"Hold the sword like this," Varek said. "Firm, but not too tight. Let it feel like an extension of your arm. Your eye should be on your opponent, not the blade. And most importantly… breathe. Control your breath. Control your movements."
Aeron looked at Varek with his stick and focused on himself all at once.
"Don't stare at your blade," Varek continued. "Your opponent's eyes, their shoulders, that's where the strike begins. Read them. Breathe steady. If your breath is out of control, your body follows."
Varek suddenly turned and swung. "Strike now!"
Aeron flinched but brought his stick up just in time. The two wooden swords met with a clack.
"Don't hesitate!" Varek snapped. "When you see the opening, take it. Don't even try to blink or you're dead."
Aeron tried to forcefully push forward, but Varek twisted his wrist and knocked Aeron's stick off balance.
