The desert landscape stretched for miles around them leaving them an easy path to travel along. They had to ration their water a bit along the way, but it was manageable. The dry rations they packed were getting a little stale as well, but they had enough packages left. They seemed to be the only living things around. No monsters had bothered them in the week of travel since leaving the Witch Coven. It was a quiet trip toward their destination. The nights were warmer and due to that and the lack of trees in the area, they decided not to make fires at night. Sometimes they were able to find a good dry tree to make firewood from, but it was inconsistent.

At night Elias and Alice practiced swordsmanship as usual. Their practice swayed more toward sparring than learning the sword forms. She still hadn’t quite gotten the hang of Flowing Sun Pierce yet. The move was one she could do slowly but not well when sparring with Elias. She recognized him using the move in the sessions but didn’t use it in turn. While sparring she might set up the move or get to the arc of her swing before he knocked it away and she was put on the back foot for trying it. Still, just the efforts and continued practice pushed her forward to be better and find a way to beat Elias without solely relying on her Sword Breath.

Her ability with the technique had grown by leaps and bounds. She was able to keep a steady flow of energy around her body and blade to overpower Elias at times. At times she felt like she was cheating to beat him with it, but he took it in stride and always searched for a way to outmaneuver it. The Sword Breath around her felt more comfortable and ingrained in her while she fought. It was an extension of her will and power, bringing her closer to the hero she was supposed to be.

Thompson slowed to a stop as they rode. The others pulled on their reigns when they noticed his pause. He cleared his throat, drawing Elias and Alice's attention as the horses' hooves scuffed the old King's Road, the sounds echoing like a quiet reminder of the bustling commerce that once was. The path had worn away. Barely anything marked it as a former road except for the slightly raised path.

"This stretch," Thompson began, his voice tinged with a nostalgia that seemed out of place on his rugged features, "was once so busy, you could cross from one side to the other and make ten trades along the way."

Alice glanced at the horizon, imagining caravans and travelers instead of the empty expanse. "It must have been magnificent," she said softly.

"Magnificent, yes," Thompson agreed, "but also a symbol. This road was the kingdom's artery, its lifeblood. Now it's a vein in a withered limb, a sign of how far we've fallen."

“I remember riding it years ago,” said Elias. “Caravans laden with silk and spices, gold from the Northern mines, wines from the Coastal vineyards—all traversing this very path. And now, it serves as nothing more than a vague guide for us. We should follow it. It is a better marker of where to go than our previous wanderings.”

Alice, squinting against the harsh sunlight, tried to envision the road in its former glory. "It's hard to picture anything but this... desolation.."

“I remember that my father used to take me on trips to Lake Raymond through this path. It was the safest and quickest way south. If a crime was committed on this road then soldiers would find the man the next day.” Thompson paused as he looked over the empty road and the empty landscape.

“Maybe a new road can be built in the future. One that stands for longer and can’t be easily dusted over by the sands of time and neglect.”

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The trio continued riding now with a half road to follow. Old markings on the road had worn away but Elias was able to estimate what they said. Together they sped up. The harsh sun beat down on them as they continued closer to their destination.

As night approached, they found a relatively sheltered spot to camp. Without the need for a fire, they settled into their routines. Thompson took the first watch, his eyes ever vigilant. Elias and Alice, meanwhile, took their customary positions to spar under the starlight. The coolness of the night was a small mercy, making their exertions less taxing.

Alice was determined. Tonight, she would master the Flowing Sun Pierce. She could feel the energy of her Sword Breath pulsing around her, a manifestation of her will. She advanced on Elias, her movements fluid, her focus narrow. The dance of their blades was hypnotic, the clashing steel singing a song of potential—of what could be if she mastered the ancient techniques.

Elias was an adept partner, pushing her, and testing her limits. He employed the Flowing Sun Pierce with a grace that made it seem effortless. Alice watched, analyzed, and adapted. She mirrored his stance, anticipating the arc of his swing, moving to counteract it before it could begin.

And then, the moment came. She executed the maneuver, her blade cutting through the air with precision, her body and sword moving as one. The move was not just performed; it was embodied, and the thrill of it raced through her veins. Elias's eyes held a glint of pride as her sword stopped just a hair's breadth from his throat.

"Yield," she breathed, a triumphant sparkle in her eye.

"Well done," he said, lowering his weapon and offering her a nod of respect. "You've made it your own."

Alice exhaled, a surge of elation washing over her. She lowered her weapon as well. Within her, she felt the energy of the Sword Breath coursing through her, but she had not let it out into her weapon. Instead, she had focused it on her body. Making her stronger, faster, and more reactive.

“That was amazing. I felt something click within me and it just worked. Let’s go again,” said Alice with enthusiasm.

This time she drew on her Sword Breath. The power ignited within her. She let it extend to her blade. Elias noticed and prepared for their next bout. “Not going to take it easy on me anymore?” he asked.

“Not tonight. That is for sure. I am going to see how far I can go.”

In the distance, Thompson watched the pair spar. He admired their skill and Alice’s growth so far with the sword. She blurred forward slightly as her power moved her legs and arms faster. Elias was already in position and adjusted his sword so that they collided. There was a loud ringing as the blades met. Elias was pushed back slightly but wasn’t offput by the follow-up moves. Thompson could see hints of how Alice was about to move, but once the pair got close enough it was hard to tell their swords apart.

He turned away and returned to his own practice for the evening. Before it got too dark he got out his crossbow and set up a target marker to fire at. After finding a suitable spot to fire from he loaded his crossbow. With his hands carefully placed, he lined up his shot. The bolt fired with a quick twang from his bow’s string. The arrow hit the target near the center causing it to rock back and forth slightly. Thompson prepared his next arrow.

As it got darker and his vision more obscured he packed up his items. He took down the target and retrieved the arrows from the block he was firing at. The items went back into his pack by the resting horses before he returned to the circle of bedrolls. Alice and Elias were also finishing up their practice.

Alice had exhausted herself with the constant use of Sword Breath and had a smile on her face as she returned to their little camp. She set her things aside and found a seat in preparation for meditation. Elias joined Thompson at the circle of bedrolls. He used a rag to wipe some of the sweat off his face and grabbed a canteen.

The trio had long since learned that the road was less taxing if they ended their days with routine and calm. After their exertions, the cool night air felt like a balm as it settled around them. The crickets had begun their nightly chorus, and the stars were piercingly bright against the inky black sky. They rarely spoke much at this hour; it was as if the day's end brought a mutual understanding of the need for silence. Alice closed her eyes and began her meditative breathing, the rise and fall of her chest steady and slow. Thompson took one last look around the perimeter of their campsite.