Half an hour later, they had the small training yard to themselves. Enclosed by a wooden fence and sheltered from view by strategic placement of storage sheds, it offered reasonable privacy without appearing secretive. A few practice dummies stood at one end, while the packed earth showed signs of regular use—boot prints, shallow gouges from weapon practice, and the occasional scorch mark from what was likely a mage's errant spell.
Yue and Litty positioned themselves near the fence, ostensibly acting as judges while actually serving as lookouts. Luna stood to one side, her placid expression revealing nothing of her thoughts as David and Elara took positions opposite each other.
"I wonder if he's improved since we last saw him," Yue murmured to Litty, her childlike voice at odds with the analytical gleam in her eyes. "Last I recall, he was approaching King Rank, but still had some way to go."
