Kyra wiped any sign of worry from her face as she arrived at the Guildhouse. As always, a few men were standing around the storeroom. Kyra walked by Bacchus, who was applying liquid from a vial to one of his daggers. Kyra shuddered when she realized it was probably poison.

Rand had already set up some straw mats and was leaning against a stack of boxes, tossing a dagger in the air.

“Am I late?” she asked, watching the light reflect off the spinning blade.

Rand shook his head and motioned her closer. He handed her a sack heavy with coins.

Kyra weighed the sack in her hand, puzzled. “Is this for next month?”

“It in’t for you. This is for any folk who need it. Tell them it’s from the Guild.”

“Really, anyone?” Was James trying to win favor within the city?

“Can’t be your friends and can’t be yourself.”

“Who exactly are my friends?”

Rand grinned. “That’s for James to decide. I’d play it safe though.” He jerked his head toward a man in the corner. “Ho, Jason. Show the lass your arm.” Jason scowled, but pulled up his sleeve. Even from a distance, Kyra could see the angry burn scars across his arm. “That’s what happens if James catches you dipping into the handouts. Understand?”

Kyra nodded. She would certainly have no trouble finding folk who needed the coin.

Seemingly satisfied, Rand gestured toward the mat. Kyra put down her things and stepped on, feeling the rough strands through the bottom of her shoes. The mats were better than the stone floor, but they still weren’t a welcoming surface to fall on. As they stood facing each other, Rand grabbed a sheath from his belt and covered his dagger, tying it well with a leather thong so it wouldn’t slip off during the fight.

“You got yours?”

“Aye,” she said. At least with knives, they weren’t quite so unevenly matched. She reached for her ankle and released her knife from its bindings, slipping it out the leg of her trousers. It had a plain handle and a blade the length of her hand. By now, she was getting a sense for its reach in a fight.

Rand attacked as soon as she stood up, coming at her with a downward thrust. She stepped sideways, backing lightly out of his reach. She was starting to get the hang of it. The secret was to stay away from him and keep moving. At close range, anyone in the Guild could overpower her with brute strength. But she was faster than most, and if she stayed alert, then she had a chance.

“What are you, a dancer?” Rand said. “Pretty moves won’t do any good here.”