Chapter 7

The next two weeks passed in the blink of an eye.

On top of working for Crazy-Old Ned, the guards of Bellwood had also put together a workshop to give the boys early training on their swordsmanship skills.

Between work and swordsmanship training, the boys' days were full and before they knew it, two officers from Valden’s military had arrived at Bellwood.

Ivan was busy throwing spare clothes into his satchel when his mom walked into his room.

“Are you done?” she asked.

“Almost. I need to pack a few more things.” He stuffed another shirt into the bag and then pulled the straps tight. When he turned around, his mom was holding a short sword in her hands, the blade gleaming in the meager light of the room.

His heart began to race at the sight of the weapon. “Where did you get that?”