Kaer Morhen, Year 1261
With Perseus having accepted the witcher training, Vesemir lead him to a small room with a basic bed and dresser. "This is where you shall be staying, Perseus." Perseus looked around the small room, inspecting his new living space and belongings. "Thank you Vesemir." The boy ran into the room and sprang into his new bed. "Get some rest Perseus, you will need it for tomorrow." With the boy otherwise occupied, Vesemir left to prepare for the next day and the start of the boys training.
The Next Day, 5 AM
Vesemir walked into the slumbering Perseus' room. "Awake my young friend, it is time to begin your training." As Perseus began to come into consciousness, Vesemir threw a simple tunic, trousers, and boots onto the bed. "You will need those for today Perseus, now awake, get dressed, and meet me in the courtyard.
Perseus sat up and seeing Vesemir gone, scrabbled to dress and prepare for his first day of training. After he was dressed Perseus headed to the courtyard to find Vesemir standing with two wooden training swords. "I suspect you have never had training in the art of a blade have you Perseus?" Vesemir asked. Perseus shook his head no. After seeing this motion Vesemir shook his head and handed Perseus one of the swords.
"Today we will start with the basics. This will be your stance and of holding the blade. Know this though, Perseus, there is more to the art of the sword than simply swinging it. You must always know when to move, how to move, how your feet should be positioned and so much more. This will be one of the most important things that you learn in your training and one of the things you will use most in your time as a witcher."
After Vesemir concluded his speech he began to show Perseus basic stances and positions to begin swordplay. After several minutes of showing Perseus the correct stance, and once Perseus had gotten the stance near perfect, Vesemir began to show the boy how to move and attack. After hours of showing Perseus the basics in stance, offense, defense, footwork, and dodging, the two began a slow paced, simple duel.
"Well done Perseus, you are a quick learner, that will serve you well in your training and your time as a witcher."
"Thank you, sir"
As it was near noon the two headed inside the fortress to have lunch. Inside Eskel and Lambert were already eating. "So the boy survived the first 7 hours, congratulations kid, you only got about 11 years to go." Lambert teased the boy. "Lambert leave the kid alone, at least he's got the balls to fucking volunteer for the training." Eskel responded to Lambert's jest.
"Both of you, enough." This was Vesemir tired of the twos antics.
"Yes sir."
"Perseus let us eat. Then we shall go back to your training." After Vesemir said this he pull some simple meat from a cupboard and put it over the fire in the room to cook for himself and Perseus.
"So kid all teasing aside, how did the training go." Lambert asked no longer teasing the boy. "It was OK. I've never learned to use a sword before. It's kind of fun." Was the boys response. This shocked the older man, rare was it that a child enjoyed fighting. "Ha, ya hear that Eskel, the boy thinks fighting is fun. His mind is definitely in the right place for his new life." "Shit, I think your right Lambert. Boy you will definitely go far here. That is for damn sure."
After Vesemir and Perseus had eaten the two headed back outside and again began training. "Perseus, there are many things that you will learn of in your training. One of these things are signs. Signs are a form of magic that is quick acting and only requires a special hand movement. You could light objects on fire, blast things away, make people do what you want, and more. Signs are one of the greatest tools a witcher can utilize."
As Vesemir explained signs he approached one of the training dummies in the courtyard and making a simple gesture blasted it across the yard. Perseus looked on in awe at what Vesemir was able to accomplish with a simple maneuver of his hands. "After I teach you one of these signs, Perseus, we will integrate it and the others you will learn into your sword technique.
For the next several hours Vesemir explain and demonstrated each sign. After showing the capabilities of many of the signs he returned to the first sign that he showed, the Aard sign. This sign was a simple telekinetic blast, but it was also one of the most versatile and useful of the signs. Soon dinner approached and the two once again entered to eat.
"Vesemir, where are Lambert and Eskel?" Perseus asked the older man. "Most likely the two have gone out into the world to perform their duties as witchers. Most witchers very rarely return to the fortress. And when they do return it is for holidays and times to meet old friends. Or they may return to seek aid and supplies. Worry not Perseus, those two are strong and will be safe." After giving this answer the man led Perseus into the mess hall and the two sat down for dinner.
