To Sharpen the Blade Once More (2)

Korv stared at the mighty hammer before him. He had lifted it so many times before. Surely, his strength had not diminished that much.

Confidently, he reached down to grasp it. As his fingers curled around the knurled handle, he proceeded to lift, and…

Nothing.

The hammer did not budge even a whisper. Korv stared in disbelief. This hammer was but a mere toy! He had swung it in battle countless times, felled several enemies.

Surely, this must be sorcery! But, as Korv looked to the sky and reflected, he knew once again that there was no sorcery involved. He had let himself get soft. While he did have injuries to heal, he knew there were still things he could have done to hold onto his strength and his prowess.

Korv looked at the hammer again. This time with determination instead of confidence. It may not leave the ground easily, but leave the ground it would. Korv knew he would struggle greatly, but he also knew this was the only way to regain what he’d lost.

Korv hunched over, and with both hands he grasped the handle yet again. He pulled with all his might, and the hammer resisted. The iron bastard was stubborn, indeed. Korv could feel the sweat pouring from his brow as the morning sun beat down upon him.

His back was on fire, and his arms felt like they would rip straight from their sockets, but Korv would not give up. He could not. He let out a loud grunt and heaved with every last ounce of his strength. The hammer would move now, or not at all.

Begrudgingly, and with much resistance, the hammer came free from it’s comfortable bed in the earth. When it finally relented, it came up with such force that it almost knocked Korv to his back. He regained himself at just the right moment, tightened his grip, and let the hammer come to rest on his shoulder.

Gasping for air, with legs beneath him like gelatin, Korv felt a great surge of pride throughout his being. While he still had a steep mountain to climb, he felt a sense of accomplishment. He had taken the first step to reclaiming himself.

Sometimes this is most difficult battle of all. But now, finally, Korv was ready.

Read Part One Here