Chapter 50
Not long after the conversation with his cousin, Tramon finally deemed him ready for hands-on training. Like this, Alistar began to learn one of the three moves of the Crown Style’s first tier, which was the lowest tier of the apprentice stratum. It was a simple defensive stance used to block head-on attacks, a technique which required the lowest amount of energy to be infused with the movements.
One day, after many hours on blistered feet, Alistar was told to prepare for a spar. No sooner had his teacher spoken those words than he slashed out with a wooden sword and knocked Alistar down.
"Why did you hit me so suddenly?"
"Quit your grumbling and get back on your feet. You think someone who’s trying to kill you is going to give you a head’s up before they make the attempt?"
"No, but..."
He scrambled back as Tramon raised his cane.
"Ready your defence. I’ll hit you again in five seconds."
Alistar dropped his practice word with a yelp as his fingers felt the bite of Tramon’s cane the moment that the man stopped talking.
"What did I just tell you? React with your body, not your mind."