224 Snowcloud's Departure

Arran spent four days training in solitude, continuing to develop his sword style as his body slowly recovered.

The work wasn't particularly taxing — refining the style involved more exploration than labor, and in the quiet green valley, he could improve it without disturbance.

The days passed quickly and pleasantly. Each morning, he would bathe in the ice-cold water of the stream, and after that, he would spend the day alternating between practice and eating, with several naps in between.

He did not follow all of Snowcloud's advice — to do so would prevent him from practicing at all — but he still took care not to overexert himself. While his body was strong, it had suffered much from a year of neglect, and pushing it too hard would only slow his recovery.

And there was no real need to rush, anyway. Foul though Snowcloud's potions might taste, their effect was undeniable, and with their aid, Arran felt himself grow stronger by the day.