Snippets – Ch 2
The only thing abnormal about him was how normal he was. He'd tried everything. Haircut? Magically returns to bed head. Improve riding techniques? Everyone improves. Deftest potato peeler? Not a chance.
Leading his horse back in from a routine patrol, Stahl sighed before patting his steed. "Must be rough being stuck with someone as boring as me, huh?"
His horse flicked its ears, more interested in the oats in the stall than in Stahl's woes.
Leaving the horse behind, he headed towards the weapons tent to return the lance he was carrying. The spearhead was a loose, and while he had the time, he might as well fix it.
"That way I won't be entirely useless."
Pushing aside the canvas flap, Stahl found Frederick, already busying himself over the point of a sword.
"Good evening." The knight captain greeted.
Stahl offered a wave back, hoping that the other hadn't heard his monologue.
But of course, Frederick had.
"So what's this about being useless? You aren't shirking on any of your duties are you?"
Settling down on a crate on the opposite end of the tent, Stahl let out a nervous laugh. "Of course not. I'd never. I mean, after the years of training you gave me?" Years of training that beat a work ethic into his soul so severely that Stahl still spent free time checking over weapons on provisions for the next campaign.
Laying the spear across his knees, Stahl propped his face on one hand before continuing to ramble. "It's just, everyone's so spectacular and amazing and then there's me. What can I do? I'm completely ordinary. I can't throw fire or heal anyone. I mean I used Chrom's sword to chop some vegetables once but that's beside the point."
Realizing that he'd spilled his concerns on someone who might not even be interested in hearing them, Stahl quickly apologized. "You can forget I said any of that. Sorry about this." He returned his attention to the spear, expecting that the two of them would work in silence.
Through it all, Frederick had listened quietly, seeming to be more absorbed in his work than in the other knight. When the sword was at his desired sharpness, Frederick laid it aside before addressing Stahl.
"I wouldn't worry so much as to compare yourself to others. I've taught you to the best of my abilities, and you've turned out to be a fine knight. Regardless of what you may think of yourself, you are an invaluable member of this army."
Frederick stated as a matter of fact, leaving no room for argument.
Stunned, Stahl tried to protest, but Frederick rose, and strode over to him.
"Don't. Sell yourself short."
With these parting words, the captain left, leaving Stahl with just a bit more confidence than he had before.