The training grounds were already lively even though it was a chilly morning. Ruffians clanged, grunted, and rang steel against the wind as they engaged in a combat with the real. I had pushed my hair back and ignored the voices that were now chasing me everywhere.

Maya cried out, tossing me a wooden blade, "Matilda, keep your guard up." "We work harder today."

"More difficult than it was yesterday?" I inquired, grinning slightly as I accepted the firearm.

She furrowed her brow. "You've ...