Chapter 19: Lecture in Defense
From his spot just beyond the boundary lines of the arena, Wesley stood with his mop planted at his side, the freshly renewed shaft gleaming faintly in the shifting light.
The other cleaners were beside him, some leaning on brooms, others holding buckets, all watching in silence now—caught between awe and curiosity.
The arena was quiet save for the faint echo of bootsteps on stone as Instructor Heiron paced with measured calm in the center, eyes firm, voice poised.
"Gabe," Heiron said, stopping squarely in front of the young knight. "Do you know why I had you focus only on defense during training?"
Gabe blinked.
The boy’s stance was respectful, his hands clasped behind his back, but Wesley could tell even from afar—he hadn’t a clue. Gabe tilted his head slightly.
"I... don’t really know, sir," he admitted. "I’ve wondered that a few times, honestly."
Heiron’s mouth curled in a faint smirk. Not mockery, but satisfaction. The type that came before a long-delayed explanation.
"Good. That’s the first honest answer I’ve heard in weeks."
He turned now, his deep voice rolling through the arena, addressing all his students.
"Let me explain to you all—because apparently, I’ve allowed too many of you to mistake noise for power, and force for dominance."