Chapter 68

　　Memory

　　The sun was hot and sweat ran clear tracks through the dust that covered Sylvin head to foot. He circled the other boy, keeping his fists up near his face as the soldiers had taught them to do. By appearances, they were a good match, of similar height and built, just beginning to show the strength that training to be soldiers were building in the bulk of shoulder and bicep – but both boys knew that Sylvin held the advantage.

　　Sylvin’s introduction into the barracks had been abrupt and brutal. In the way of boys, a new arrival required those that had come before to establish themselves as higher in the hierarchy, to ensure that the new recruit knew his rank and proper place.