Fencing lessons. Yay.

Metal rang against metal as Ephraim and his teacher danced around the courtyard. The Prince was barely able to hold his own, and the old man did not seem happy about this.

"How many time do I have to tell you," the old man growled, pressing his attack. "Stop planting your feet. This is a dance, not work with broadswords. You don't have the extra weight to compensate for."

Ephraim grit his teeth, giving his teacher a bit more ground before moving in for an attack of his own.

"Good," the old man grunted as their swords locked. "But not good enough. Keep me off balance."

The prince grunted, pushing his teacher back before unleashing his most ferocious attack yet.

"Faster, faster," the old man nodded. "Destroy my focus."

Ephraim did as told, grunting with each move he made.

"You're holding the rapier too tightly," his teacher growled, and as Ephraim adjusted his grip, he made a flourish, disarming the younger man and catching his sword out of the air.

"Now, too lightly," he grumbled, holding it out to the Prince. "Made some good progress today."

Ephraim snorted, accepting the blade as he muttered, "Why do I feel like I haven't made any, then?"

"Life is often like that," the old man shrugged. "The important thing is that you keep your head up.

"That's enough rapier work," he added, motioning to two boys on the side lines. "We're going back to broadswords."

The boys ran over, collecting and sheathing the rapiers before running off again.

"Didn't you say I learned enough about them?" Ephraim asked, confused.

His teacher snorted and answered, "Keeping the basics fresh in your mind might save your life one of these days."

Ephraim nodded, looking up at the sky. He then cursed under his breath.

His teacher frowned at this. "What's the matter?"

"Circe wanted to see me at noon," the prince grumbled.

The old man glanced upwards, thinking for a moment, then said, "Fine, but we're training doubly hard tomorrow."

"Of course, Othello," Ephraim nodded, grabbing his discarded sword belt and vest as he ran off.