Thief of Time - Balls

'These are wooden,' said Lu-Tze calmly. 'Catch one.'

Something touched Lobsang's ear and behind him the padding shook as a ball buried itself deeply and then dropped to the floor.

'Perhaps a shade slower ...' said Lu-Tze, turning a knob.

After fifteen random balls, Lobsang caught one in his stomach. Lu-Tze sighed and pushed the big lever back.

'Well done,' he said.

'Sweeper, I'm not used to-' said the boy, picking himself up.

'Oh, I knew you wouldn't catch one,' said Lu-Tze. 'Even our boisterous friend out there in the dojo wouldn't catch one at that speed.'

'But you said you had slowed it down!'

'Only so that it wouldn't kill you. Just a test, see. Everything's a test. Let's go, lad. Can't keep the abbot waiting.’

***

The Thief of Time - p59