Master of Shadow

Arran awoke early in the morning, well before the break of dawn. And as he awoke, a broad smile appeared on his face almost immediately when he recalled the great step forward he'd made in learning the Forms.

His first instinct was to pick up where he left off immediately, but as much as he wanted to get started on his training right away, he forced himself to eat a hearty breakfast as he considered the path before him.

That he must master the Forms was obvious. What was less obvious, however, was whether he should focus his efforts on swordsmanship or magic.

Only the former would be useful immediately. While it would be impossible to conceal the effect of the Forms on his swordsmanship, the Forms resembled the Darian techniques closely enough that the difference would be all but impossible to discern.