I followed the signs to training room three as my heart pound with a mixture of nerves and excitement.

I went through the door, down the hallway and, past rooms filled with the sounds of sparring and instruction.

Finally, I found a large room with mats covering the floor and about twenty people gathered in the center.

They all turned to look at me when I entered, the energy dying instantly.

"Um, hi," I said, holding up my laminated card. "I was assigned to House Shadow?"

A tall woman with ...