Prelude

As you step out onto the arena floor, Raethis Greybeard, the drill sergeant of Denhkara is waiting for you.

So, you claim you’ve learned all you can from me. Well, prove it. Show me your understanding of combat and tactics.

— Reathis Greybeard

He gestures to a set of stone statues lined up to one side of the arena. These are used in combat training to simulate combat between sorcerers, allowing trainee Guardians to use their magic without the risk of hurting one another.

Are you ready for a duel?

— Reathis Greybeard

You turn to your statue and prepare to cast your spell. Animating the stone sorcerer will be simple enough. But beating Reathis in a duel will be another thing entirely…