“If he agrees, you may spar with Cyprus next, and I will coach you.”
Cyprus dipped his chin in agreement.
“I am ready when you are,” he told Wren.
She sighed and picked her sword up from where it was lying on the ground nearby. It had grown wet from sitting in the grass, the blade and hilt slick with dew. Kierana huffed and snatched it from Wren.
“You should not leave your sword in water. It will rust. Not to mention that you cannot get a solid grip if it is wet,” she grumbled as she cleaned the weapon with her skirts.
“I will be more careful in the future,” Wren said. “It would be easier if I had a scabbard as you do. My arms get tired of holding the weight.”
“I will give you one of mine if you can show you’ve learned something today,” Kierana said.
Wren shook her head.
“You act as though you are my instructor and not Ivanhild. I am in this class not of my own will. I wish only to get a high mark.”
Kierana scowled. “My tutelage will get you a high markandkeep you from dying if you ever find yourself in a circumstance that warrants defense.”
Wren did not reply. She wanted to remind Kierana that there was no future in which Wren would be in such a situation, but the recent death of Kelda still lingered in the air. Kierana had known Kelda, and it likely worried her that a Stonesmouth woman was killed in such a violent manner. Wren knew her lessons were the way Kierana showed that she cared. She should be a better friend and show more gratitude.
Kierana returned Wren’s blade, and Wren accepted it–glad her tutor had not seen fit to throw the weapon.
“I am ready,” Wren said, then met Kierana’s gaze. “I will do my best and listen to your teaching. I promise.”
Kierana smiled. “Good.” She stepped away and waved a hand. “Begin.”
Wren drew in a deep breath.
Eyes up, Kalyxi.Castien’s voice echoed through her mind. She lifted her gaze and met Cyprus’s eyes straight on.
Lift your elbow.
Tighten your abdomen. Think of pulling in and up.
Shift your weight onto your back foot.
Be sure to grip your hilt tightly.
With each whisper in her mind, she followed the instruction.
“Attack first,” Kierana prompted as Castien’s voice murmuredAttack me.
Wren lunged at Cyprus. His sword collided with hers, and she rejoiced when it did not come out of her hand.
“Light on your feet now,” Kierana said.
Wren shuffled backward. It was not an elegant movement, but she managed to dodge a blow from Cyprus.
“Swing high next time, use momentum the way I did,” Kierana spoke as Wren parried another advance.
Wren attempted to mimic Kierana’s spin move, but her steps were sluggish and her arms not strong enough to lift the weapon as high as the Stonemouth warrior had. The blow came down wobbly, and Cyprus parried it with ease, managing to disarm her instead of the other way around.
“He was taking it easy on you,” Kierana said bluntly as Wren’s chest heaved.
She had accomplished so little, and yet was already exhausted.
“You should compliment her more,” Cyprus scolded Kierana. He handed the sword back to Wren. “Your first attack was a strong one, and your opening stance was perfect.”
