And, here begins the collection of drabbles and stories too short to be on their own...
An apprentice of mine once asked why battles were fought. I was about to respond to the answer when a dirty, grimy stable boy still leading a horse came right up to the apprentice - the youth's eyes flashing with ire. 'Battles are fought to keep people safe.' He said. I did not at first feel as though this was an appropriate answer and I remember feeling disdain for this young child, interrupting his elders and believing to have knowledge superior to mine own.
The apprentice shared my own disdain, it was evident in his eyes. 'You are just a child - what do you know of battles and warriors?' He said.
The child threw back his shoulders and looked the apprentice in the eyes. 'I know enough to know that warriors don't ask why battles are fought. They already know why.'
The apprentice recoiled - as though slapped, and his face flushed red. The boy turned and walked away in the direction of the stables, leading the horse behind him. I froze - in horror, as I saw the King walk out of the stables and swing the boy up into his arms. For the first time I noticed the horse, a tall dark stallion - the light riding sadle encrusted with the small tree emblem of the royal family. I had been talking to the prince.
And suddenly, I felt ashamed. Warrios do not question why battles are fought. They already know why.
Who would've thought that a child would teach the master?
Reviews are quite welcome.
