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They touched swords and initially went easy, each gauging the other Then they worked through basic moves, the clack-clack-clack of their wooden blades the only sound on the field

As Rendle got a feel for her ability, he increased the speed and difficulty of his technique Kariganthe effort, both physical and mental The work cleared the presence of the students from her mind, her world now only Rendle and the rhythm of their blades

Rendle accelerated again and Karigan whirled to block his blow, responding with an undercut that would have disemboweled a lesser opponent He atte this, she pushed hi, waiting for the other to make the next move

“You’ve been training,” Rendle said “Good”

Karigan responded with an advanced sequence that took Rendle by surprise and nearly caused hi, but he was a swordan’s momentum and put her on the defensive He scored a touch on her shoulder

Karigan tightened her defenses To her it was a dance,naturally from repeated practice They settled into a level of swords on mastery in which more was achieved with less—more power, more finesse, more sustained action It was the stealth and stillness of hunting cats that placed swordmasters above all others

Karigan was unaware of how far she stretched her ability, for there were only the swords, and they brought to her a sense of peace Until, quite suddenly, Rendle’s sword pressed into her gut

“Kill point,” he said, his voice soft

Karigan could only stare at his sword as though it had really passed through her belly Where did it come from? What move had he used?

“I see you haven’t learned everything yet” Rendle grinned and withdrew the wooden blade “Who’ve you been training with? Has Gresia been teaching you this advanced stuff?”

“I…” Karigan was still trying to sort out what he had done “Drent,” she said in a distracted way

“Drent?”

Karigan remembered where she was and looked around Rendle’s class had been joined by dozens of other students of various ages, all watching her and Rendle

Rendle cleared his throat and turned to the students “Now this ordplay Swordplay of a very high order”

The onlookers applauded, a an norrounds Drent and his other trainees greeted her efforts with derision, though she believed her skills superior to at least a few of theirs

Rendle disered to ask questions, he shooed them away “There will be time for questions toan he said, “Would you like to see where you rong with that last move?”

Karigan did, and they worked it out till dusk, with only Fergal watching It rean of many such sessions when she was Rendle’s pupil, hisher abilities rather than tearing the inspired her to pay attention to her studies as well, and she thought it interesting how far a little encourageo

When Rendle taught Karigan the intricacies of the technique to his satisfaction, he said, “Try that one on Drent”

Karigan grinned “I will”