Rags nodded. She assumed that here, learning to fight would be how to fight using these metal weapons she saw on the Auxiliaries, as she already knew how to fight using hands, teeth, and crude stone weapons, and she had been no match for any of the men. It wasn't just that they were stronger, but even she could sense there was a purpose and efficiency to their movements. Rags would like to be taught that so she could win fights eventually. And of course, the only way to learn was to be told, and then to do for yourself.

Three boys were lined up, and Rags was told that she should pick one to fight, and that winning or losing doesn't matter here. She just had to learn, and do her best. She was then offered a blunt sword, which she took and tested the edge for herself. It wasn't as heavy as a club but it was still hefty. This was a tool she could use to hunt and kill animals if she so wished, though her teacher assured her it wouldn't kill humans. She had no reason to doubt her.

Rags then looked at the three choices, starting with the largest. He had no hair, which the girl found odd. Where did it go? It didn't matter. He was the largest, and most imposing of the three. Rags would not pick him. There was no concept of 'pride' or 'wanting to prove yourself' in the Valleys. Pride got you killed, and you proved yourself by surviving, and you survived by making smart choices such as 'if you have a choice, don't pick the biggest, strongest opponent'. Next was a tanned boy like herself who didn't look as physically imposing but looked vicious. When their eyes locked, Rags' top lip snarled and she shied away, skipping over him quickly.

That left one. The smallest of the three and the closest to her height and build. He would have been the obvious smart choice if he hadn't have been the boy who smiled at her earlier, and she smiled back. The thought of hurting him gave her a slight knotting feeling in her stomach, but the fact remained that he was the smartest choice. She quelled the feeling in her gut and pointed to Aighrit with her free hand.