"Zechariah is ruthless," Leah said, watching the old man put the young man through his paces.

Across the fire, Olorus laughed. "Not ruthless enough," he said.

Half an hour after it had begun, Justin's training had changed from an attack-and-defend session to an agility exercise.

"Left! Right! Back! Right! Left! Forward!" called Zechariah.

Justin, holding his sword in a defensive position, did his best to obey. He was panting and drenched in sweat. Blood ran from ...