Eleanor did not waste any time. She changed what she was wearing and in an instant they were all outside ready for the training of the day.
“Stand properly,” Eleanor instructed, circling Emily like a seasoned commander inspecting a recruit. “Your balance is all wrong. You are too relaxed, after all these days and no sign of alertness from you.”
Emily adjusted her stance, her feet pressing into the soil. The breeze was cool, and her muscles still ached faintly from the previous day, but she said nothing.
Arthur stood several feet away, arms folded, watching closely.
“Today,” Eleanor continued, “we refine control, not strength. Control.”
Emily nodded.
Eleanor raised her hand and murmured something under her breath. Symbols etched into the ground around Emily began to glow faintly.
“C
