The Day's Task

He showed her what he wanted from her today. Razir had set up a plank of wood to cross the river at a fairly narrow point. The plank couldn’t have been more than six inches wide. The river was deep enough that she wouldn’t hurt herself by crashing into the bottom if she fell, but shallow enough that she wouldn’t be dragged downstream.

Lydia was naked, except for a pair of high heels she’d been given for this task. She was to cross the plank by walking gracefully, with her hands held behind her back and her eyes looking straight ahead. She could tell not being able to see her feet would be a problem.

Lydia took a deep breath, steeled herself, and began to walk across the plank. The wood swayed with each step, and she could feel the cold water bubbling beneath her feet. She bit her lip and focused on her posture, keeping her back straight and her eyes fixed on the other side of the river.

Razir watched her from his post on the bank, his voice commanding and firm as he gave her instructions.

“Keep your head up, ****. You do not want to bow to any obstacle. Walk gracefully.”

Lydia nodded, her concentration intensifying. She had been trained to walk gracefully, and she knew she could do this. Her body remembered the lessons she had received, and she moved with confidence and poise.

But it was harder than she had imagined. The plank swayed and buckled under her feet, threatening to throw her off balance. Her high heels clicked against the wood.

Her footing went from under her, and she fell into the water with a mighty splash.

Razir laughed as she emerged from the river, completely soaked and shivering. "That was pathetic," he taunted.

Lydia stood dripping wet on the riverbank, her face a mix of embarrassment and defiance. "I will try again, master," she replied, her voice trembling with resolve.

She nodded, and they walked back to the plank. This time, Razir made her walk backwards across the plank, her hands now on the back of her head. It was a cruel joke, as the backward walk was even more difficult.

But Lydia was determined. She wavered, stumbled, and fell twice more, each time falling into the river once again, but each time getting back up and trying again. Her resolve was unwavering.

Finally, after several attempts, Lydia succeeded in walking gracefully across the plank, from one side to the other.

Razir watched her with a smile, his eyes flickering with admiration. "Well done, ****," he said. "You have proven yourself worthy."

Lydia stood on the other side of the river, her body trembling with the effort and the cold. "Thank you, master," she replied, her voice hoarse from the strain.

Razir shook his head, a small laugh escaping his lips. "You still have much to learn," he said. "But you have a strong will and a determination that few possess."

Lydia nodded, her eyes filled with determination. "I am ready to learn, master."