That part is simple, he said. We will take a staging post from which to strike, and attack our foes from there. We will encircle them and overwhelm them, because they believe that no one would dare to do what we will do.

He went back to his throne and tore off the purple robes, revealing scale armor underneath. Ravin drew his sword and pointed up, to the spot on the map that hung to the east of the two kingdoms.

Prepare ships, he commanded. For soon, we will take the Isle of Leveros.

CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE

Training with the Knights of the Spur was one of the hardest things Erin had done. Her blade crashed against the shield of her current opponent, a knight named Persh, and he bludgeoned into her with his shoulder. She barely twisted aside from the blow, coming up with her spear ready for the next attack.

That was when Commander Harr hit her from the side, striking her with the flat of his sword. Erin wheeled toward him, anger rising, but he was already sheathing it.

I dont need to worry about attacks from someone who has already died, he said.

But that wasnt

If you say fair Ill have you run laps of the walls, the commander warned.

Erin almost said it anyway, just for the sake of the defiance. Somehow though she reined in the urge. She took the cover for her spear, ready to make it a staff once more.

So Im supposed to watch out for random old men attacking me, she shot back at him. A part of her was hoping to goad him, just to have the chance to fight with him again. He hadnt sparred with her since shed arrived, and he was clearly the best of them. It was… frustrating.

Commander Harr didnt rise to the barbs in her words. Instead, he considered her levelly.

You should be aware that I have sent a message to your father, explaining that you are here.

But… Erin didnt know what to say to that. She should have seen it coming; these were her fathers knights, after all.

I have also explained that you have passed our test, and are therefore here to train with us, the commander said. Frankly, if you wish to stay, you will need to do far better.

How am I supposed to do better? Erin demanded.

Your sword masters have obviously taught you well, but here in the Spur we do not train to fight duels. We train for battle, where anything is fair.

Like this? Erin asked, and lunged at the commander. For a moment, she thought that her lunge was fast enough to get through, but Commander Harr twisted aside, letting the blow scrape from his armor. He pushed her, sending Erin stumbling.