Chapter 2

Shinscale spent the next two weeks training at the Academy. Each day was similar, he would start out running through Protector's Enclave with Thalas and his friends, Ashe Serryano and Mercer Silvershield.

Ashe Serryano, whose hair was blond, was similar to Thalas in that she had elvish features. Thalas told Shinscale she aspired to be a commander for the city's watch and was training at the Academy to improve her fighting skills.

Mercer was was a spellcaster who trained in boxing and wrestling to improve his conditioning for his magical abilities.

After they returned to the Academy, Mercer would work with Shinscale on different grappling techniques. At first, Shinscale was perplexed as to how grappling movements would help his boxing skills, but as he went through the motions and holds with Mercer, Shinscale felt he was getting a good workout, particularly in his muscles.

Once he was finished stretching with Mercer, Shinscale would practice weapons with Ashe and Thalas, preferring to use a greatsword. The lesson was reminiscent of the few weapons lessons he received from his parents' friends in Waterdeep. He also noted how swinging a greatsword helped stretch his arm muscles even more.

After a midday meal, Shinscale would spar with all three fellow trainees. He worked with Thalas on different repetitions of strikes and counterpunches. After Thalas was finished, Ashe laced up her gloves and sparred with him. Shinscale noted Ashe's precise movements and hand speed kept him on his toes. He sparred with Mercer, who unlike him, Thalas and Ashe, primarily led with his right hand and right foot forward when he boxed.

On Shinscale's fifth day at the academy, the four were having lunch and discussing their plans for the afternoon when they heard yelling from the door. Thalas and Shinscale recognized the squires they fought days ago.

"Back for more?" Thalas said as he, Shinscale, Ashe and Mercer approached them. "Or have you come to ask to train here?"

Clyd shook his head and sneered. "Why would we train at dump like this place. It takes any kind of trash apparently." He turned to Shinscale and added. "It's good you're training here, maybe you can give us more of a challenge.

Shinscale raised an eyebrow. "Thalas and I both gave you a beating yesterday. I haven't been training much, but I'm sure the next whipping I give you will be easier for me."

Clyd stepped forward and swing his fist at Shinscale, who intercepted it and punched him in the jaw, sending him back. One of the other squires drew a knife. Shinscale blocked the attack, unintentionally cutting the squire in the process.

Blood was trickling down his chin as Jacen came forward. "I've told you boys that you're not to come here and start fights. Now leave before I contact the guard."

The squires left, vowing to bring Neverwinter's finest men to arrest him while Shinscale stood quietly. He felt Jacen's hand on his shoulder. "If you're really itching for a fight, we'll just have to escalate your training a bit to get you ready for the next event," Thalas said.

Jacen crossed his arms. "That is going to be weeks from now, but if you're eager for some action, there is a fight card at the Arena this weekend."

"As for getting Shinscale a fight. Let me speak with the Commission," Jacen said. "Even if you don't fight Shinscale, you can least corner everyone."

"That would be great," Shinscale said. "I don't know how I am going to tell my parents."

Shinscale stepped through the door, nervous at how he was going to tell his parents while Thalas walked behind him. He had insisted Shinscale he speak with his parents while his father left to speak to the guards about the attack. The boys found Creed, sitting in his chair with his arms crossed.

"Hello son, I heard you were in a fight," Creed said as the boys moved closer to him.

Shinscale bit his lip while Thalas introduced himself. "It's an honor to meet you sir, I am Thalas Deacrhon."

Creed shook the boy's hand. "I know who you are. Thank you for helping my son, though when he told us he was training at the Academy, I didn't realize you were teaching him to use his skills to attack innocent squires."

The boys were silent as the elder tiefling grinned and shook his head and laughed. "Boys, I am merely jesting. The guards came to talk to me about the squires trying to pick a fight with you. That is not how the boys told it, but the guards said they had seen them starting fights before."

Shinscale and Thalas sighed in relief but Creed shook his head once more. "Your mother still isn't keen on you boxing, Shinscale, and she didn't take the news as well, but hopefully a few days in Waterdeep will take her mind off of things. I will be joining her shortly.

"I see," Shinscale said, eager to tell him about his potential first fight, then shook his head. "It's nothing."

Creed titled his chin, eager to hear what his son had to say.

"Shinscale has the opportunity to fight in his first bout, if my father can talk to the commission," Thalas said.

Creed smiled. "This is wonderful, I wish you had said something sooner, I would like to see you fight if you have the chance. When does your fight take place?"

"It's not official, it may not be even a fight," Shinscale answered, his voice growing more excited with each word.

Creed shrugged. "Hopefully your mother and I will be in Neverwinter before then." He noticed the worried look on his son's face and added. "Remember what I said before."

"Mother will come around," Shinscale said.