Ethan merely smiled and gestured for Doran to stand.
"Focus on advancing to the third stage and training the guard well. We still have many great battles to fight." His hands fell firmly on Doran's shoulders, and Doran simply nodded, jaw tight with resolve.
"Select the five most determined and loyal members of the guard. I have some things for them as well."
With nothing else to do there, Ethan left. It was now time to give his women some attention.
"Captain?" Cain rose to his feet, still struggling to grasp what had just happened. The aura around him pulsed with each heartbeat, wild and untamed in its newness.
"It's all right." Doran stood, closing his eyes as he steadied his own surging energy. "Get ready. As soon as I finish my advance, I'll teach you the next forms of imperial fencing."
Cain's eyes lit up at those words.
Yes!
Doran had never taught them beyond the third form. Finally, it was time to see what the other forms held!
***
