The deep underground training arena was quiet. Dozens of bright orange torches burned in their iron brackets on the walls, casting long, dancing shadows across the massive, open space. The sand on the floor was undisturbed, except for the area in the center where Camilla was practicing.
She stood in the middle of the arena, wearing her training clothes. Her red curly hair was tied back tightly into a high ponytail, swinging behind her head with every movement. In her right hand, she held a long steel sword. The polished metal blade gleamed brightly under the flickering torchlight.
Camilla took a step forward, her boot sinking slightly into the soft sand. She twisted her waist, swung the sword in a fast, horizontal arc, and then thrust the sharp tip directly into the empty air.
Whoosh.
