He met his opponent's thrust, parrying the practice sword away. He forced himself not to glance at the swordmaster watching them, to check Ecglaf's reaction to his moves. He had to assume that his every move was perfect. To assume otherwise was to accept the possibility of failure. To become a Rider, one must dismiss all doubts and believe he was the best to his innermost being. Doubt in one's abilities led to death, of yourself or your comrades.
He attacked and knocked the sword from his opponent's grip.
"Gód!" said Ecglaf.
He allowed himself a brief moment of pride.