Elias waited in the morning for Thompson and Alice to rise. He still felt tired after his training. They were led by one of the Matron’s sisters to the dining hall for breakfast. Bowls of food were brought out and they each grabbed a little from each one. Alice was the first to finish. When she was done she got up and quickly left to start practicing her sword techniques.

“What are you going to do today?” Elias asked Thompson.

“Physical training to start with. After that, there are moving targets set up for me to practice with. I’m not sure what else I’ll do today but that will be the first thing. I suppose that you will be joining Alice in sword practice.”

“Something like that. Maybe some personal training as well.” Elias felt the fading markings on his arm from the bats. “I think I need to start with some stretches after that intensive practice yesterday.”

Elias crossed over the bridge that went over the river in search of a place to start training. He walked around the side of a building and found a secluded area. He could still hear the sound of the river flowing but none of the witches were around. They were busy assisting Alice with the next steps of her training. He stretched and performed a few simple exercises before drawing his blade.

Elias took a deep breath, his sword in hand, and began his swordsmanship practice. The blade felt familiar in his grip, and he started with the basic forms, going through the sequences he had learned during his time in the Sword Temple. The movements were ingrained in his muscle memory, a testament to the rigorous training he had undergone.

As he went through the motions, Elias focused on his breathing, his concentration sharpening with each stroke. He moved with precision, the blade swishing through the air, carving graceful arcs and precise lines. His mind was free from distractions, his thoughts solely on the art of combat. Elias continued to practice, losing track of time as he honed his skills.

After two hours of relentless practice, Elias finally lowered his sword, his arms and legs feeling the satisfying ache of a good workout. He took a moment to rest, catching his breath and drinking from a canteen he had brought along. Elias's focus shifted to a combination of agility and endurance exercises. He leaped, rolled, and performed acrobatic maneuvers, testing the limits of his physical capabilities. The movements were demanding, but they were essential to prepare him for the unknown challenges he might face.

It had been years since he fought in extended battles. All those skills and instincts he had honed were now dull. He couldn’t mess up and he needed to be more refined to be a better teacher and be a better fighter.

Across the river, Alice stepped into a new building she had never been to. The floor layout was similar but still held woven mats and places for sitting. Incense burned in corners of the room contributing to a calming atmosphere. The Matron had Alice sit down near the center and opposite her.

“Along with feeling the power of the Sword Breath while using a sword and in combat, it is important to build a stable foundation and feel the energy around you while calm and in meditation. Match my posture and follow my breathing. Deep breath in and then slowly out. Try and connect to the feelings built up during yesterday’s sparring.”

Alice took a deep breath, mirroring the Matron's posture and focusing on her breathing. The incense filled the room with a soothing aroma, and Alice closed her eyes to shut out any distractions. She inhaled deeply, feeling the cool air fill her lungs, and then exhaled slowly, letting go of any tension in her body.

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

As she continued to follow the Matron's guidance, Alice's mind began to quiet. The events of yesterday's sparring practice came to the forefront of her thoughts. She recalled the energy she had felt during the intense combat, the exhilaration of each strike, and the sense of being in perfect harmony with her sword. The Sword Breath, as they called it, was a potent force, and she yearned to harness it more effectively.

With each deep breath, Alice sought to channel that energy. She envisioned the movements, the grace, and the precision of her swordsmanship practice. She felt as though the Sword Breath flowed through her, filling her with newfound strength and determination. A sense of calm fell over her.

The Matron's voice, gentle and soothing, guided her through the meditation. "Now, Alice," she said, "imagine that energy surrounding you, forming a protective aura. This aura will be your shield and your guide, allowing you to move with greater speed and precision in combat. Feel it resonate with your very essence."

Alice's concentration deepened as she visualized this energy taking shape around her. She felt a warmth radiating from her core, extending outwards to envelop her like a cocoon. It was a comforting sensation, like being cradled in the arms of an ancient and powerful force. The energy cracked around her. She worked on keeping it as stable as possible. Taking another deep breath Alice pulled at the energy around her. Her mind stayed focused on the previous day’s work.

The door to the house opened but Alice didn’t look back. Younger witches found cushions and joined in meditation practice. With them, Elias entered as well. He had washed off and cleaned after training. He sat quietly with the rest of the room. His eyes met with the Matron. She just smiled and continued her own focus and watch over Alice. Elias steadied his breathing and let his mind wander.

The room was silent except for the Matron’s occasional instructions. Alice focused on bringing the energy in from around herself and building a stable shell. It continued to flicker at times but was growing stronger and better over time. Elias watched her quietly. He was proud to see her growth and experiences come together so well. She still had much to learn from him and the Matron, but the list was short.

As the meditation session continued, Alice delved deeper into her practice. She could feel the energy surrounding her becoming more stable and reliable. It no longer flickered or wavered as it had before. It was as if she had unlocked a hidden reservoir of power within herself, and the Sword Breath was becoming a part of her very being.

Elias, sitting quietly in the room, admired Alice's progress. He had seen her dedication and determination throughout their training, and it was clear that she was growing stronger with each passing day. He knew that the bond between them as teacher and student was something special, and he felt a deep sense of pride in her accomplishments.

The Matron's voice continued to guide Alice, encouraging her to further refine her control over the magical energy that surrounded her. "Now, Alice," the Matron said, "imagine the Sword Breath becoming an extension of your own will. Let it flow through you like a river, guiding your movements with precision and grace. Feel it connecting you to your sword, to your purpose, and to the very essence of who you are."

Alice focused on the Matron's words, and the energy around her responded to her intent. She could sense the connection between herself and the Sword Breath growing stronger, like a thread of pure energy linking her to the weapon she had trained with for so long. It was a profound sensation, and she knew that she was on the right path. It was connecting to her body and soul strengthening it and refining it.

As the meditation session neared its end, Alice slowly opened her eyes. The room had become even quieter, and the younger witches who had joined the practice were still deep in their own meditations. Elias was watching her with a proud smile, and the Matron's expression was one of satisfaction.

Alice stood up and approached Elias, a sense of accomplishment radiating from her. "I felt it, Elias," she whispered. "I felt the Sword Breath become a part of me, like an extension of my very soul."

Elias nodded in approval. "You're making remarkable progress, Alice. Each piece you are learning quickly, and they are all building upon one another.”

“I will have to agree,” said the Matron her smile full of appreciation. “Your growth has been remarkable. You have the potential to achieve great things.”

“Now that you have stressed and stretched your mind and will. Why don’t we work your body next?” asked Elias with his sword at his side.