Memories of The Past (Part 3)

"I will be training you today."

Harold couldn't fathom what he has heard. Was he not still awake? Was he daydreaming and controlling the scene? It would be a great skill if he could hone it.

"Father?"

He straightened up his head and looked at his father who's standing three inches higher and with unwavering presence. His right hand massaging his left hand and looking at them as he speaks again.

"Do you know your goal why you're undergoing the swordsmanship training?"

There was silence for a while. Harold breathed in and out.

"At first… I just wanted you to look at me… again, like you used to…"

Emir flinched hearing his son but didn't show any facial expression.

"…and be proud of me. Ever since my elder brothers have been accepted in the Capital's Special Soldiers, I can only wait for the day to finish while reading books in my room or the library. When I met the master, it's like my brothers came back. I can talk to someone about my day and how I look forward to what's coming. I got interested in his sword remembering the first training sword I got from you for my birthday when I was seven. So, I asked him if he could teach me how to wield a sword."

Emir coughed and Harold thought he doesn't intend to listen to a long story. But it was the opposite. Emir felt something's pricking his heart and he realized he was jealous of his friend, Kane. His son, who's 14 right now, has spent half of his life and most of his remembered memories with Kane.

"I'm sorry, Father."

His head was drooping once again.

"No, Harold. Continue. I… want to know."

On Harold's mind, he's seeing his image in such a state of surprise. He wanted to talk more but was afraid his father doesn't want to. He's trembling inside.

"After meeting Qadir and Caedman, I realized how arrogant and egoistic I've become forgetting what you've taught me. I thought no one cares anymore whatever I do. And so, my goal is to relive my good memories with you, Mother, and my brothers. Learning swordsmanship gave me something to look forward to knowing I am now doing something again with my family, even if it's only in my memory."

Harold kept on burning and trembling inside. He wanted his father's affection to be felt but he couldn't ask for it. He couldn't hold it anymore. He felt his eyes are burning and tears started to fall. He chased for his breath and tried not to fall; but his knees are shaking. He was about to fall.

"..."

Harold froze for a while and as he raises his head, his father was so close and already holding his upper arms, stopping him completely falling on his knees. As his warm tears flow on his face, same scenario is happening to his father. He collected his courage within him and slowly wrapped his arms to his father.

"I'm sorry, son, for making you think and feel everyone has left you. I'm sorry for not being there for you when you just wanted me to see you even for a while."

Harold wailed while his father's tears welled up and bleed in pain. The latter's embrace couldn't be compared to anything else as this was something Harold craved for.

The sun is starting to shine brightly on top of them and they had all the time in their hands. Emir sighed heavily, removing a big obstruction in his chest. His face appeared to be younger by five years, and his smile is as natural as it can be. Harold seemed not to like to let go of his father and kept on embracing him. His face lit up and the plastered smile on his face doesn't leave for a while.

"Harold, I told you I'll be training you today. So, why not let's make up for the time?"

"Yes, Father. Please don't hold back because I am facing you head-on."

Harold grinned as if teasing his father. The way he spoke may appear Harold's getting way ahead but it was the feeling of confidence and relief he has been yearning for a long time.

At first, he did his moves and was always the first to advance. He respected his father and he doesn't want him to attack first. Seeing he won't be able to get a chance to touch his father, he adjusted his movements to those of Caedman's. As his father's attack approaching, he lowered the tip of his sword, passing his foot backward. He's giving an opening but at the same time, it'll make his counterattack quicker.

He deflected his father's attack and they're now back to their positions. Trying another Caedman's move, he deceived his father to make his move first and then shifted to his own style now. Gasping for air, he knows his father wasn't holding back in showing him his moves. That alone, made him excited, and look forward to finishing the training and talk to him about it.

Harold positioned his sword to his right with the longer edge down supporting a quick upward strike. The two advanced simultaneously. His father's sword was positioned above his shoulder, and Harold remembered Caedman's words, 'study your opponent's movements.

"Father wouldn't just let me hit him like this, letting me easily read his move. It may be a false attack."

They're already close to each when his father changed his stance and twisted his body giving a space for his sword to swing freely on the side. From that position, Harold's attack aiming Emir's chest was parried and was given a follow up attack from behind. Emir fully twisted and turned around his body in blocking the sword and passed beside Harold. Facing him back, he tapped Harold's left shoulder.

"Can we end today's training? I want to spend some time with my son."

As if the time stopped for a while and the cool breeze caressed their sweaty skin. Emir, with his sword on his son's child, was smiling affectionately and yearning. Harold, who remained on his half-bent knees, widened his eyes and opened his mouth in awe unconsciously.