Chapter One Hundred & Ninety Seven: The Arena & Sword

"You have never met any of our warriors but tonight you will," Dedruh said to Velma as she warmed up. "To train your sword fighting you will be going up against them. More than one at a time."

"I thought I was supposed to practice my magic on other druids?" She stretched her arm and winced as she heard her bones crack. Her muscles were just a little bit sore.

"You will have to refrain from using your magic tonight. Your energy base must not be activated."

"What do you mean?" Velma asked.

"I have a bad feeling..." Dedruh trailed off, his eyes were distant as he said so.

"This is about the person who constantly tries to tap into my energy base, is it not?"

"I want it to be a surprise to everyone. I want them expecting a show of magic in order to determine something," dedruh sighed. "I need to confirm something."

"You are suspecting someone, are you not?"