A bit of a chill rode the slight breeze. The warm season wasn't as...well, warm in Ixia than Sitia. Janco glanced at Liana who he carried on his left hip. Wearing a cute one piece outfit with little butterflies, she was adorable. However she needed another layer so he fished into the survival kit...er...baby bag that Yelena had provide and found a jacket and knit hat.

Dressing a squirming baby without putting her on the ground proved to require quite a bit of coordination. By the time he finished, she was covered and he was sweating. He had a second to admire his handiwork before she yanked the hat off and tossed it onto the ground.

"It's cold," he said, putting it back on.

Yank. Down it went.

This time he tied the strings under her chin--one handed. Ha! No seven-month-old is going to--

She pulled it forward this time. It came off and she threw it over his shoulder. Sigh.

"Guess that's a no to the hat." He stuffed it back into the pack.

Janco carried her around the courtyard and then over to the training yard. Brand new recruits worked with wooden swords and rubber knives while the older ones used real weapons. Setting the bag down and Liana on top of the fence, he stood behind her, holding her around the waist. She kicked her legs and clapped her chubby hands as if enjoying the practice bouts.

"Now see that fellow over there," Janco pointed to two men sparring with swords. "The one in red is blocking too wide, leaving his torso wide open, but his opponent isn't smart enough to figure it out.

That guy is too busy wasting energy lunging and retreating. Bah, who trains these guys?" He kept up a running commentary. It was never too early to start teaching the basics.

"Hey, is that Valek's brat?" a young male soldier asked Janco.

All good humor fled as Janco studied the impertinent man. The soldier had been sparring with a skinny but nimble fellow. Both had used sharp rapiers.

"I suggest you apologize to the young miss," Janco said. "Right now."

"Or what? You'll throw a tantrum." He laughed, but his companion recognized the dangerous glint in Janco's eyes and inched away.

Smart man. Unlike the lunkhead.

"Or I'll make you beg for her forgiveness on your knees," Janco said.

Another guffaw. "And just how are you going to do that, Old Man?"

That was it. Janco plucked Liana off the fence then climbed over. He gestured to Skinny for his sword.

The man hurried to give it to him, then backpeddled. Janco settled Liana on his left hip--she made an excellent counterweight and he shifted into a fencing stance with his right arm extended and right foot forward. This protected his left side.

Lunkhead stared at Janco in amazement. "You can't be serious?"

"Try me."

Liana made a raspberry noise at the man. Good girl.

"First blood?"