[Eyvind Redbeard]

It had been a tiring morning with formation drills and combat lessons for the new recruits. Eyvind had even been forced to mustter some twenty Black Shields to give an example of what he wanted to a small group of recruits. The majority was learning fast but these were slow and not much motivated. After two candlemarks they finally understood and from there they caught up with the remaining trainees. Now they were doing things right, thrusting forward as one and closing the gaps of the formation with their shields. If he had enough time he'd train them all into proper Phalanx Pikemen, for the time being he had to focus in teaching them the basic, if they had more time he'd train them harder, even harder than the training he'd implemented to his Black Shields.

Stretching his body the Vagaran felt it tense and rusty, it had been a while since he had had a proper spar with anyone. Letters and plans for the mission to come, training programs for the new Provincial Army and few Darkenings of sleep were all he had had since he arrived in Taralon. He was only wearing pants but still he was sweating, using his hand to cover his eyes from the light of the Suns he looked around the courtyard of the Fortress. Suddenly something called his attention. A golden spot. A smile appeared on his face.

"Senior Legionnaire Rabalyn."

"Yes, Sir?"

A man answered few seconds later. He stood some six feet in height and his body was muscled. With the dark hair cut short, the large shaved jaw and the curved nose he resembled the stereotype of a Heavy Infantry Legionnaire.

"It is time for the new recruits to see some real fighting. Call a halt to their training and give them a half a candlemark break, make sure they all watch this."

The Senior Legionnaire followed Eyvind's look and saw Cyrus. A grin showed up in his face and he answered with a bit of a mocking voice.

"Yes, Sir. I hope you know what you are doing Redbeard, that man is a daemon."

The Vagaran laughed.

"I know, and that is why I want to spar with him and not with someone else."

The Senior Legionnaire nodded and turned to the recruits starting shouting and giving orders. While he followed Eyvind's order, the Vagaran advanced to the fighting circle. An attendant looked surprised to see an Officer of Eyvind's patent entering in it, but this was exactly what he intended. Like the man who stood on the other side of the fighting circle he lead by example. With a nod and a smile to his brother-in-arms Eyvind grabbed a towel and cleant the sweat out of his face, arms and hands. After drinking some water he let an attendant dress him a padded breastplate, although he didn't let the man attach the padded arms to the armor leaving them exposed and therefore more moveable. He knew Cyrus was fast as a lightening and he didn't want to slow down because of some piece of cloth, if it was his choice he wouldn't even use it.

"Which weapon do you want, Sir?"

"A longsword, please."

With the weapon on his hand the Vagaran entered the circle and saluted his friend.

"A good day for a spar, isn't it?"