Hauk growled as he saw Sumi fall.

Fain caught him. “It’s training, drey. They have to do this.”

He knew that, but still…

Sumi flipped to her feet with a stunned look on her face. “What did you do? That was incredible! Teach me!”

“And me,” Fadima said as she took another staff. “I’ve never seen anyone move like that.”

“Because you’re both tall. While I am for a human, I’ve gone up against a lot of Phrixians, Andarions, Partinie, and other humongous races that dwarf me.” She inclined her head to Desideria. “She’s even better at those moves than I am. I’ve seen her face-plant Caillen in training, and even I have a hard time doing that. My brother is extremely accomplished.”

Desideria snorted. “I don’t think it’s that, Shay.”

“What do you mean?”

“You really underestimate how much your brother fears you. You threatened to turn him into a girl one time too many, growing up.”

“Hmm… too bad I couldn’t stop him from turning into an ill-mannered tourah.”

Desideria laughed.

“But unfortunately, you won’t be fighting with staves.” Hauk went to the wall and pulled down the practice swords. He handed one to Sumi and one to Shahara.

Shahara screwed her face up. “I’m a knife fighter. I have basic sword skills, but nothing to brag about.”

Desideria took it from her. “This is my forte. ‘Qillaq’ means sword-bearer.”

Sumi glanced down at Desideria’s distended belly. While she had no problem fighting Dariana, who had yet to show her pregnancy, fighting a woman who was well into her third trimester was another matter entirely. “Out of curiosity, when exactly are you due?”

“I still have a few more weeks to go.”

Sumi stepped back. “Um, yeah… I don’t think we should be doing this.”

Desideria scoffed. “I am Qillaq. My great-grandmother gave birth during battle. She handed her daughter off then buried her enemies on the field. I promise, even though I’m not quite as centered as I normally am, you won’t hurt me or Vashe.”

“Vashe?”

“The son I carry. Even he’s eager for this. I can feel him tumbling at the mere prospect of the fight.”

Sumi was stunned. “I’m still not sure about this.”

That was her thought until Desideria started fighting. Her strikes and parries were as flawless as Shahara’s moves with a staff.

“My Lord, I’d hate to face you when you’re not pregnant.”

Desideria laughed. “Told you. But…” She stepped back. “I am very winded now.” She handed the sword to Fadima. “And I have to go to the bathroom. Vashe is dancing on top of my bladder.”

“I have felt that pain. Every child I carried used mine for a trampoline.” Fadima faced Sumi. “Do you need a break as well?”

“Good to go.”

As they fought, Hauk caught the strange look on his grandmother’s face.