Gabriel turned to Scarlet, nodding toward the other end of the yard. "Come. Your training will be different."
Scarlet followed him without a word. He'd already known this would happen. Unlike Kaelith, he didn't have a drop of magic in his blood. All he had were his arms, legs, and whatever strength he could build.
Gabriel stopped near the weapon rack and pulled out a practice sword. It wasn't too heavy, but it was long and dull, with the weight meant for endurance rather than sharpness.
"Take it," Gabriel said, handing it to him.
Scarlet gripped the hilt and tested its weight. "It's heavier than it looks."
"Good. You'll start with fifty swings. Don't stop until I say."
Scarlet adjusted his stance and swung. The first few strikes were clean. But by the twentieth, his arms started to ache. Sweat clung to his back, and his grip faltered more than once.
"Your feet are moving too much," Gabriel called out. "Keep them planted. Strength comes from your feet."
