The sword and axe training pit was a large arena where dwarves and human trained daily, beginning at sunrise and ending at mid day. It was beyond the city of Dale and most people arrived by horse or pony. Should I tell you that most people mean men? Had this been now I would not dare enter myself for training, but I am glad I was a reckless young woman back then. I had brought my bow and arrow, the only weapon I could wield with no effort, and my stepfather's sword, but it was a bit too heavy for me. It would make a fool of myself with such weapon, but I had no other. I wish I had something more fitting than a girlsh dress robes for ridding that including my green pants under a split skirt dress.
"Ah Lady Brynhild! I am Balin, captain of his majesty's guard. I will initiate you in training, come, this part is far too advanced for you." Said the short, round nosed dwarf, as he led me to the back of the training pit, where several practise targets were. I realized I was to show my skill with the bow and thankfully I did not fail, but he did point out some tricks to improve my self, such as if need to shoot while running or on horse riding.
"Now the shooting practice will be useless on you, but I will find you a riding partner so you can learn a few more tricks. Your sword however...well, it does not fit you."
"It was my father's. It mean a great deal to me."
He gave me a heartwarming smile.
"You know little ladies shouldn't practise here. I know a better place for you to learn. In fact, I am here only with the purpose of taking you to it. You see, I am old, I no longer educate such young minds, but the flame is not yet gone. If you agree to practise inside the castle walls, I shall teach you...and perhaps do something about that sword, it's embarrassing to see you hold it."
I must admit I was trying my best with the sword, but my stepfather had been a huge man, he could manage the sword like it was a feather, but I could not. I looked rather foolish holding such a big sword. When Balin took it from me my embarrassment grew. He could swing it better than me.
The ride back to the castle was an interesting one, not only he said he could melt the sword into something for fitting for my height and arm strength, he said he would do it with no charge.
"There is a place for darrowdams to stay when practising, I can take you to one of the rooms the trainees stay. Standard procedure, men fight in further places and much sooner for the sole purpose of building endurance."
"You have a place only for the women?"
"Not only for the women, for the one who practise inside the castle, the ones who want to learn, but will not join battles, or for those who want to teach, but cannot go far from the castle walls."
Balin seemed like a good man, perhaps dwarfs weren't all gold greedy as they were once described to me. I could see why this man was trusted the the royal guard, he seemed seasoned in battle, but had a caring heart.
"You should ask your handmaidens to collect your things, I shall make accommodations for them as well."
"Forgive Master Balin, but someone like me fails to bring handmaidens on adventures."
Old Balin laughed sincerely amused by my words.
He did not disapointed me when I took a look at my room, I was expecting to share a room with three other girls, but I was surprised I had a room to myself. He told me breakfast would be served in a while, for it was still quite early in the morning, and I kept hoping that I would find Master Zirak and find out what was taking him so long.