By the time they started the lunch, Rodrick joined them. Rodrick, being in the Capital city was able to see the prince and the princez a couple of times from a far. And both of them had known about Rodrick by his family background and feom his popularity at the university. After a round of introduction, they finished their lunch.
"Guys my classes are finished for the day. What plans do you have?" Rodrick asked.
"Rick, Master harry wants us to meet him at the training hall a couple of hours before dinner for training. He was asking for you particularly. "
"He will have me dead by the end of the training today." Rodrick groaned at Ben's words.
All six grinned at Rodrick words at pattedhis back with sympathetic looks in their eyes.
Rodrick, So you are the oldest disciple of Master Harry then? Daniel asked exitedly.
Before Rodrick even open his mouth. " Yes, he was training for almost 8 months now. On our journey to the capital, Master harry never once instructed us. His complete focus was on Rick here." Dave put a hand on Rodrick shoulder and winked at him. Sighing inwardly Rodrick gave a forceful smile and remembering Master Harry's words, he nodded. Daniel was in awe and was genuinely impressed. Rodrick if you don't mind, can we spar before your training session with Master Harry please.
Daniel was literally begging Rodrick and he had a kind of eager and exitedlook on his face. The boys felt his sincerity and noded at Rodrick. Who agreed to Daniel's request.
After having various conversation for a few more hours everyone decided to go to the training room. When they reached there, Harry who was standing in a corner wearing the wide brimmed hat, gestured them to follow him.
All twelve of them followed him and entered a large hall. Once they entered, Harry closed the door from inside and took off his hat.
"What's this lads, got new friends? Harry scrutinized the three and raised an eyebrow. Daisy and the two Goldwin 's?"
The three bowed deeply to Harry with respect and reverence. Harry nodded in approval then turned at the seven. "So are you guys ready?"
"Master Harry, Daniel wanted to have a sparring session with Rodrick." Alan told Harry about their earlier agreement.
Ok then. Harry took a seat at the end of the hall along with everyone else. Both Daniel and Rodrick took position and started sparring with wooden swords. Within 10 moves, Rodrick's sword was at Daniel's throat.
Daniel sighed and accepted his defeat with a smile. "No wonder, I lost to master Harry's disciple."
"Daniel, honestly I am not yet his personal disciple. It's like, he is teaching me whenever he is free."
Before Daniel could speak, he heard Harry's voice. "Daniel, who the hell trained you?"
Daniel was taken aback. " Master.... master Harry, I was trained by several people. But mainly by our General Keith.
Harry thought for a few seconds and asked them to spar again. "Rodrick only deflect his attacks. And Daniel, attack him with all your might and skills. I want to see what type of training did the fool Kieth had given you."
Daniel felt a bit offended. Keith, the general of the King's army whome, Daniel had seen takedown more than 30 mercenaries once was being mocked.
He decided to put his utmost effort and gain some respect for his teacher. Alas, whatever he did, no matter how hard he tried, even after a hundred strikes, he was unable to land a single hit on Rodrick.
Both Bella and Daisy were dumbfounded. They had seen Daniel trIning and even takedown more than half a dozen veteran soldiers easily. But, here, today, he was finding it impossible to even land a strike on Rodrick.
They now understood, The ability of master Harry and his disciples.
"Ok that's enough. Daniel right? You got the potential like your father, but you had learnt too many things from far too many people which is hindering your progress." Harry told about his observation.
Now observe the basics first. Harry beckoned the other six to come and asked them to start the basic stretches .
Daniel watched it carefully. These stretching exercises had many variation compared to what he had learnt and it also took more than half an hour to complete a single set. Whereas he would have completed his set of stretches in 5 min. "Now come here and join them." Harey called Daniel.
Daniel felt elated, Master Harry is instructing him. What a luck. He thought and went to the center eagerly.
Now repeat the stretching exercises but at half of it's speed. As per his instruction, the seven young men started. Daniel coppied them and started following what the others were doing, within ten minutes into the exercise he found that , it was not only energy consuming but extremely hard and somewhat painful to execute the moves.
Muscles he never knew existed started to ache and protest in pain. After almost an hour they completed the set. Daniel simply fell on his back, breathing heavily which surprised Bella and Daisy.
"Now this is your first lesson. Forget about what you have learnt till today. Do these stretches everyday. Come back when you can execute two sets slowly without falling down."
Daniel noded and bowed his head deeply, thanking Harry and went to sit with the girls.