Chapter 7: Life at Camp Bracken

Six Weeks Later

A clear, clean thwack split the afternoon air as Oliver blocked a blow from Aldric. Their wooden practice swords bounced off each other, showing splinters. Oliver backed off a pace, his arm tingling from the impact.

Aldric stepped forward again and hacked at him. Oliver ducked under the blow and gave the muscular recruit a light jab to his thigh with his practice sword. His body just seemed to move all on its own, flowing into the well-practiced movement.

Aldric sighed and let his arms hang to his side. “Another point to you. And I believe that is game, as well.”

Oliver leaned against the fence encircling the practice yard and wiped his face with his sleeve. “Well fought,” he panted.