To Face The General
425 Words
Jack never stopped training.
One afternoon, as he practiced sword strikes, Shaw gave a low, urgent whinny.
Jack froze—danger was near.
From the distance came a familiar voice shouting:
“Hey, boy!”
Jack smiled.
“Dad, you said five days. Now it’s six!”
Thomas laughed, catching up.
“Is that the welcome I get?”
They settled inside, sharing stories before night claimed the sky.
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The Competition
Word spread like wildfire: The General was organizing the Young Badge Competition—a brutal test where the kingdom’s finest would fight for honor, glory, and the chance to become the next general.
His daughter, Blue, was a legend—strong, fearless, unmatched with any weapon. The General spared no expense training her.
Contestants arrived from every corner of the kingdom. Tension thickened the air.
Jack and Thomas intensified training, mastering lethal techniques and perfecting every move.
The High Priest, a rare and ominous presence, was expected to attend.
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A Night of Fury
One late evening, Thomas woke to find Jack eating instead of training.
His temper flared.
“Son, to the training ground—now.”
They met under moonlight, sticks in hand.
Thomas struck with blinding speed. Jack ducked, dodged, surprised by his father’s ferocity.
“Dad, this isn’t real!” Jack gasped.
Thomas’s eyes burned.
“I’m about to make it real.”
The fight intensified. Thomas landed a brutal blow to Jack’s backside, sending him tumbling.
Tears welled in Jack’s eyes.
Thomas’s voice was sharp:
“Tears? You’re no warrior.”
Jack’s breath came fast, then a sly smile appeared.
“Watch this.”
He launched himself forward, fists and feet flying.
Thomas staggered but rose quickly.
“No matter what, I’m your teacher.”
They clashed fiercely—Jack blocking, striking, refusing to back down.
Finally, Thomas conceded.
“Now you’re a true warrior.”
Jack laughed loudly.
“Oh, so because I kicked your ass, I’m a warrior?”
Thomas grinned, rubbing his face.
“No, but I’ll admit—you earned it.”
Laughter echoed as Thomas chased Jack, stick in hand.
“Dad, don’t play! Or I’ll break your head!” Jack teased.
The next morning, Thomas left on duty for a full week.
Jack was alone.
But the fire inside him blazed brighter than ever.
Two days later, hunger gnawed at his stomach.
He grabbed his gear and headed to the market—not just to buy food, but to prove himself.
No more running from bullies.
This time, Jack was ready.
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- Writer