"Many of the days ahead will be like this day Perseus. I will teach you many things; the sword, the signs, alchemy, how to hunt monsters. The trials ahead will not be easy and eventually you will meet the mages who live deeper inside Kaer Morhen. These mages will be the ones to bestow the mutations that will make you a witcher. It is not a simple process."
"I understand."
"Good, after we eat the rest of the day is yours, tomorrow we will continue to train."
After eating Perseus began to explore the fortress that had become his new home. As he was exploring he began to wonder how he came to be here. He could remember that his he was much more technologically advanced than this place. He seemed to be in mid-evil Europe. But how was that possible, how could he travel through time, would he ever see his mother again?
These questions ran through Perseus' mind as he returned to his room and prepared for bed. Perhaps these mutations to become a witcher would allow him the strength to return to his time. Little did Perseus know they would give that kind of power. However, he would have to take the long way.
Day 2 of training, 5 AM
Just as the day before Vesemir awoke Perseus and the two went to the courtyard and began sword training. Unlike the day before, however, Vesemir did not instruct he began by dueling the boy. As the two fought Perseus began to collect welts from the wooden sword all over his body, while Vesemir had not been hit at all. This enraged the boy who in his rage began to blindly attack the older man. Seeing this Vesemir quickly disarmed him and began to teach.
"Perseus, when you are in a battle whether it be a duel, a fight for survival, or a war, you must never yield to your rage. If you give into your rage then you will fight blindly and sloppily. You will be easy to defeat. You must always be the one in control of your emotions. Do not let them control you."
"Yes sir."
"Good boy, now pick the sword up and let us start again."
As the two continued to duel Perseus was able to land a blow or two on Vesemir. While not much compared to the hundreds the man had landed on Perseus they were still a remarkable achievement for one who had only begun learning the sword the day before. Soon it was lunch, but Vesemir did not stop the training. He began showing Perseus how to integrate the signs in his technique.
This lasted throughout the afternoon and soon it was dinner and the two were still dueling. Then Vesemir simply disarmed the boy and headed inside to eat. Perseus looked at the man in amazement. He could have ended the duel whenever he wanted and yet he had not. It was here that Perseus realized he had a long way to go in his training.
Kaer Morhen, Year 1264
Three years, that's how long it had been since Perseus had appeared in Kaer Morhen and had accepted the training to become a witcher. He had learned much in this short time. Perseus had become decent with a blade and Vesemir had approved him to fight with a real sword. Perseus had also integrated signs near flawlessly in his style of swordplay. Many times Vesemir had described him as a raging storm that would bring death to those in its wake.
Perseus, now ten, stood in the courtyard across from Leo, an eleven year old boy that Vesemir had brought to Kaer Morhen to train as a witcher. The two both held a steel blade and waited for the other to make the first move.
Leo, the younger and less trained of the two, charged forward with an overhead strike. Perseus simply dodged and countered. Soon the two were exchanging blows at a moderate speed. The duel was not as impressive as the one the two had once witnessed between Geralt and Eskel once. However, for there age and inexperience it was impressive.
Vesemir watched the two from above and could see that Perseus would soon disarm Leo and win the duel. Soon after the man's prediction came true and Leo's sword went flying through the air. The two stood, one now unarmed and the other with his sword pointed at his opponent.
Clapping was heard above the two as Vesemir applauded them. "Well done. Well done both of you. However, both of you still have much to learn. Leo your defense must be impenitrable, if your opponent can slip through you could lose your life. And, Perseus there were many openings that I know you could see. You must take advantage of these and win a fight as quickly as possible."
"Yes, Vesemir." Responded Perseus while Leo responded with a simple nod.
"Good, now back to practice boys."
After Leo retrieved his fallen blade the two once again began to duel. As Vesemir watched he was happy to see that the two were trying to correct the mistakes that he had pointed out. Perseus had come for in the three years that he had lived and trained in Kaer Morhen. Perseus could most probably be on par with many veteran soldiers in the art of the blade and his skill with the signs was that of a prodigy. Never had Vesemir seen a quicker learner and a skilled student. Leo was nearly the same in his training. He had only been trained for seven months and he was already becoming skilled with the sword.
While all of this was true both had much to learn. Although, Vesemir was confident that both would become witchers in full with the next decade. He was also sure that both young men would survive the process and would go into the world as witchers. After watching the two for a few minutes Vesemir headed down to the courtyard to instruct the two.
