Chapter 17: Embers beneath the blade
The training grounds beneath the Citadel were nothing like the polished arenas above. Here, stone replaced sand, and the air was heavy with the scent of scorched metal and ancient sweat. This was not a place for performance. It was for war. For truth.
Thalen stood at the center of the underground chamber, Kindle strapped to his back, his muscles sore from the morning drills. Every bone in his body ached, but he welcomed the pain. It meant he was growing.
Velis circled him slowly, arms behind his back, watching with eyes that missed nothing.
"Again," Velis ordered.
Thalen lunged at the target post an iron dummy inscribed with aura runes. He swung, feinted, pivoted, struck. Sparks scattered from the blade’s edge as it met the enchanted metal. His footwork was tighter now. His form sharper.
Velis raised an eyebrow but said nothing.
After five more sets, Thalen dropped to a knee, panting.
"You think the test is over," Velis said, walking to him. "You think you’ve passed because you’ve been chosen. But that’s not how this works."
Thalen looked up, sweat dripping from his brow.
"Then how does it work?"
Velis drew his sword still sheathed and pointed it at Thalen’s chest.