They were leaving something out, obviously, but Sean wasn’t sure he cared. He’d already attracted enough attention. Better to train with only one other than to try and fail in front of a crowd.
“So can we start now?” He glanced at Bel.
“We have a little time,” she said.
A slow grin spread over Cathaire’s face. “You start at the beginning, Apprentice. Why don’t we gauge where your skills are?”
Sean’s eyebrows shot up. “You want me to fight you?”
“No.” Cathaire pointed at Anna. “I want you to fight her.”
His gaze swung to the woman—thin armed, a head shorter than him—who offered him a capricious smirk. He could probably break her with a friendly hug. No way would he fight her.
“What’s wrong,Ashanta?” she asked. “Scared?”
A disbelieving laugh burst from his chest. “Yeah. For you.”
“I’m stronger than I look.”
She looked about as strong as a Maltese puppy, so that wasn’t saying much.
“You’re serious?” Sean asked Cathaire. “Her?”
Cathaire nodded. “Would you like leathers?” He gestured to the guards Anna wore.
“Nah, I’m good.”
His new trainer made a face like he thought that decision unwise but said nothing. He motioned toward the grassy area nearby. “Take your stance.”
Sean obeyed, facing Anna from a few paces away while Isobelmade herself at home in the grass. He stretched out his arms, taking measure of his opponent.
“Begin,” Cathaire said.
Anna made no move. She tilted her head, her gaze dipping down his neck and arms, studying him. “You’re off balance.”
“I’m just standing here.”
In a flash, she darted forward, hands aimed for his shoulders. He threw his arms up, but she used their height difference to bend him forward and ram her knee into his stomach.
He coughed, and with one smooth twist, she kicked his ankle and brought him to the ground.
Sky-blue eyes glinted down at him. “See? Off balance.”
Cathaire ordered them to go again.
Brushing grass from his legs, Sean stood, appraising this fragile-appearing creature more closely. “I don’t want to hurt you.”
“Pain is power.” She moved again, but he was prepared, raising his arms in defense. She grabbed his wrist and elbow, swinging herself beneath his arm to imprison it behind his back. From there, she kicked the back of his leg and followed him to the ground as he collapsed, her bony knee digging hard into his spine.
“You’re going easy, Apprentice,” Cathaire said in their natural tongue. “Stop immobilizing him and hurt him.”
She released Sean and stood. “He’s the heir of Sidera.”
“I don’t care if he’s the bloody Queen of the Seelie Court. Take him down.”
Sean pushed himself from the ground. Behind Isobel, a crowd had gathered to watch.
Great.
