Morning: Izzan's First Training with Aldric
The morning was bright, and Aldric was ready to train Izzan in the basics of becoming a knight. Today's session would start with simple physical training—running around several houses in the fortress.
Aldric (thinking confidently): "Physical training is essential. Izzan is still young, so running around a few houses should tire him out. After that, we can move on to other things."
Believing this would be a challenging exercise for Izzan, Aldric gave him instructions.
Aldric (calmly): "Alright, son. We'll start by running around five houses. Remember, don't rush. Take deep breaths and let your body adjust."
Izzan (excited): "Five houses? That's easy, Dad! Let's go!"
Without hesitation, Izzan bolted off, leaving his father a little stunned.
Aldric (surprised, thinking): "Wait… why is he so eager? A five-year-old shouldn't be this strong. Maybe he'll get tired after a few houses…"
As Aldric began following behind, he noticed something unusual. As they passed each house, the neighbors greeted Izzan cheerfully.
Neighbor 1 (waving): "Morning, Izzan! Out for your run again?"
Izzan (smiling wide, waving back): "Morning, Uncle! Yeah, I'm training with Dad!"
Neighbor 2 (laughing): "Growing up fast, aren't you! Keep up the good work!"
Aldric (puzzled, thinking): "Why do they all know him? And why doesn't Izzan look tired at all?"
As they passed more houses, Aldric realized that Izzan showed no signs of fatigue. The boy continued running with ease, smiling and waving at every neighbor they passed.
Aldric (increasingly confused, thinking): "I thought he'd be exhausted after running a few houses. But he looks perfectly fine… What's going on?"
By the time they finished the route, Aldric couldn't contain his curiosity any longer.
Aldric (stopping Izzan, with a serious tone): "Izzan, why aren't you tired at all? This should've been a tough workout for a kid your age."
Izzan looked up at his father with an innocent face.
Izzan (smiling, shrugging): "I run every day, Dad. I always run when I take Mom to the docks!"
Aldric (shocked, thinking): "Every day? Wait… What?!"
Hearing this, Aldric was genuinely surprised. He hadn't realized that Izzan had already gotten used to running every morning.
Aldric (still baffled, thinking): "Since when has he been doing this? Running to the docks every day? But… he's only five…"
Seeing his father's confusion, Izzan explained further.
Izzan (speaking innocently): "Yeah, Dad! Since I was three, I didn't want Mom to carry me anymore. I started running to the docks by myself, even though my fastest run is just like an adult's normal walking pace, hehe!"
Aldric (laughing to himself): "So that's the reason! He's been training without me even knowing. No wonder the neighbors all know him. This boy is truly something else."
Realizing Izzan's determination and resilience far exceeded his expectations, Aldric felt both proud and moved.
Aldric (smiling, ruffling Izzan's hair): "Alright, son. In that case, we'll start sword training later. But remember, take it slow, okay?"
Izzan (grinning wide, full of excitement): "I'm ready, Dad! I want to be a knight like you!"
Aldric (thinking warmly): "This boy… He may be small, but his determination is as great as any true knight. I need to guide him well."
With that realization, Aldric prepared to move to the next phase of Izzan's training, fully aware now that his son was far stronger and more eager than he had ever imagined.