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Chapter 3
St.Agnes Abbey – One Month Later
The clash of steelrang through the secluded courtyard behind the abbey's kitchen gardens.Bella Sutherland moved with practiced grace, her blade flashing in the early morning light as she demonstrated a defensive sequence to the two young novices watching with rapt attention.
"Again," she said, her voice calm but firm."Anne, your grip is too tight.Ye'll tire before your opponent does.And Moira, watch your footwork.If ye're off balance, even the smallest opponent can bring ye down."
The girls nodded solemnly, adjusting their stances.At fifteen and sixteen, they were among the youngest to train in the abbey's secret tradition.Not everyone participated in the combat training, but those who did learned skills that might one day save their lives or the lives of others under their protection.
Bella had been one of the abbey’s most dedicated students who now trained others.What had started as a way to channel her grief and rage had become something more, a discipline that brought clarity, a purpose that gave her days meaning beyond domestic duties.
"Now," Bella said, stepping back."Show me the disarming technique I taught ye last sennight."
Bella lunged forward, her practice blade aimed at Anne's midsection.Anne sidestepped smoothly, caught Bella's wrist, and within seconds had the blade in her own hand.
"Well done," Bella said, as Anne returned her weapon."But ye hesitated slightly.In a real fight, that could cost ye your life."
"Aye," Anne replied, pink-cheeked but determined.
Bella suppressed a smile before announcing their training session was over.
"Bella?"Sister Margaret's voice came from the archway leading back to the main abbey buildings."Abbess Bethóc wishes to see you."
A flutter of unease stirred in Bella's chest.The abbess rarely summoned her with such urgency during training hours.She knew better than to interrupt unless it was important.
"We’ll continue practice on the morrow," Bella told the novices.
She followed Sister Margaret through the quiet corridors, wearing her training garment, fitted tights and a simple linen tunic that came to her knees.Nothing like the usual grey gowns lay-sisters wore.She should probably change before meeting with the abbess, but something about Sister Margaret's expression suggested there wasn't time.
She knocked softly on the heavy wooden door of the abbess's chamber.
"Enter, child."
Abbess Bethóc sat behind her desk, her weathered face more lined than usual.In her hands was a parchment.
