Morning Conditioning

I set my sword and round shield flat against the cedar bench to begin morning drills. Reaching up beneath the low wrought-iron plant bracket on the post, I gripped the cold, curved scrollwork with both hands. Bracing my shoulders, I hauled myself upward in a steady, unbroken pull until my chin cleared the iron bar. The metal groaned faintly against the timber lag bolt, holding solid under my full weight. Five controlled repetitions shook off any lingering chill from the night watch. True readiness is forged in routine, not chance.