Just like me Berteim is a dreamer. He dreamt every night of becoming an impressive knight that takes on the bad guys and brings justice to the village. Hence why I became the villain of his story; however, I flipped the script on him. There was never a villain, therefore he could never become the hero of the village.
So he decided that in order to become a knight like he dreamed of he needed to venture out to find people he could bring to the light of justice.
Seriously, I don't know where this kid got this concept of goodliness from.
Regardless he made it his goal to join me on my adventure to Iberion, to make sure I fulfill my goal of making my own name and to fulfill his own goals of becoming a knight proper.
I took the sword from him, because who gives a kid a sword? Anyways, his dad won't need it for a while so I suppose it's best if I use it instead of a half baked novice.
Though it was not without resistance and hesitation. So with some persuasion and some grandiose machinations I convinced him that he could give me his sword, in return I had to teach him how to use it as-well.
Easy enough, so I took the deal. The sword had a purposeful heft, and its double sided edge was definitely intimidating; it was a long straight sword with a simple crossguard. Without the elegance I was used to in swords, it was all business.
Giving it a few swings I got the hang of its balance. It would take longer to use the sword effectively, but I wasn't expecting malign company in the forest.
"Berteim, are you sure you want to do this? This is your last chance to turn back."
Berteim gave me an uncertain look. He wasn't sure what he wanted, but this adventure definitely had a pull on him.
Admittedly I was also hesitant to let Berteim go, even if he was dead weight he could at least alleviate the boredom that would come from traversing the forestry grounds.
Still I didn't want him to go into this without his full acknowledgement of what he was doing.
"I can't trust that the rumors about you aren't actually real. Even if this is your dream I want to make sure that I bring you to justice should you act out of line."
Without answering the very pointed question, he made his stance. To make sure that I stay in line.
"So?"
"I'll go. If not for me then who in the world can trust that you are as you say you are."
I chuckled at his response. This kid! Who does he think he is?!
"Pshh, as if you can tell others who I am before I let them know who I am through the stories they'll hear about me."
He straightened his ill-fit helmet.
"Let's go!"
With that we began our march towards the forest.
Not before we made a pit stop at Berteim's home. Where he told his father of his adventure. Understanding of a boy's aspiration he did not stop Berteim, but packed his bags instead. A process, which although unplanned by either boy, was slow but welcome as it gave them more than a week's worth of fresh food and much more in dried food.
Clearly Berteim's father was sparing no expense on his son's foray into a wider world.
As Berteim's father began to lecture him about the necessities of foraging and hunting skills a small smile formed on my face as I watched on.
Was this how a father was supposed to act?