52. Sword Smarts

The training hall was in a separate building, next to the barracks behind the Palace. Soldiers were working out on gym gear or sparring with weapons when we walked in.

“Everybody out!” yelled Laney. They all stopped what they were doing, put down any equipment, and headed for the door.

“Hurry up! Or do you want to stay here and play dollies with me?”

I don’t know what ‘playing dollies’ consisted of, but you’ve never seen a room clear out so fast. There was genuine fear on the faces of the men who rushed past me. I had visions of burly soldiers being forced to march around a parade ground in frilly dresses and big bows on their heads.

Once they’d gone, Laney went over to a rack of swords and picked out two wooden ones. They didn’t look very fancy, just sticks with hilts.

“Here.” She handed me one. “Let’s see what you’ve got.”

Without waiting for an answer, she came at me.

In a game, you find the special training master and he teaches you