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“The short sword seems tae be yer weapon o’ choice,” Magnus said, throwing his broad sword down, and lifting two short swords from the snow at his feet.

But as Katherine took it from his grasp, she hesitated.

What if Domhnall sees me, and is angry that I am sparring with his brother?

Magnus smiled and swung the sword around a little.

“Dae ye ken, Katherine, that in the Highlands, a man isnae offended that a lass can fight. It is strange, but nae so uncommon. In fact, we often see it as a strength. Me braither will only see yer sparring as a good thing.”

Katherine frowned, for it was as though the man was reading her mind. Perhaps her face had betrayed her worry.

“Now,” he said, “let’s see what ye can dae.”

They started off slowly, Magnus displaying a more tentative approach for Katherine’s benefit. The swords clanged together, the sound echoing off the castle walls. Magnus advanced, pushing her back, but after a little time watching his movements, Katherine had started to preempt them.

“Ye were taught well, Katherine. I must say, I have never seen a lass who masters another’s moves as quickly as ye,” Magnus panted.

“My father taught me,” Katherine replied breathlessly. “He was a noble man, but also a great fighter.”

Even though his skill could not save him in the end.

“I am sorry he was killed, Katherine,” Magnus said, advancing once more. “I am also sorry ye think it was Domhnall who killed him.”

Hearing those words, Katherine hesitated in her next strike, and seeing her falter, Magnus brought his sword to his side.

“I’m… I’m not really sure I believe that any more,” she said.

Maybe he wasn’t the person she ought to be saying that to, but it seemed to just leak out of her without her thinking.

Magnus took a few steps toward her. Looking down at her, he tilted his head to the side. “Why? What’s changed?”

She matched his gaze and shrugged. “I can’t really say. I suppose it’s just…” But she trailed off.

“Just what?” Magnus pressed.

“You will think me foolish,” she replied.

But Magnus shook his head. “I doubt that. I’m the smart one o’ the family,” he quipped with a smile.

His remark made Katherine giggle a little, and then she said, “It’s just a feeling. I know, it sounds ridiculous, but?—”

“Nae at all. Our gut feeling is there fer a reason. Me skin has been saved on several occasions by listening tae me gut.”

“Really?” Katherine said, feeling suddenly validated that someone else understood.

“Och, aye. God gave us brains, but he gave us senses too. I dinnae think he would give us them if we werenae supposed tae use them.”

“Give us what?” a gruff voice came from behind Katherine.

She spun around to see Domhnall approaching with long strides, and upon reaching them, he looked from one to the other. “Give us what?” he repeated, sounding a little frustrated.

While Katherine was now worried at his tone, Magnus was beaming from ear to ear.

“What’s the matter, Domhnall? Are ye jealous that I am training with yer future wife?”

“I’m worried fer her safety,” Domhnall replied gruffly. “I ken how bad ye are with that thing.” He nodded abruptly at the sword Magnus still held.

“Actually, he’s rather good,” Katherine jumped in to defend Magnus.