Vio closed on him rapidly and surprised him by stopping, jogging in place for a moment then running backwards along side him.
“You are doing well,” she said, and Gwaynn got at least a little satisfaction from the fact that she was breathing hard and sweating, though not nearly as much as he was at the moment.
Gwaynn only nodded in reply, not feeling as if he could answer without gasping.
“You have made it this entire way on the run?” She asked.
Again Gwaynn could only nod.
“Excellent, I struggled to make it to the point on a run my first time. You only have about half a mile to go. I think you will make it,” she added with a quick smile that made Gwaynn somehow want to run even faster…but he didn’t.
“I’ll see you,” she said by way of good-bye and abruptly changed direction and headed back toward the quarter. Gwaynn ran on feeling better, though he was still very tired. Now, however, he knew there was no way he would stop before he reached the point.
Kostek came into view shortly thereafter, closely followed by several other students. Gwaynn could recognize Krys, and B’dall just behind him. Krys nodded but said nothing. B’dall passed shortly after, but ignored Gwaynn completely. Farther back ran the last of the Mele quarter including, Tad, who was in his sixth year, William, fifth year, Tam, first year, Hotch, fourth year, and finally Stephen who was in his second. This group was well back of Kostek and a good deal farther from Vio, and the fact that the students in the quarter ran at different speeds lightened Gwaynn’s heart even more. He passed the last group with a nod and they all yelled out encouragement to him as they went by.
Gwaynn was very tired now, but the point was in sight and he just wanted to make it all the way there without stopping. He ran on, very aware of the pain in his legs, but forced himself to keep moving. He followed the shoreline, which turned sharply to the south and looking up he was surprised to see a ship under sail out on the horizon. As it floated serenely past, its white sails caught the first full rays of the early morning sun. He watched it curiously until suddenly the point ended and Gwaynn dropped to his knees, breathing heavily. He stayed put for several long moments, watching the ship sail away before getting to his feet once more. He waded into the sea, splashed about in the water then turned and headed back toward the quarter. He walked for only about five minutes before surprising himself and breaking into the slow jog, which he held nearly all the way back.
Tar Kostek was waiting for him by the path, which led from the beach and back up to the quarter.
“Very good, very good,” he said smiling, but Gwaynn found he was too tired to smile back, or even stand up straight. “Much better than expected.”
Gwaynn said nothing for a while and just rested on his knees in the sand. Kostek waited patiently next to him, saying nothing.
Finally Gwaynn’s breathing began to slow, and without standing, looked up at his new Master. “Will we be training tonight?” he asked hopefully.
Tar Kostek shook his head. “This is your training,” he answered. “First you must beat one of my students in the run; then we can continue our weapons training, but not before,” he added thinking Gwaynn may protest. But the boy merely looked up at him still breathing faster than normal then he nodded and got to his feet. Gwaynn stripped out of his clothing and waded out into the ocean. Kostek left him there to cool down, wondering once more how they managed to miss the boy.
Over the next three weeks Gwaynn showed no sign of improving, in fact his performance actually grew worse as the first week wore on. But, gradually during the next two, his stamina improved, though the results were not plainly visible. Tar Kostek, who had trained a great number of students over the years, had expected this, since the adrenaline of the first day could not be sustained over time. He also expected Gwaynn to show signs of frustration and discouragement. The boy, however, kept his feelings well hidden and continued to rise early every day and run behind the other students. Kostek let him continue without a word and as if it had happened very suddenly, Gwaynn’s speed began to increase. One morning Kostek was surprised when he made the turn at the point and could see Gwaynn in the distance, trailing Hotch and Stephen, but plainly visible for the first time. Kostek smiled to himself and unconsciously picked up his own speed. He was still second, and still well behind Vio, who it seemed, was born to run. Ever since her dash to rescue Gwaynn, she had dominated his group. Kostek was looking forward to the year-end Competitions. Vio would surprise them all. He was still second behind her followed closely by Krys. At the moment they were well ahead of B’dall, who carried far too much hereditary bulk to excel at long distance running. B’dall’s pride and determination however, seemed to be enough to nearly always keep him close behind his Master. But it was in Vio that Kostek was most proud, though unfortunately she was such a fast runner that she no longer even pushed the other students to higher levels.
Kostek was careful to show no sign of emotion as he passed Gwaynn on his return run but inside he was urging his new student on. It would be an incredible feat if Gwaynn could match even his slowest students after less than a month, though oddly Kostek was sure the boy could be among his fastest. Gwaynn had an inner fire that could not be stoked by any soul other than the one within. It burned bright in the young prince, who was just on the verge of becoming aware of his power and control over himself. Plus, he, like Vio and William, had a runner’s physique, long limbs and a light core. Kostek ran on and at the finish found Vio, still dripping from her dip in the sea, patiently waiting for him. Kostek raised an eyebrow as he passed her and dropped to a walk, breathing hard. Krys finished just behind him and almost immediately stripped and waded out into the warm water. Kostek continued to walk about, cooling down slowly before stripping and wading out into the sea. He was walking out of the water, balanced against the gentle waves and moving tides of sand, when B’dall finished and walked on past him. Kostek turned to give Vio a look.
“You think he has a chance then?” Kostek asked coming up to Vio after he’d dressed.
“I think one day he might push me,” she replied as some of the other students came into view. They were still at a far distance, perhaps half a mile away.
Kostek raised his brows once more as Krys joined them.