[Tasad R'rowl]

After the break Icewind took Tasad to the circlular arena where they would continue their 'battles'. All that Icewind was trying to do now was to make sure that the attacks and defenses came to Tasad without thought as there was little time to think when another being is trying to stick their sword into you.

The two combatants took their positions and Icewind called the start. Tasad moved forward fluidly, neither hesitating or rushing in his attack. Crashing into Icewind's shield Tasad strove to hold his place and struk out at the elf, with an underhanded stab, which the elf blocked. Tasad wasn't working under any illusions and knew that the elf could whip him soundly if he used all of his skills and knowledge but since he was holding himself to Tasad's level the katta was quickly catching up. Bashing at each other with both shield and sword the pair manuvered around, each attempting to throw the other off balance and gain the upper hand. Blows landed on armor and bruised the body beneth but neither soldier noticed in the heat of their battle.

At the end of an hour Icewind called a halt, with neither of them the winner and so Tasad recieved his first draw against his instructor, which although it may not sound significant, was a very good sign that the katta was improving tremendously, in the days since he had first started training.

To Tasad the draw was motivation to push himself harder to the point that he could beat the elf. With all the excercises that he was performing and the fighting as well he hardly noticed the weight of his armor and weapons, which was the point of loading each with lead. Tasad would find that real armor and weapons were much lighter than what he was wearing now.

While the pair were drinking water and taking a break Icewind said," You have improved quite a bit and I think that you will complete your training soon. But remember in a real fight you will have different terrain and possibly many opponents to deal with. You will recieve have bad officers as well as good and must deal with each as they come. Serving in the Serpents is much more than just fighting, it is about completeing your mission whatever the cost. Remember that just because you are victorious, does not mean that you will live. There will come many times in your career that you will have to make difficult decisions and will have to use yourself and those under you to complete your mission, sometimes sacrificing those under you, to make sure that our land remains free and that the devestation of war does not come into our homes."

Icewind fell silent, apparently looking inward and Tasad felt no need to intrude upon his thoughts. Standing up Icewind said," Your dismissed for the day, I'll see you tomarrow."

With that the elf headed for the training building and Tasad cleaned his armor, returning it to the armory and headed for the barracks for food and sleep.