**Chapter 9: A New Bond Forged**
The sun cast gentle rays through the windows of the royal infirmary, illuminating the room where Lyka lay recuperating. Her spirit, though bruised, remained unbroken, and she spent her days reflecting on the events that had brought her there. It was during one of these quiet afternoons that Pyhy arrived, his heart heavy with the weight of what had transpired.
Pyhy approached Lyka's bedside with a mixture of hesitation and resolve. The memory of their duel still haunted him, and he felt compelled to express his remorse for the unintended harm he had caused. As he stood before her, he took a deep breath, summoning the courage to speak.
"Lyka," Pyhy began, his voice earnest and filled with regret. "I came to see how you're doing and to say how sorry I am for what happened. I never meant for you to get hurt."
Lyka looked at him, her eyes softening with understanding. She could see the sincerity in his expression, the genuine remorse that colored his words. Despite her own pain, she felt a sense of compassion for the young fighter who had become an unwitting instrument in the unfolding drama.
"Pyhy," she replied gently, "you have nothing to apologize for. The fault wasn't yours—it was mine. My arrogance led me to make mistakes, and those mistakes had consequences."
Her words were a balm to Pyhy's troubled conscience, offering him a sense of relief he hadn't anticipated. Yet, what Lyka said next surprised him even more.
"I admire your courage and your spirit," Lyka continued. "If you're willing, I'd like to offer you my friendship and train you, just as my father, Epetuti, trained me."
Pyhy was taken aback by her offer, the generosity of it leaving him momentarily speechless. Here was a warrior of great renown, offering not only her forgiveness but also her guidance—a chance to learn and grow under her tutelage.
"I would be honored," Pyhy replied, his voice filled with gratitude and newfound determination. "Thank you, Lyka. I promise to learn all that I can and to become a knight worthy of your trust."
And so, a new bond was forged between the two—a friendship born from the ashes of conflict and misunderstanding. As Lyka healed, she and Pyhy began to lay the foundations for their training, each session a step toward redemption and growth.
In the months to come, the kingdom of Ky would witness the emergence of a formidable duo, united by shared purpose and mutual respect. Both Lyka and Pyhy would find strength in one another, their alliance a beacon of hope in a world fraught with challenges and uncertainty.