“Determined to send people to their deaths.”
Raylik sent a warning look in my direction. He was a soldier and commander. Steady and loyal. “Hylos is a good leader. He will do what is best for us all.”
The measured statement wasn’t a disagreement. That was something.
“But you hope that ‘what is best’ is not war?” I pushed further.
Raylik only looked ahead, not answering my question, which again was an answer in itself.
Because he didn’t want war.
But he would follow his leader’s orders. No matter what.
“Are you good with a sword?” Raylik asked, changing the subject.
I let out a snort. “Me? Good with a sword.”
He didn’t laugh, only kept that slow pace. It wasn’t a joke.
“No, I’m not good with a sword.”
“What about hand to hand?”
“Like dancing?” I asked.
“Hand to handcombat,” he clarified.
“The only combat I’m familiar with is what I’ve read in books. I have no skill in fighting. It is not …” The words tasted disgusting on my tongue. “It’s not becoming of a lady.”
“Nonsense. Everyone should learn to hold a sword and defend themselves.”
He was right. If I had been a son, surely I’d have learned to fight and hold a sword. Every boy from the age of five did.
“Could you teach someone like me?” I asked. Half-waiting for him to laugh in my face.
“Of course,” he answered curtly.
If he trained me a little, maybe I could learn the sirens’ strengths and understand their weaknesses. It could also help us escape when the time was right. Also, I could pass the information along to my father.
“Would you teach me?” I asked.
“I will speak with Nixie. We both should train you. She is the second-best fighter I know.”
Petite Nixie was the second-best fighter Raylik knew? When he was raised by warriors and had the muscle mass to show for it?
“And who is the first?” I asked.
“Me.”
Chapter 25
Nixie appeared at my door disgustingly early the next morning.
“What time is it?” I groaned, squinting at the unforgiving white daybreak shining behind her.
“Early as Infernum. Now, get dressed. Today we start your training.” She shoved a wad of emerald silk into my hands.
“At this hour?” I questioned, eyeing the small amount of fabric.
