�You will learn here in time,� said Arene with a smile, �Let�s introduce you to the training grounds.� �That sword,� he said, pointing to the one Ian carried in his hands, �...is yours. From now on, you should keep it with you wherever you go.�
Ian buckled the sword and its sheath to his waist and followed the prince to the training grounds. It was a spacious yard with wooden dummies, targets, and equipment strewn all across the green lawn. Ian could tell this place was meant to be used by many men at one time, but for now it was quiet.
�Let�s start with the basics,� said Arene, �Unsheath your sword.�
Ian did as he was told, holding it by the hilt in both hands, and the blade glowed a little.
�Now turn around,� said Arene.
Ian turned and was again a bit startled to find himself face to face with the form of Aldara almost as if it was a glass silhouette.
�Alitheia�s light makes clear the things that are unclear,� said the prince, �Sometimes it will reveal good things for you, and at other times it will warn you of dangers. If ever you suspect there is more than your eye can see, rely on Alitheia. Now close your eyes.�
Ian closed his eyes and held his sword by his side. The prince then concentrated on the sword; he watched as its glow brightened noticeably.
�Did you feel that?� he asked.
�Yes, I did,� replied Ian, �What was it?�
�It was Alitheia speaking to you, or rather, me speaking to you through it,� said Arene, �Because I am one with it, I can speak to you through it. You will be taught to listen to it, and it will guide you through battle. And listening to it will save you a great deal of pain. Your sword will speak again; listen closely.�
With Ian�s eyes still closed and the sword�s hilt now firmly gripped in front of him by both hands, the prince concentrated on the sword. Again it grew brighter; however, this time Ian took a small step backward.
�Listen closer,� said the prince.
Ian�s sword brightened again, and he side stepped to the right raising the sword horizontally in front of him. �Good; now open your eyes,� said Arene.
Ian opened his eyes, and watched Arene attentively.
�You�ve learned to hear Alitheia,� said the prince, �But you must also learn to trust it.� With that the prince produced a handkerchief, blindfolded Ian, and spun him in a circle. �Now follow what you hear from the sword; trust it to lead you rightly.�
Ian wondered around the grounds for hours, sometimes taking wrong turns at first, sometimes stumbling.