ohiomuwa finally arrived, drenched in sweat, he managed a weak smile. "Efosa, you...you finished already?"

Iyare nodded, still keeping her distance. She knew her disguise as Efosa had to remain intact, and casual conversations could give her away.

Osifo staggered in moments later, glaring at Iyare. He didn't say a word, but the anger in his eyes was evident.

As the instructors tallied the times, General Edosa appeared on the field, his sharp eyes scanning the recruits. He paused when he saw Iyare standing calmly among the exhausted boys.

"He's done already?" Edosa asked one of the instructors.

"Yes, General. He finished half an hour ahead of time" the instructor confirmed.

Edosa gave a small nod of approval before addressing the group. "This is just the beginning. Speed and stamina are important, but discipline and perseverance are what make true warriors. Rest now—your next training begins in an hour."

The recruits groaned but obeyed, scattering toward their tents. Iyare lingered for a moment before slipping away to exchange with her brother her heart pounding. She had completed the task without drawing too much attention—at least for now.

Later that evening, as the camp settled down, Iyare sat quietly in Edosa's hut, recounting the day's events.

"You did well," Edosa said after hearing her report. "But be careful. You cannot afford to stand out too much. Efosa may be slower, but he is still learning. Balance your performance so no one grows suspicious."

"I understand, Grandfather," Iyare replied.

Edosa nodded. "Good. The next few weeks will be challenging, but if you perform well grandfather would grant you a wish,"

"Thank you Grandfather," Iyare was surprised but happy to receive this promise.

As Iyare prepared to rest, she allowed herself a brief smile. She had surpassed the recruits' expectations, and though the road ahead would be tough, she felt ready to face whatever challenges came next.