I tighten my grip on my longsword's hilt.
Both my hands are shaking slightly as I eye Captain Daelon.
I focus my mind and wait for his attack. I am dealing with a really good swordsman here. He notices my cautiousness and nods in approval. He places his longsword back in its sheath and walks over to me.
"Before we spar, let me make sure you have the basic maneuvers down. Otherwise, it would be pointless," he says to me as he fixes my fighting stance with the longsword.
He instructs me on basic footwork, stance, and grip. The Captain keeps telling me how important the foundations are. Once he seems satisfied enough with my techniques, he draws his longsword.
He waits until I am in the proper stance before saying with a smile, "Let's see how much my teaching is worth."
