The sound of clashing metal echoed through the grand cavern of the pirate's cave. The large fire was still burning in the middle, but torches had been added along the outer walls for extra light. The air was smoky, but canvas from the ship's sails had been posted up at the cave entrance to catch the wind and direct it inside.
The added breeze left the fires flickering and throwing wild shadows over the cave ceiling and walls, shadows that were cast by pairs of dueling pirates.
Ilona and Mason were squared off against one another in the open area closest to the mouth of the cave. They had returned to the pirate's hide-out that morning while it was still dark and less likely for them to be seen. Since then, Ilona had been working on teaching Mason everything she knew about sword fighting.
