Queen And Her Knights

~ 4. Training, Memories ~

If your enemy is secure at all points, be prepared for him. If he is in superior strength, evade him. If your opponent is temperamental, seek to irritate him. Pretend to be weak, that he may grow arrogant. If he is taking his ease, give him no rest. If his forces are united, separate them. If sovereign and subject are in accord, divide them. Attack him where he is unprepared; appear where you are not expected.

At that moment, Valeria realised that the war might be fought in shadows, but it was also a battle for the light, hope, and the future they dreamed of. As she took her place at her grandfather's side, she felt a surge of confidence and purpose. She was ready to confront whatever challenges lay ahead, determined to rule the Wizarding World alongside her grandfather and as a beacon of hope for all. Together, they would forge a new path, illuminating the way in the depths of darkness.

Giana stood confidently in the dimly lit chamber, where the air hummed eagerly. She had gathered a small group—Lilias, Gareth, Lucius, and herself—to evaluate Valeria's knowledge before her formal training commenced the next day. Giana turned to Valeria with a reassuring smile, her voice warm yet firm. "Today, we will assess your skills in each subject. Are you ready?"

Valeria nodded, determination gleaming in her eyes. "I'm ready," she replied, her heart racing with excitement and nerves.

The evaluation began with a duel between Valeria and Giana. They circled each other, wands poised, energy crackling in the space between them. As they sparred, Giana's movements were fluid and precise, pushing Valeria to tap into her strength. With every spell cast, Valeria showcased her skill in practical duelling and her steadfast resolve to conceal her true identity from the rest of the world, her closest allies being the only ones in the know.

Meanwhile, stationed nearby, Lucius quizzed Valeria on the theoretical aspects of Potions and Herbology, challenging her knowledge with intricate questions. Valeria's answers flowed effortlessly as she proved her proficiency in the subject matter. She was no novice; the knowledge sat within her like a tightly sealed potion, waiting for the right moment to be unleashed.

As the day progressed, it became evident that Valeria was not just prepared; she was destined to excel, a hidden gem among her peers. With each passing moment, her confidence grew, bolstered by her friends' support and the duel's heady thrill. Though she wore a mask, Valeria felt free to be her true self, if only for a little while. Today was just the beginning; tomorrow would mark the actual start of her journey.

In the heart of the grand arena, the air crackled with tension as spectators leaned forward, their eyes glued to the duel unfolding before them. Two formidable sorceresses, Valeria and Giana, faced off with steely resolve. The arena was alive with the whispers of awe and anticipation, the crowd eagerly awaiting the culmination of this fierce battle.

As the duel commenced, Giana began launching a flurry of spells, each more intricate than the last. With a flick of her wrist, arcs of energy crackled through the air, expertly seeking their target. But Valeria, undeterred, proved herself a master of defence. With fluid movements, she deflected Giana's spells deftly, turning the duel's tide in her favour.

Valeria produced her mirror shield in a thrilling display of strategy and skill, gleaming in the bright light. With precise timing, she redirected Giana's magic back towards her, a dazzling spectacle that left the audience gasping in amazement. It was clear that Valeria's training had equipped her for this very moment.

As the duel reached its peak, the tension mounted. Valeria seized the opportunity, uttering the incantation for a Slicing curse that cut through the remaining air of defiance. Caught off guard, Valeria's final spell trapped Giana: incarcerous. The ropes of magic wrapped tightly around her, securing her defeat.