A Step Forward

Silence filled the room. When I flexed my fingers, tension left my joints and actual weight settled into my boots. Two figures stood locked in combat atop the black platform just ahead, frozen mid-strike under the lamp. I eased one foot forward along the grain of the wooden plank, testing my balance. The edge of the wood felt solid beneath my soles. I rested my hand lightly on the sword hilt behind my back, keeping my stance balanced while I watched the duel before me.