Research by Vixyy Fox
Not everything is as it seems.
“Don’t do it that way, or you will have the shortest life ever imagined,” The Fox said softly.
Chuck made the mistake of asking, “Why?”
His actual name was Charles, inclusive of a grouping of other nonsensical titles. He hated all of them. People bowed to him and muttered nice things, groveling to the point that it made him angry. Though these things seemed to make his father happy, it was not what he wanted.
His instructor was not a local, and did not grovel. He’d agreed, after a grueling introduction, to teach the ‘young gentleman’. He’d not even accepted the exorbitant price the child’s father offered. Bowing to the very well-known Earl of Likendorf, the sword master politely told the Rottweiler what he would charge but a modest fee for his services; but only ‘IF’ he approved of the student in question.
“However, after I have given my decision,” Renard the Fox told the Earl, “There will be other stipulations, all of which must be met.”
“What are these stipulations?” the father asked.
“I will tell you after I make my decision.”
And so, the sword master showed his new student ‘why’ he should not do what he did in a way there would be no further questioning.
Stipulation One (of the many): They would do lessons alone in a very large building originally intended for equestrian dressage. Windows on the ground floor had been boarded over, and the doors were locked from the inside. This insured privacy, and freedom from distraction.
“I don’t know why I need sword lessons,” Charles said softly to his new master. He’d just been given the choice of two wooden practice swords by the strange Fox.
“Your father is afraid for you,” Renard explained, “He has many enemies, and the easiest way to hurt him is to kill you. Therefore, my job is to make sure that won’t happen.”
“You’re to be my bodyguard then?”
“I have more important things to do than be your nursemaid. No… my job is to teach you how to think for yourself. That done, and I will be off again to my next place of hire.”
“My father can pay you if you wanted to stay on permanently.”
“Money is the root of all evil,” Renard replied, “And fortunately for you, that’s not who I am, or I would kill you for the bounty already placed upon your head, and be on my way.”
His attack was not lightning fast, but it changed directions several times. Each time there was but a touch of the blades as the direction changed, until the master reversed his practice sword, gripped the blade, and swept his student’s legs out from under him.
Charles' body landed in the dirt with a hard thump.
Looking up at the Fox, the Dog said, “I was trained by the best. You should not have been able to do that.”
“I didn’t,” Renard replied, holding out his paw, “You did.” He smiled, and then added, “Whoever trained you had no imagination at all. Your defense proves this. It’s like you’re dancing… one, two, three, one, two, three. Tell me what you see in that?”
Chuck’s former instructor had never asked his opinion on anything. It was strictly, ‘Do as I say, and live another day.’ “I was predictable.”
Renard smiled, and then helped the youth back to his feet. “So, we have established there is hope for you. Now tell me what makes a great swordsman great.”
“They’re not predictable?”
“Staying alive is not a dance. Nor is your sword the only weapon you need to use.”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean, your entire body has to be used… especially your head.”
“So, you’re going to teach me?”
“No.”
Chuck’s expression was a quick combination of crushed emotions, suspicion, and then maybe just a little understanding. “What are your intensions then?” he asked.
“First, I have to un-train you. ‘One, two, three,’ is for dancing. Then I will help you learn to think for yourself.”
“How?”
“We will talk. We will drill. During these times, you will ask questions, and then you will research the problem looking for what was asked. You will then answer the question yourself. For my part, I will only guide you. Hopefully you will not be too damaged after we begin with real weapons.” The Fox did not smile with this statement, but he did wink.
“Now, show me which end of the sword you’re supposed to hold.”