Eleanor had spent the night in the castle. At dawn the next day Annabeth woke her and led her to the coliseum.
"Today, we fight," Annabeth said. "You will defend. You will attack. And you will fail. Repeatedly. Your only goal is to fail better each time. Don't worry… I will use my ten per cent strength, as usual."
She did not wait for Eleanor to ready herself. She moved as her speech ended: a simple, direct lunge that was deceptively fast.
Eleanor's mind, still occupied by Annabeth's words, failed to react instantly. She tried to twist away, but her response was late. She was also slightly sluggish because of the rings on her limbs. Annabeth's fist, withdrawn at the last moment, still thudded solidly into her ribs.
"You must be ready to defend yourself at all times," Annabeth stated. "You see the strike and your whole body prepares for the impact. Battle readiness is a very important aspect of a fighter. Again."
