I frowned, replayed what he'd said in my head, and then focused on the pell. Hips, shoulders, biceps. Snap. I swung. The strike hit true, and the vibration that ran up the wooden sword didn't continue into my arms, thanks to my loose grip.
“Holy shit!” I cried. “That helped.”
“It was a good first try.”
“Good first try? You've improved me in just a few minutes. What else? Tell me more.”
Jath grinned and his whole body softened with it. “All right, let's go over your footwork.”
Chapter Thirty-Nine
Jath and I trained long enough that my men came looking for me.
“What the fuck is going on here?” Xae growled as they stormed up to us.
I winced. “Jath is helping me improve my swordwork.”
“I know how to work with his slimmer build,” Jath said. “You've been training him as if he's your size.”
“I didn't realize size made a difference,” Rath said.
I busted out in laughter.
All three men frowned at me.
“Oh, come on. That was too easy. Do I even have to say it?” I looked from man to man and widened my eyes at them. “Size makes ahugedifference.”
Xae snorted, then Rath and Jath grinned.
“All right, what adjustments were necessary?” Rath asked.
As Jath went over things with Rath, Xae pulled me aside and asked, “Are we good?”
“Of course. I just needed some time to cool off,” I said.
“And you happened to cross paths with Jathalion?”
“I came out here to pummel a pell, and he happened to be out here too.” I shrugged. “He saw my terrible sword skills and offered to show me a few things. It's really helped. The stance alone has improved my strikes.”
“The stance?”
“I was crouching too low. He said for my body type, I have to stand higher. Move instead of root myself in place.”
Xae grunted and looked over at Jath.
“It's not your fault. You've only had to train yourself, and you work with big, muscular men. You didn't know I'd have to learn a different way.”
“I suppose you should train with him more.”
Suddenly, I remembered what was between us. “I don't know if he wants to train me regularly.”
“Why not?”
“I'm sure he's busy.”
“I don't mind,” Jath said as he joined us. “Why don't we stop for today and pick it up again tomorrow? I'll be out here after breakfast. Join me when you're ready.”
“All right. Thank you.”
