Darim, for his part, was much too focused on the task at hand. He had been working hard all afternoon, his stomach had that same hollow feeling that usually hailed his desire for supper, but right now he had to ignore his stomach to get this done right. Aswad was watching, and he had been useless at parrying ever since Master Rauf had shown him the steps. He was two years older than him, but Darim was determined not to let that hinder him.

Breathe. Focus. Move.

Master Rauf moved towards him and Darim stepped forward, raising his practice sword and moving to deflect the blow.

Block and step and move again.

"You see? That is how it is done," Master Rauf was saying as Darim sat and took a breath as he moved his practice sword back to his side.

He was so fixed on keeping himself calm and composed that he missed the smile on Master Rauf's face as he looked at the assembled audience and grinned at one of the adults.

"Do you have anything to add, Master?"