Williams was sent to bed by Jane when he started yawning. He bade goodnight to everyone.
"Al, let's meet in the dining hall tomorrow morning for breakfast and we will go explore the estate after that. Okay, Wil" Both nodded, and Williams left.
"Alan dear, Aunt Helen mentioned you've studied the basics of musical instruments and arts. Are you interested in those fields?" Jane inquired.
Alan nodded, "Indeed, Aunt Jane. I'm truly interested, but I've only read a few books. I don't know much at all. Practically, we didn't have an opportunity to try," he said embarrassedly.
"No problem, my dear. After exploring the estate tomorrow, come and see me. We'll understand your interests and plan to further your study in arts and music," Jane suggested.
"Excellent!" Helen clapped enthusiastically. "Those are my weakest areas of knowledge, but luckily, we've got it covered. Jane is an excellent artist and musician, Alan. The paintings in the corridor you admired were all created by her. Elizabeth, can you share your expertise in trade and economics whenever you're free?"
"Of course. Come to me tomorrow when you're free, dear. I also have a vast collection of books on these topics that might be useful to you."
"Well, Alan, come to me if you want to learn more about weapons and combat skills. We have a decent collection here. As per father's instruction, the training room will be reserved for you for two hours before dinner," James informed Alan.
Alan started getting excited, knowing he would be progressing further in his studies and combat skills.
Everyone ended their discussions bading goodnight and went to their rooms.
The next day, Alan woke up a bit later than his usual time. He found Helen writing, wished her, took a bath, got ready, and headed to the dining area where Williams eagerly awaited him.
"Al, come, let's have breakfast," Williams called in high spirits. "Good morning, Wil," Alan greeted as he sat opposite him. They enjoyed a hot stew and then began exploring the mansion, taking more than an hour to cover it. Afterward, they started exploring the estate, beginning by inspecting the perimeter to familiarize themselves with the boundaries. They decided to explore the more mundane areas on a later date.
They opted to visit the training area and stables before heading back. Their first stop was the training area, a large rectangular single-story building with ample windows. As they approached, more than 20 people were engaged in training with various weapons and hand-to-hand combat techniques.
The practitioners paused their training, bowing when they noticed the two newcomers. Alan smiled and noded to many familiar faces and Williams waved, signaling them to continue, and they all smiled and resumed their practice.
Leading Alan to the weapons room, nearly a quarter of the size of the training area, William opened the door. Alan's heart skipped a beat at the sight of numerous weapons neatly arranged inside. He observed various types of weapons he had only seen in pictures and books: two-handed large swords, war hammers, giant two-headed axes, dual swords, and more.
"Do you like them, Al?" Williams asked, smiling. "I love them, Wil. I want to start practicing with all the weapons," Alan said with a dreamy gaze. Williams laughed and patted his shoulder. "Don't worry, they'll all be here for us to use during practice, except for that one." Williams pointed toward a large, heavy-looking war hammer.
Curious, Alan asked, "Why not, Wil? It's big, I know, but can't someone handle it if they're strong enough?"
"That's not it; it's too heavy. Even my father has difficulty using it in practice," Williams started to explain, stopping abruptly with a shocked expression. Alan, casually picking up the heavy war hammer, turned it a couple of times before putting it back. "It's heavy, really impressive," Alan said, turning back toward Williams, puzzled to see him in a shocked state.
"Wil, what happened? Are you alright?" Alan placed his hand on Williams' shoulder, and he snapped out of his trance, looking at Alan.
"So, what I heard that night is true then," Williams said.
"What, Wil? What did you hear, and when?" Alan inquired.
William took a deep breath, glanced around to ensure no one was listening, and said, "Please don't tell this to anyone," with a hint of guilt and pleading in his tone. Alan nodded.
"The night you were unconscious, everyone was in your room and wanted to talk about something. They dismissed me to go out and play. I was surprised; they never let me play after dinner. So, I acted as if I was happy, went out, then tiptoed back outside the room and listened to what they said."
"They were talking about you. You... You... killing all those wolves," Williams said, with awe in his eyes. There was silence in the room for a long time.
Alan sighed and asked with a concerned gaze, "Wil, do you feel afraid of me because of that?"
"Why would I be afraid of you, Al?" Williams asked in a puzzled tone.
"You know, that thing and killing wolves and..." Alan scratched his head, embarrassed.
"Nah, I'm excited, Al. I don't have any training partner. My friends can't keep up with me, and adults don't want to look foolish getting their butt kicked," Williams smiled, apologizing for the informal language.
Alan happily agreeing. and though to himself with a wilde smile. " My new training partner."
Thus, the two kids who whould become legends of the Winden region one day became friends....