The family gathered near the crystal spring once the day's training had finally wound down, exhaustion settling over all of them in equal measure, though something steadier had replaced the earlier frustration — the particular, hard-won satisfaction of a day that had revealed more than it had cost.
"We need more than combat training," Silver said, still catching his breath. "I've been thinking about it since this morning. The farm. The animals. None of you actually know what you're doing out there, do you?"
Aunt Lucy, who'd joined them partway through the session, exchanged a glance with Aunt Mary. "We've managed," she said, though something faintly defensive colored the words.
