The Rain Duel

The waking light of the Halo rose slowly. Lucen, Tharic, Ymir, Set, and many others from their class were up early to carry the buckets of water up the steps. The training yard sat comfortably above a daunting number of steps. 

The chilly wind bit through his light clothes. His classmates rubbed their arms as they spoke in quiet voices. 

Lucen's head bobbed as he stood, and he rubbed his eyes. "I hate how early we have to get here. Nobody's around, so why not just forget the buckets?"

"Try to have some respect for the traditions that have built so many skilled fighters," Set scolded. "If you're so tired, then the journey will warm you up."

"I'm only half filling them," Lucen muttered.

"Did you hear about the newest class of Knights from Crucible?" Ymir whispered to Arielle, "Bedir topped his class."

Arielle clicked her tongue. "I'm happy the king's son didn't get it, at least. But Alexandria would have been so much better."