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"Daht blond curls to bounce "We’re more worried about Valek We’ll train you if he doesn’t object Agreed?"

"Agreed"

Ari and I shook hands When I turned to Janco, he see my hand

"What?" I asked

"A switchblade would be better than a knife," Janco said

"And where would I carry this…switchblade?"

"Strapped to your thigh You cut a hole in your pants pocket Then if you’re attacked, you pull it out, hit the switch, and a nine-inch blade leaps to your disposal" Janco demonstrated the motion to me and mock stabbed Ari, who clutched his stoht Thrilled by the idea of learning to defend oatee "Since Valek isn’t back we could start with so objectionable about that"

"Moves she could have learned by watching the soldiers train," Ari said, agreeing with his partner

They decided "Right now," they said in unison

Chapter Seventeen

Standing next to the two oversize soldiers, I felt like a plus crept into ainst someone of Ari’s build seemed ridiculous If he wanted, he could pickI could do about it

"Okay First, we’ll start with some self-defense," Ari explained "No weapons until the basichand to hand than wielding a weapon you don’t kno to use A skilled opponent would simply disarm you Then your troubles would be doubled Not only would you be under attack, but you’d have to counter your oeapon"

Ari leaned his practice sword next to Janco’s, scanning the training yard Most of the soldiers were gone, but sths?" Ari asked

"Strengths?"

"What are you good at?"

Janco, sensing my confusion, prompted, "Are you a fast runner? That’s a handy skill"

"Oh" I finally understood "I’m flexible I used to be an acrobat"

"Perfect Coordination and agility are excellent skills And…" Ari grabbed h into the air