My sword is slow and my shield is heavy.   You feel the crack and surge of pain up your back, and your teeth ring together.  This is the point were you hear from the background in a deep thumping voice, “Footwork!” ring out.  To yourself you keep saying this is my third time in armour this week, pell all week, kettelball, speed training and 3hrs in the sun today, But you know you must push on ( he would).

In and out you weave, ducking and pressing.  Trying to keep your mind from wondering and your heart from failing you when you need it most.  You are training your body but more importantyou are training you soul to be stronger.   This strength is harder to train, your body heals easy; the bruises fade, the muscles heal and the concussions go away.  The soul thou, that is a deep creature it doesn’t forgive when you forget, when busied it you will always have that mark, but in a hot slow fire over a Long period of time it will become stronger and harder.  On this you push on, till your hands bleed and your mouth is so dry you cant speak.

All this day in and out for the strength of the journey, a nod from the Boss, and a kiss from your lady.

House Serpentius:Fortitudine Vincimus – By endurance We Conquer