Part 182: Frederick B

Hold the lance motionless, as a heron hunting a fish. The tip cannot waver.

...Yes.

HYAAR!

Ah!

Good. The lance did not move at all. You have a steady hand and strong nerve.

You moved so fast I had no time to react. I would have thought that impossible. ...And look! You cleaved the lance in twain with naught but a blunt wooden staff. Yet my hands felt no impact. It's as if the lance split of its own accord.

'Tis the result of many factors: speed, muscle control, and the flow of power. These same skills allowed me to throw that young soldier earlier.

How can you possibly compute all those factors in such a short time?

A soldier does not... compute. A soldier acts on instinct and training.

Instinct? But man is a rational animal, gifted with a keen mind.

Minds are a hindrance in the brief moment between life and death. Yes, you use intelligence before a battle and during training... But in combat, you must let instinct rule. You must learn how to FEEL!

This is a most remarkable ability.

With hard work and training, anyone can do the same.

Even I?

Of course! A keen observer such as yourself will learn faster than most. I might even wager that you are better equipped than I for such things.

That is most encouraging.

I have some special exercises that may help you develop your instincts. Perhaps you would allow me to show you. ...That is, if you are free.

I am always free for the pursuit of knowledge.