FORGING UNITY

POV: Hardin

My eyes sharp, overlooking no detail, the clang of steel on steel boomed across the enormous training hall as I circled the sparring pair.

"Lorac, you're leaving your guard on the left!" I let out a yell. "You would be dead twice over by now if this were a real battle."

Grunting, sweat beading on his brow, the young warrior battled to stop his opponent's relentless assault. He changed his position and tightened his defenses, to his credit.

Fantastic. In the next few days, they would need every bit of discipline and ability.

I let my eyes span the whole of the hall, counting the others as the simulated fight raged on. Some were improving their reflexes and stamina by running routines. Others crowded into tiny groups, grimly inspecting and reevaluating their weapons.

Tension permeated the air, a tangible sense of expectation mixed with a tiny bit of fear. After all, we were getting ready to attack the very center of Callum's fortress, an action that would very well decide th