The sun had barely begun its ascent when the Amazon camp stirred to life. The crisp morning air carried the distant sounds of sparring, arrows piercing wooden targets, and the rhythmic stomping of warriors engaged in combat drills. The early morning dew clung to the leaves, and the scent of burning wood from the communal fire pits lingered in the air.
Daniella awoke in her tent, sore from the previous day's confrontation with Gloria. Her back still ached from the kick, and her pride had taken an even deeper wound. She sat up slowly, rubbing her shoulder, her mind replaying the moment when she had lashed out. It had felt good to slap Gloria, but the shame of being overpowered so easily lingered.
Rose entered the tent, already dressed in her training attire. "You're up," she said, kneeling beside Daniella. "How are you feeling?"
Daniella sighed. "Like I've been trampled by a war elephant."
Rose chuckled but quickly turned serious. "You can't let what happened yesterday get to you. Gloria... she's just—"
"A bully," Daniella interrupted.
"Maybe," Rose admitted, "but she's strong, and she's been here longer than us. If we want to stand a chance in the tournament next year, we have to get stronger."
Daniella knew Rose was right, but the frustration of being called weak gnawed at her. She clenched her fists, determination settling in her chest. "Then let's train."
Morning Drills and a Harsh Reality
The training grounds were already bustling when Daniella and Rose arrived. Women of all ages practiced their weapons, engaged in hand-to-hand combat, or performed strength-building exercises.
Today, the training session was led by Elder Ifunanya, a strict but fair warrior known for her exceptional combat skills. She stood at the center of the field, watching as the younger recruits formed a circle around her.
"Today's session will test your endurance and adaptability," Elder Ifunanya announced. "You will be paired up for sparring, but with a twist. Each match will have one warrior blindfolded, while the other will attack."
A murmur spread through the trainees. Fighting without sight? That sounded impossible.
Elder Ifunanya clapped her hands, and several warriors stepped forward, carrying cloth strips. "Those who are new, watch carefully. You must learn to rely on more than just your eyes in battle."
Daniella and Rose exchanged glances. This was going to be difficult.
A Battle of Instincts
Daniella was paired with a more experienced Amazon named Amaka, a fierce warrior who specialized in dual blades. She barely had time to register what was happening before the blindfold was tied around her eyes.
"Listen," Amaka advised. "When you lose sight, your other senses become sharper. Hear my footsteps, feel the air shift when I move, anticipate my attack."
Before Daniella could respond, the spar began. A whoosh of air brushed past her cheek—Amaka's attack. Daniella dodged on instinct, but the next strike was faster, catching her arm and sending her stumbling.
"Too slow," Amaka taunted.
Daniella gritted her teeth and took a deep breath, listening carefully. Her opponent moved again, but this time, Daniella focused on the sound—the faint rustling of fabric, the slight scuff of boots against the dirt.
Amaka struck again. Daniella ducked and countered with a blind swing of her wooden sword. She didn't land a hit, but she was getting better at reacting.
By the end of the exercise, she was exhausted, drenched in sweat, but slightly more confident.
The Weight of Expectation
After the drills, Daniella sat beneath a tree, drinking from a gourd of water. Her arms burned, her legs ached, and yet, she felt… accomplished.
Elder Ifunanya approached, her eyes unreadable. "You learn quickly."
Daniella sat up straighter. "Thank you, Elder."
"But," Ifunanya continued, "you still fight with hesitation. You have strength, but strength alone will not make you great. You must have conviction, a reason to fight beyond proving yourself."
Daniella swallowed. "I want to be strong."
"If strength is all you seek, then you will always find someone stronger," Ifunanya said. "What do you fight for, Daniella?"
The question lingered in her mind long after the elder had walked away.
A Test of Loyalty
That evening, Daniella and Rose found Gloria at the edge of the training grounds, practicing with a real sword. The blade gleamed under the setting sun as she executed sharp, precise movements.
Daniella hesitated before speaking. "You fight well."
Gloria didn't stop. "I train hard."
Rose stepped forward. "Gloria… why do you push us so much? You could just ignore us, but you always challenge Daniella. Why?"
Gloria finally stopped and turned, her expression unreadable. "Because strength is all that matters in this world. If you're weak, you're nothing."
Daniella frowned. "That's not true."
Gloria's lips curled into a smirk. "Isn't it? You'll see soon enough. The world isn't kind, Daniella. It doesn't care about fairness. It only respects power."
There was something in her tone—something bitter, something wounded.
Daniella wanted to argue, but before she could, Gloria sheathed her sword and walked away, leaving the words hanging in the air.
Rose sighed. "She's complicated."
Daniella watched Gloria's retreating figure. "Yeah… but I think there's more to her than just arrogance."
The Shadow of Things to Come
That night, Daniella couldn't sleep. Her mind was restless, replaying the elder's words, Gloria's warnings, and the vision she had seen during her initiation.
The war. The destruction.
The shadowy figure who had shot Rose.
And the question that refused to leave her mind: Was that future inevitable?
As she lay awake in the silent camp, she made a silent vow. No matter what, she would not allow that vision to come true.
To Be Continued…