"Good, good. Now, Perseus I want you to begin using signs in your fighting. You as well Leo."
"Yes, sir."
Both began to fight once again. However this time signs were thrown into the mix. Over the last few years Perseus had become an expert in integrating signs into his fighting, particularly the Aard sign. It was after all the first sign that he learned.
After several minutes of fighting the first sign appeared. It was a simple Aard sign thrown by Perseus. However, it was enough to throw Leo off balance and allow Perseus to have him at sword point. "Looks as if I win again Leo." "Yeah, yeah you win. Man I never win any of these fights." "Well, I do have three years training on you."
"Perseus speaks the truth, young Leo, he is much more experienced. Now come both of you, it is time for us to eat."
After saying this the man began to head into the fortress as the two boys sheathed their swords at their backs and followed him inside. It would only be a few years after this that Perseus would undergo the trial of grasses and be gifted his swords. In only a few years he would become a witcher.
Kaer Morhen, Year 1268
Inside the mess hall of Kaer Morhen, Perseus, Vesemir, Leo, Eskel, and Lambert stood. Each had a mug of alcohol and each were in morning. For you see, earlier that week the friend to all five men had died in Rivia. His name was Geralt.
"To Geralt, the best man and witcher that we all had the pleasure to know." This toast was made by Vesemir and after he had made it all five drunk in honor of their fallen comrade and friend.
"To think that Geralt is dead." This was Perseus who in his seven years of living at Kaer Morhen had met Geralt. Geralt had even indulged Perseus in his childish wants of having a duel with the man. Geralt was a good man and he had died protecting the oppressed. It was here that Perseus made a decision, that no matter what he would be like Geralt. He would defend the innocent and the oppressed.
And so it was that Perseus made a decision that would change the lives of thousands, even hundreds of thousands. Because for the rest of his life Perseus would enter wars and battles simply to fight for the oppressed. He would carve a path through armies for the weak. He would become a butcher to defend the weak. He would give up his own humanity.
Kaer Morhen, Year 1272
Perseus, now eighteen, sat waiting for Vesemir. Today was the day that Perseus would go through the trails and would become a witcher. Soon Perseus would be able to leave Kaer Morhen and slay the monsters in the outside world. He had spent the last eleven years preparing for this day he was ready.
Vesemir entered the room and beckoned for Perseus to follow him. "Today Perseus you shall undertake the trials and become a witcher. After you have gone through the trial you will meet with me and select your name and be gifted your swords and medallion. That is, of course, if you survive."
"Do not be troubled Vesemir, I shall make it through the trial. I have no intentions of dying today."
"Of course, Perseus, good luck." This was said as the two had arrived at the door leading to the mages and their laboratory inside Kaer Morhen.
"Thank you, old friend." After saying this Perseus headed into the labs and would not come out for several days.
Kaer Morhen, Several days later
Perseus had gone into the laboratory several days ago and now he came out. His new catlike eyes seeing all and his strength and speed increased. Perseus felt powerful and while the last few days felt like pure utter fucking agony, he felt much stronger. It felt like he could kill anything.
"Hello, Vesemir, I am ready to choose my name and receive my swords and medallion."
"Perseus, I knew you would survive. Here are your blades and your medallion use them well. And what is the name you have chosen."
As Perseus took the two sheathed swords and attached them to his back and put his wolf medallion around his neck he gave his answer. "I shall be known as Perseus of Novigrad. Witcher and slayer of monsters."
"Then Perseus of Novigrad, good luck in the world, know that Kaer Morhen is always your home, and that you are always welcome."
"Thank you, Vesemir. I leave now. May we see each other again."
And with those words the newly christened Perseus of Novigrad went out into the wide world to begin his life as a witcher. And to also become a legend. A legend that would be known throughout all time as a warrior, a hero, a butcher, and a witcher.
Hey guys thank you for reading. I know I said I would be updating every two weeks but I should be able to do two chapters on weekends every two weeks. So that means every two weeks one chapter will be uploaded on friday and one on Sunday. Now next chapter will begin the adventures of Perseus. I think the next 4 or 5 will take place in witcher timeline meaning 1273 to 1276. I haven't decided if Perseus will meet Geralt after Geralt's resurrection. We'll see. In the meantime Perseus is going to begin making a name for himself. That will be in two week, see you guys then.