Astrid gripped her sword, watching Raiden circle her. The two had spent three days training vigorously, and she still hadn't beaten him in the sparring matches they had at the end of each session. With the first Trial looming on the horizon tomorrow morning, she was determined that this match would be different.
Raiden lunged forward, his sword glinting in the twilight as it swished through the air toward her. Astrid skipped back, watching his shoulders and hips warily. His body pivoted and she blocked his next blow, then rammed his body with her shoulder.
Astrid was not gifted with the remotest of physical strength, but the attack had the momentum and surprise to knock Raiden back. He grunted, pushing her away, and the two stood apart for a moment, breathing hard. She narrowed her eyes
