“Again.” He shook his head but handed over the dagger. “Don’t stand square to your opponent. Get into a fighting stance. Your weapons master must have at least taught you that.” It sounded vaguely familiar. I shifted slightly to the side, mirroring his feet with my left ahead of my right. “Okay. I’m ready.” “Praise the gods,” he muttered. When he lunged, I really was ready. I shuffled backward, careful to pick up my feet so I didn’t trip. “Ha!” The gleam in his eyes made my stomach knot. Shit. I was in so much trouble. This time, he did trip me. One quick sweep of his front leg to mine, and my
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