Book 0: Beginnings
All you could see were the vast fields of wheat that your family had tended to for generations. The golden stalks stretched out before you, shimmering in the sunlight like an endless sea. Bees and flies buzzed lazily around, drawn to the sweet scent of the ripening grain. The gentle breeze of the fall air caused the wheat to sway rhythmically, creating a soothing, almost hypnotic rustle. You stood there, breathing in the crisp air, feeling a deep connection to the land that had shaped your life and the lives of those who came before you.
You then took a deep breath and exhaled, watching as the wind seemed to pause along with your concentration. "Father, have you considered growing more root vegetables in our crops? Something hardier that can grow with less care?"
Your father did not look up from the scythe he was diligently sharpening. Instead, he turned slightly and smiled. "Nope."
Undeterred, you pressed on. "But think about it. Out of everything we can plant, root vegetables can thrive even with minimal attention. We could use our-"
"It's not my choice to begin growing different crops when my king demands me to grow wheat."
At that, you sighed. "Well at least consider it."
"I have, and the answer is still no," he replied quietly.
"Did you even consider it?" you asked, frustration creeping into your voice.
"We have work to do, and you need to realize something. We are lucky to have this land, and we've been fortunate that our crops weren't destroyed in the last storms," he stated firmly. "I take the whispers of the gods as a sign. I just wish you did too."
"The gods have never helped us with anything. They care more about the world than our own struggles. We're not priests, kings, or heroes. We are beneath their notice."
"And we should be thankful that we are beneath them. We only need to worry about the crops, the winds, and the rains. Having enough to eat and keeping our house standing," he replied, his tone softening but resolute.
Your father then rose and placed a hand on your shoulder. "Is this about me refusing to buy you armor to train and try to join the guard?"
You shook your head, but your resolve wavered. "No, not that at all." Seeing the frown deepen on your father's face, you sighed. "Alright, maybe it is a little bit."
"I taught you well enough. You don't need fancy armor to have your wits about you."
"well I can't go wearing your armor, everyone would know that you gave it to me. and I can't embarrass you like that, begging for your tools."
He then glanced at the sun, noticing it was near noon. With a chuckle, he said, "Alright, fine. We'll get some training in."
"Now?" you asked, surprised. "What about the fields?"
"How about this: beat me, son, and you can have the rest of the day off. I can hire that shepherd to help me... the one with his head in the clouds, always thinking he's destined for something bigger." There was a catch, of course.
"What's the catch?" you asked, narrowing your eyes.
"The catch is, if you lose, you'll be working all by yourself for the rest of the day. And I'll make sure you come to market with me tomorrow. Because I know you hate the market as much as I do," he replied, a mischievous glint in his eye as he began walking towards the cart where his weapons lay. And yours.
He removed the tarp to reveal his wooden practice shield and sword. "You get the helmet," he said, tossing it to you.
"But I hate the helmet," you complained, frowning as you caught it.
"It will keep you alive. And if you hate it that much, you can always try to lose it. But then I'll aim for your head," he said with a grin.
Reluctantly, you put the helmet on, still unhappy with its weight and awkward fit. It was uncomfortable and heavy, but you knew he was right—it was for your own good. As you adjusted the straps, your father stood ready, shield and sword in hand, his stance relaxed but focused.
"Ready when you are," he said, his eyes gleaming with the anticipation of the challenge. The fields, the crops, and the gods' whispers all seemed to fade away as you faced each other, the training ground now your entire world.
What is your weapon?:
[]Spear and shield.
[]Sword and shield
[]Sword
[]Shield
[]Scythe
[]Ax
How do you fight your father?:
[]write in
AN: Enjoy.