Abigail swung the sword clumsily at the tree. She was surprised when the quiet ‘thunk’ came, and the blade sunk lightly into the bark. She tried to tug it out, but it remained.

“Damnit,” she mumbled. She let go of the hilt and the sword remained in the side of the tree.

She put her hands on her hips and pursed her lips thoughtfully. Well, this was a great start to practice.