It wasn't a surprise that few hands shot up when Von asked who'd go first. But one hand rose higher than the rest, accompanied by a voice that shattered the stillness.
"Me! Me!" Karl shouted, his arm waving wildly.
"I want to go first!"
Adrian turned to look at him. 'Sometimes I forget he's just twelve.'
Master Von's gray eyes settled on Karl with a faint smirk on his lips.
"Since you're so interested, come ahead, Karl."
Karl's grin widened as he strode forward while the other Knights watched on with tension.
"Sit," Von instructed, gesturing to his mat at the center of the Dojo.
Karl dropped onto the mat, crossing his legs, his grin still in place as Von knelt before him, resting his hand on the other's knees.
"Now I want you to relax your nerves," he said, his voice softening, almost hypnotic.
"Envision your mind as a river, flowing freely, its currents gentle and unending. Let your thoughts drift with it, smooth and unburdened."
