The Sword and the Mandolin

Galloping in tune, the horses paralleled the path towards the stream that inhabited the refreshing spring, which in that late afternoon, represented the reward of a long day of training, the Knight and the Squire followed in a silence capable of saying more than a thousand words. The disagreement between mentor and disciple earlier had been just one of several conflicts resulting from the intense process of training the young man who, with great ambition, sought the noble military title of Knight.

Johan: — If you don’t learn to fight with your guard up, I guarantee you that your body will still have to heal a lot of cuts.

Miguel: — Johan, I learned this lesson a long time ago, it was just a slip, and besides, you distracted me, it wasn’t fair.

Johan: — Fair? A Knight’s life isn’t going to be as comfortable as that room of yours at the top of the castle filled with rugs and soft velvet blankets. Your father assigned you to this training for a very specific reason.

Miguel: — My father must be enjoying the most diverse of banquets right now while we have to make do with that undercooked hunt.

Arriving at the stream, they both stopped at the edge where their mounts could hydrate while they waited for their next journey. Miguel descended from his Arabian blood, stroked his mane, and gave his classic approving slap on the neck. Miguel: — You can let your guard down and rest your paws boy, we have arrived at the camp.

Johan walked over to the fire that was still burning from the night before, threw a couple of sweet potatoes over the edge to cook, and began to feed it with jatoba twigs and a few coal stones that would be enough for the night ahead. Miguel was starting to unload his things at the same time he took the weight of the armor off his body.

Johan: — Aren’t you forgetting something? Go get the Mandolin stuck in Timoteo’s saddle before enjoying your laziness.

Miguel: — Yes sir, but can I ask you not to play late again? I just want to rest for at least one night.

Johan: — Maybe the day you play better than me, I’ll give you a night off. Do you know why all Southern Gentlemen carry a Sword and a Mandolin?

Miguel: — Because we train to be bards as much as we are warriors.

Johan: — Vague answer. The Sword’s role is to separate and wound through the edge of the blade, while the mandolin is to unite and heal through the notes. One-sidedness is a sign of barbarism Miguel, we must always balance the heavy and violent use of force with the lightness and harmony of poetry.

Miguel: — Then why did you never teach me to play? I think I’m better with the sword anyway.

Johan: — Your interest in our culture is yours alone, the most I can do is inspire you and share some techniques, but strengthening your soul and brain goes far beyond any muscle exercise or agility movement. As you age, muscle fibers weaken and the skin becomes saggy, whereas your mind’s library can grow with infinite shelves. Think about it, but first understand that when we train with the sword, we train not to have to use it, not to parade with it as a trophy. It’s about always being prepared, not to attack or intimidate, but to defend yourself in the face of a threat.

Miguel: — I understand Johan, can you pass me a potato? I need those proteins right now.

Johan approached the fire and took with his bare hands one of those smoldering potatoes that looked overcooked on the outside, but when it was split in half, it released a stream of smoke that smelled of fresh food that began to rise through the air as the moon began to illuminate that night. He threw one of the pieces towards Miguel who with an expression of astonishment and pain, held the potato while it burned his hand.

Johan: — Courage. That is the first virtue of the Knights, Miguel. Everything that illuminates must withstand the burning of that which burns.

Miguel: — How can you hold something so hot in your hands? I need to work on that.

Johan: — Strength. This is the second, every Knight is aware of his weaknesses and must develop his strengths diligently.

Miguel: — What are the others?

Johan: — Temperance is the third, the wise Knight abstains from what does not benefit him. Through moderation and control, the Knight creates an island that no flood can inundate.

While he was concentrating on his mentor’s words, Miguel sipped water from his leather flask and peeled the burned skin off the potato with his fingernails.

Johan: — Humility takes fourth place. Not all battles, will be won Miguel, always know when to withdraw and regain your strength and never let pride blind you.

Miguel: — How many are left?

Johan: — Patience, Miguel, this is the fifth. Make time your ally, there is always a time for action, but it is only evident when your mind is clear.

Johan: — Now keep this one in your heart, for the sixth is Mercy, a wound inflicted by an arrow can heal, but a wound caused by harsh words can stay forever in the heart. Exercise your compassion on the same frequency you use your diaphragm to breathe.

Miguel: — The next one is Generosity, right? Wealth should just be a tool for us to do good and feed the works of God in our community, causes, and life purpose.

Johan: — Very well! You remember. The last one is also with you, it is the Knight’s fuel and must always be present in your vision of today and tomorrow because difficult times will always be followed by times of prosperity.

Miguel paused to reflect and while looking steadily at Johan, started looking for the last answer to this lesson that he knew he would take for life. When he found the word, he prepared to speak with great desire, and in a single voice, both uttered the last virtue.

Johan/Miguel: — Hope!