For the next hour, that's all she did. Back, forward, sideways. Frang walked around her, pushing at her occasionally and seeing if she was maintaining stability. She got quicker, more prepared, more in equilibrium. When he was satisfied with that, he had her do it again, but holding her epee. In another hour, her point was dragging, she was drenched in sweat and her legs were screaming at her.

"I have to stop. I can't go anymore,"Ailene said.

"Aye, I can see. You canna even hold your wee point up anymore. Come with me to the armory. I've got some balm to ease the pain in your legs."

They went...