Kre was thankful that their evening and early morning workouts were more of him assisting Beleg rather than full participation in the physical activities. He brought out various weapons for Beleg to run through his forms, served him cold water when he needed a break, and kept the snack platter filled with nutritious morsels.
The workouts lasted a good four hours and Kre couldn’t even imagine being able to stand after just a portion of what Beleg was putting himself through. Yet the large warrior pushed himself until he judged his movements to be, in his words, acceptable. To Kre, the movements looked perfect, precise, and deadly.
Although Kre was not directed to perform the same movements, he did so anyway, out of sight of Beleg so he could practice in the manner of a true warrior. He repeated the movements in his head before he slept that night and during their late lunch the next day. As they ate the early afternoon meal that Beleg declared to be the most important of that day, Kre jotted down a few notes on a piece of paper that Dain had given him.
“Wassat then?” Beleg asked through a mouthful of salted nuts. He claimed that the chewy fruit seeds, soaked in brine and then roasted, were among the most effective morsels one could partake of to build stores of energy that would prove useful later during bouts of intense physical activity.
Kre thought briefly about covering it up and down-playing what he was sketching, but he really didn’t want to lie to Beleg, even a small white lie.
“It’s just some sketches and notes about some of the stuff you were practicing. I was hoping to study them some more when we had time. I should have asked,” he added, lowering his head.
“No, no,” Beleg said, his voice still muffled with food. He swallowed and took a giant swig of water, “These are good! I never thought of putting these down on paper, but I can see some of the value of doing so. When we have more time, I’d like to work with you and get these done all proper like. You’ve captured a good amount of the individual poses, but the transitions between are just as critical, if not more so. Never forget that.”
Kre nodded and made a quick note at the bottom of the page. “Thanks Beleg,” he said. “So, when do we leave?”
Beleg shrugged, “Not too long now, I assume. Barry said he was going to escort us personally, so I wouldn’t have a chance to run from my fate.” He scoffed and shook his head, “That guy… he’s a piece of work, I tell you.”
The big guy sighed and tossed his half-eaten chicken leg down to the plate. “That’s probably enough. There’s a difference between a too full stomach and one that’s ready for a workout. Anyway, the plan is to get to the arena and go through the weapons and armor selection process. Then the parade and…”
“A parade?” Kre interrupted. “Like, a parade parade?”
“Heh,” Beleg chuckled. “A bit. They want all the fighters to show off their borrowed wares. Partially as a sales pitch, and partially to generate buzz for the coming wagers.”
Kre nodded. It all made sense now that Beleg said it aloud.
“Cuthalion!” came the roar from the stables. “It’s time.”