With a grateful smile, she took one of the wooden swords and stood opposite Markis. She tried to recall the training session she’d had with Ackley where he’d demonstrated how to modify what she knew in order to succeed against an unfamiliar opponent.

“Ready?” Markis asked.

Reid nodded, adjusting her grip on the hilt, trying to get a feel for the weight of the weapon.

He swung, and she easily parried the blow. She kept herself reined in, not wanting to go on the offensive until she had a better read on him.

“I’m not the best swordsman,” he said. “My talent lies with the bow.”

“While I have no doubt you are exceptional with the bow,” she said while blocking a series of strikes, “you are one of twelve in an advanced weaponry class.” Which meant he knew how to use a sword. Talking was probably a ploy to distract her. Her friend Knox often did that.

“Speaking of which, why are you here?” He circled around her.

She followed him, keeping her front facing his, so he couldn’t attack her from behind. “Captain Gytha invited me. She made it sound like it was a good idea.”

“That’s what I feared.” Lowering his sword, he glanced over to where Dexter and Gytha fought one another.

Fascinated, Reid watched as Dexter struck Gytha’s side. In retaliation, she slammed the hilt of her sword against his shoulder. He twisted, ramming his elbow between her shoulder blades. When the blow knocked her to the ground, he put his foot on her back. Grunting, she punched the ground and conceded the match.

Reid swallowed. Dexter hadn’t gone easy on Gytha. In fact, a trickle of blood ran down her face. Dexter reached down to help Gytha to her feet. They spoke quietly to one another. Reid was just about to turn away when Dexter gestured over at Reid and nodded. Wiping the blood from her cheek, Gytha started in Reid’s direction.

Reid faced Markis, eyes wide, silently pleading for him to do something.

Raising his sword, he said, “Let’s go another round.”

She lifted her weapon, shoulders tense.

“Markis,” Gytha snapped. “Go fight with Dexter.”

“I’d like to finish my round with Lady Reid.”

“It wasn’t a request.”

Markis nodded. “Yes, Captain.” He gave Reid a worried glance before exchanging swords with Gytha.

At least Gytha now had a wooden sword instead of a metal one. Not that she couldn’t do damage with a wooden one, but at least she wouldn’t sever Reid’s limbs.

“Let’s see what you can do.” With no more warning, Gytha raised her sword and viciously swung, aiming for Reid’s side.

Reid barely had time to lift her sword to block the strike. The force was much stronger than she’d anticipated. Standing with her feet a little wider than usual to maintain balance, she warily eyed Gytha, waiting for the next attack.