Chapter 11: Against the Wind
"It's time to go, Amir," Callista whispered as they stood up from the grass in the garden, the moonlight softly surrounding them.
"I'll dream about you," she said.
"I'll dream about you, Princess," Amir replied.
They held each other tight, sharing a long quiet kiss that said everything they couldn't find the words for. He walked her through the hidden path, holding her hand, until they reached her chamber door.
There, they kissed once more. Slower and more tendely.
"I'll be gone by sunrise," Amir said. "I'm going to train with Nikoloas. Promise me you'll come visit sometimes."
Tears rolled down her face. She didn't try to hide them.
"I'll miss you," she said, wrapping her arms around him, resting her head on his chest.
He gently stroked her hair. "Your love makes me stronger. No matter where I go, my heart will always belong to you."
They kissed one last time. She wiped her tears, nodded, and quietly went into her room. Amir stood at the door a moment longer, then turned and left.
Before the sun even rose, Amir was awake. He dressed in simple clothes, strapped the Splasher to his back, and left the palace without a sound.
By the time he reached Nikoloas's house, the sky was turning orange. The old man was already waiting at the shore, standing near a wooden boat, the sea calm behind him.
Nikoloas turned when he saw him. "You came," he said. "Good. You're ready."
They walked to the edge of the water, the waves brushing softly against their feet.
"Today," Nikoloas said, "you learn your first lesson. If your ship ever breaks in battle or storm, you must know how to survive. So, swim. Not with the wind. Against it. That's how warriors move."
He pointed to the open sea.
Nikoloas walked into the shallow part, then dove in and swam with strong strokes. He returned and stood next to Amir.
"Now you," he said.
Amir took off his shirt, stepped into the cold water, and dove in.
At first, he did well. He moved his arms strong and steady. Nikoloas climbed into a small boat nearby, keeping a close eye on him.
"You're doing it, Amir!" he shouted. "Keep going!"
But the wind suddenly started. Waves slapped against Amir's chest. The sea wasn't calm anymore. He lost his rhythm. He panicked and his arms got tired. Water began to enter his mouth and he started drowning.
"Nikoloas!" he called out.
In seconds, the old warrior rowed hard and pulled Amir out of the sea, dragging him into the boat.
Amir lay there coughing and struggling to breathe.
Nikoloas just laughed. He has seen the same thing a hundred times before.
"Everyone fails the first time," he said, handing Amir a dry cloth. "But you showed something, heart. That's what matters."
Amir looked up at the sky, still breathing heavy.
"I won't give up," he said.
"I know," Nikoloas replied. "And that's why you'll make it."
They sat in silence for a while, the boat rocking gently under them, the waves calming again. The training had begun. And the real challenge was just getting started.