Construction noise echoed across the grounds, hammering, stone grinding, beasts shouting orders. They were still repairing the buildings Zarek had destroyed the night he lost control.
Aldric clapped once. "Eyes here. Let's begin."
"We'll start simple," he said, motioning for a female beast soldier to step forward.
The soldier stepped forward. Tall, muscled, confident.
Eliora's stomach dropped.
Aldric demonstrated with a wooden sword.
"Keep your feet apart. Grip higher. Elbows relaxed."
Eliora copied him. "Like this?"
The soldier snorted. "Not even close."
Eliora sighed. "Fantastic."
"Again," Aldric instructed.
They moved. Eliora's sword dropped instantly. The soldier disarmed her with a flick.
Aldric cleared his throat. "Pick it up."
Eliora tried again. Failed again. On the third try, failed worse.
One of the guards muttered loudly, "Maybe the sword hates her."
Eliora glared. "It's mutual."
