
Now Primes practiced drawing arcane symbols.

Years ago when aristocrats were expected to serve in the military, they began practicing with swords as soon as they could walk. Spider-thin perfectly straight lines crossed back and forth within the circles, forming an elaborate pattern. Three rings within each other, three half circles facing outward, their backs touching the middle ring. A complicated magic circle, drawn in black and white chalk, marked the boardwalk and the wall around him. His hair fell over his face in a ragged wave. He was wearing a jacket over a black T-shirt. He perched, cross-legged, his legs stretching the black leather of his pants.
