Jon had been going to his training sessions regularly for almost two months now and he had made excellent progress. Jon had learned how to use the element of water and could control the fire he had previously used from his elemental spell. Unfortunately, he did not have that much time to increase the power of the spells. Jon learned a basic protection spell as well, meaning that if he was struck by a spell while his protection spell was being channeled, the energy shielding his body would react against the incoming magic energy and nullify it.
This shield spell could not block a sword or an arrow, but if you use more energy in your defense than your opponent used in their attack, the spell will be destroyed and if you are good with the workings of energy, some of the energy may even be absorbed into your shield spell and used to strengthen it.
Jon had been practicing techniques with all different sorts of weapons with Jarl Svygard. Jon learned more efficient riposte with swords and axe, while learning how to fight in a different style with a spear. Jon was taught how to fight with a heavy mace and was being trained currently to use a lance and spear from horseback.
Jon's horse, Spot, had also been training and he could now stand in his ground when swords clashed together. Spot was a brave horse, as he would not frighten easily. Swords could be swung around Spot's head and loud noises could be coming from all around him, yet the brave beast stood tall and proud, his conviction and trust unwavering. Jon loved Spot almost like he would love a child. He spent time with him, feeding and brushing Spot daily. Jon even braided Spot's mane and tail, making him look even more regal and majestic.
The air was warming and the snow began melting, turning everything into a brownish white slush that caked onto the sides of everyone's boots. This made training outside tougher, as quick moves on unsteady feet would result in falling on ones ass and ending up with the pointy bit of a sword in your neck. Jon was used to this mess if snow and mud, but was not used to actually fighting in it. Every single year Jon could remember, they had gotten snow and ice, so he was able to keep his balance on it quickly.
Jarl Svygard was the toughest opponent he had faced yet, as he was not just born a Jarl, he had to fight the last sitting Jarl to win the title and respect of his subjects. He was strong enough to kill the previous Jarl and hold his title for decades. Jon was not a pushover and would always give it his best, however the red aura around Jarl Svygard almost pushed him past human boundaries in speed and strength. Every move Jon would make, it was like Jarl Svygard was predicting it, if Jon swung low, Jarl Svygard was moving to block almost as soon as Jon started his attack. When Jarl Svygard would attack Jon had almost no time to react.
Even when Jon focused his energy to slow time, Jarl Svygard was still moving extremely fast. Jon was amazed by this talent and wondered how he could learn Jarl Svygard's skill. By the end of the two months of training, Jon had gotten a good grasp on the fighting style of the Jarl. He was very good at counter striking and had enough flexibility to do some rather unusual strikes. Jon had added some of these skills into his style, making his fighting style more diverse and powerful.
Soon Winter would be over and the men leaving the Golden Isles would depart for the shore and sail home for Spring. The North would be a relief from the constant trials and combat in the Golden Isles. Jon was worried he would need to leave the family home to pursue his duties with the Jarl, but was strangely okay with it. He was no longer a child who needed his father by his side to keep him safe. His power was not that of a Jarl yet, but Jon felt that he could face almost any man who was not a Knight or Jarl.
As the next few weeks crept by, Jon kept training and while no great progress was made, it was a constant improvement, a constant refinement of skills. Jon was getting increasingly more and more excited about leaving for the North, as the snow was completely gone, only a layer of ice too thin to support any real weight was left on the shores of the sea. It was almost time to leave these lands and be with his family.
Preparations were made to leave within the week, tents were packed, food and water was collected and stored for travel. The men had a general air of happiness and longing about them, as they would often hum songs while working. While the others worked, Jon still was training.
Jon had been practicing his riding the past few weeks and had made some good progress. He was able to ride smoothly, almost as if he and the horse were one. Jon was able to train with a spear and lance as well, because Spot had made so much progress. He was becoming a war horse very quickly, making Jon prouder of his efforts and progress. Hitting a target from a moving horse with the point of a lance was actually harder than you think in certain ways, however much easier as well.
Jon was able to ride smoothly even with one hand on the reigns, but the lance head was smaller and almost ten feet in front of his body making it harder to judge the point of impact. Jon was able to hit a shield hanging from a tree consistently, but good hits were hard to land. When he had success, Jon would get excited and congratulate himself in his mind. He tried to remember the feeling and position of his arms and the angles the lance had been at. Recreating the passes was difficult as well, often resulting in spotty success. Jon was decent at lance or spear from horseback, but did not stand out in his skills at all.
Finally on a beautiful day with no clouds in the deep blue sky, the horn was blown for the men of the North to load up into the ships and finally set sail for their homes.