FIVE: Set Back Again

"I'm pretty sure Lucy told you to let me relax!"

Kel slumped over, trying to catch her breath.

"Is that really all it takes to exhaust you?" Calix smirked. "I should review my soldiers' training regimen."

"Yeah, you do that," Kel flopped backward on the grass. "I'm gonna rest for a minute in the meantime."

She'd been exercising, sword fighting, and archery training for her entire life. In fact, she'd always been considered one of the most fit and capable soldiers.

So how had only an hour of clashing swords with the Dragon Emperor tired her out so quickly? She'd feel ashamed of herself if not for the sharp pain in her lungs and throat.

Feeling her pulse finally begin to calm down, she glanced over at Calix, who was standing with his sword slung over his shoulder, a few beads of sweat beginning to form across his forehead. He looked like he'd hardly worked at all.