The morning sun cast long shadows over the training grounds as a young girl tightened the straps on her leather bracers. At thirteen, she was younger than most of the knights-in-training, but she made up for what she lacked in years with relentless determination. Her powder blue eyes narrowed as she surveyed the obstacle course ahead—an intricate maze of wooden dummies, swinging logs, and narrow balance beams.
Taking a deep breath, she charged forward. Her practice sword, a sturdy but blunted blade, sliced through the air as she struck the first target—a straw-filled dummy dressed in rusted armor. The impact sent dust flying, but the girl didn't pause. She ducked beneath a swinging log, rolling into a sprint before leaping onto staggered stone pillars.
The girl's balance wavered briefly, but she corrected it quickly, her muscles burning from endless drills. She had no time for hesitation. As she reached the final stretch, three slightly older squires stepped into her path.
