Fight back

(Offense/Hand to Hand Increases)

You refuse to tolerate his insults. Lunging at him you tackle him to the dirt beneath you. Securing a headlock, you begin to pound at him relentlessly. Lyron and Gom, now snapped out of their state of shock that anyone would dare fight back, they begin to pry you off of Brutus. Your grip is strong however, and your anger only fuels your strength. Now attracting a crowd, onlookers watch on as you pummel the bully. Your success doesn’t last for long, though. Brutus propels himself backwards, slamming you into a stone wall. Your grip loosens, and Brutus jams his elbow into your rib cage causing you to let go completely. Now **** and in pain, the adrenaline no longer surging through you, the three bullies attack. Soon you’re lying in a fetal position taking several blows every second. Pushing through the crowd are two knights ready to stop the deviants. Spotting the men, Brutus and his brothers run off into the crowd before they can be caught, leaving only you behind. You’re hurried off to a doctor, covered in blood and dirt and feeling defeated. Lying on a medical bed, mulling over your current predicament, you realize it’s about to get worse. The doctor enters the room with your father, who doesn’t appear to be pleased. On the way back home, Halrik doesn’t say a word. However, he doesn’t have to say anything for you to know he’s not the least bit happy. As you arrive home, your mother rushes over to you. “Oh, Nathan! Look at you! Who did this? I knew we shouldn’t have left you home by yourself!” You sit down at the dining table and your father does the same. As your mother gets back to preparing supper, your father speaks. “I was informed you were involved in a fight.”

“It was Brutus and his brothers, they started it-” You begin, but are quickly cut off by father.

“Son, you don’t have to explain yourself. I know you aren’t one to cause trouble, and I believe you’re smart enough to stay away from it. Nor I or your mother can protect you forever, and this won’t be the last time you’ll have to protect yourself.” Halrik gives you a grin and a knowing look. “How about I take you to a friend of mine tomorrow? We trained together at the barracks. He can teach you how to defend yourself, and more importantly, when to involve yourself in conflict.”

“I’d like that.” You smile, and placed in front of you is supper. It smells great, and tasted even better. The night ends well, even if things didn’t go according to plan.