After the bath disaster, James led Ethan straight to the training grounds.
"Watch!" he declared. "I'm going to show you how strong I am."
His nose was practically pointing to the sky as he gave a proud look.
Ethan smiled patiently. "Alright."
James grabbed a wooden sword half his size, planted his feet, and swung it with all the power in his tiny body.
It slipped out of his hands instantly.
WHOOSH…
CLANK…
B O U N C E…
The sword sailed beautifully into the air…
…then landed squarely on the helmet of a passing knight.
The knight collapsed and fell flat on his face.
Alo, who had followed them, pinched the bridge of his nose so hard he nearly ripped it off.
"James."
"Yes, Father?"
"You could have killed the man."
"But I didn't," James argued. "Which means I have excellent aim."
"That is not how that works." Alo retorted
Ethan couldn't hold it, he burst into laughter again, warm and soft.
James turned bright red… but proud.
"I made him laugh," he whispered to himself. "Success..."