The woman snarled, then came at Reid with a series of moves meant to back Reid into a corner while simultaneously wearing her down. Having no choice, Reid parried each blow as she took a step back, trying to think of a way to turn the situation around. Years of training kicked in. Her arms moved of their own accord, holding Gytha off. Within the first minute, Reid’s arms ached—it had been far too long since she’d practiced. Regardless, she forced herself to remain strong and not to cower.

Growling in frustration, Gytha sped up her movements, her hits becoming more aggressive. She feinted to the left, then lunged, trying to hit Reid’s left side. Reid managed to block the blow, her arms shaking from the impact. But then Gytha’s foot slammed into Reid’s shin, making her leg buckle. Before she could even think to defend herself, Gytha twisted, kicking Reid’s exposed right side. Reid flew to the ground, her head slamming against the stone wall. Stars exploded across her vision, then dispersed into blackness that hovered around the edges of her consciousness.

Multiple blurry Gythas seemed to appear above Reid. “Maybe the novice class is better suited for you.”

“Are you okay?” Markis asked, kneeling beside Reid. His fingers trailed over her head, examining it.

Reid couldn’t answer. A ringing sound bombarded her ears, her vision swimming in a cloudy sea of images she couldn’t quite make out. Everything hurt. She closed her eyes, trying not to vomit.

“What were you thinking?” Markis demanded.

“Watch how you address your superior,” Gytha sneered.

“My superior? My superior would have never taken such a cheap shot.” Reid felt arms slide under her body, vaguely aware when Markis picked her up.

She opened her eyes, blinking frantically. As everything started to come into focus, she noticed the soldiers no longer sparred. Instead, they stared at her. She couldn’t even summon the energy to be mortified by the attention. Her body ached.

“I’m taking her to the infirmary,” Markis said.

Dexter approached. “Don’t move,” he murmured. Then, addressing everyone, he raised his voice. “Back to work. Now.”

The soldiers immediately complied.

Turning to Reid, he asked, “Are you okay?”

“Yes,” she replied, her voice barely audible. “The force of the hit jarred me, but I’m okay.”

“Can you stand?”

“Probably.”

Markis tightened his hold on her. “You hit your head pretty hard.”

“Set her on her feet,” Dexter commanded.

Markis hesitated before slowly releasing her, setting her on her feet.

When Reid stumbled, Markis grabbed her shoulders, offering support.

“She’ll be fine,” Gytha said dismissively.

“What are you still doing here?” Dexter asked, his tone sharp. “I told everyone to get back to work.”