“Okay Lori, you ready?” Robert asks, his deep rumbling voice echoing through the mostly empty courtyard. His daughter nods, her tail swishing excitedly.

“Let’s do this, pop!” Lori grins, wielding her practice sword with the same stance he’d taught her last week. She was his everything, and he thanks the stars that the nobles who employed him allowed her to stay with him.

Before the two can begin their practice, however, Robert hears someone clear their throat from behind him.