Page 143 of Thorns and Echoes

The Queen’s blade cut the air. “There is no honor in war, Sergeant Morwen. The general will not concede after a duel. Fight with a squad, or not at all.”

Practicality defined all her choices.

Morwen narrowed her eyes, then beckoned behind her. “My squad is ready.Wechallenge you.”

Three women and two men stepped into the circle. One of the women Anais recognized as a palace guard.

Interesting.

The previous group cleared the training circle. Five swords cleared their sheaths. The Queen lifted her weapon.

This squad didn't need to be told to attack.

They moved in unison but not uniform. Morwen led the strike, her sword swinging in what appeared to be a recklesscharge. Two of her squad flanked her. Dodge to either side, and Anais would be met with another blade.

The Queen smiled.

Her sword clashed with Morwen’s. Anais didn't need a squad. She was an army.

She turned aside the sergeant’s blade, used the momentum to parry the left soldier’s swing, and ducked under the third sword.

Faster.

The two who flanked Morwen circled behind Anais, making room for the remaining soldiers. A second sword would be useful. None of these fighters seemed to have uncertain grips. A pity.

“Good!” Anais drew her dagger. “Again! Do not let me recover!”

Morwen darted in as the Queen gripped the small hilt. It was obvious feint, but a solid distraction for anyone less perceptive. The Queen blocked a swing from behind, redirecting a thrust from her side at the same time, and slid sideways to avoid yet another assault.

Cool raindrops splashed her face. The quick braid she'd tied swung back and forth.

Tightening her stomach and bracing her leg, she spun to rebalance and disengage. The squad kept coming. Anais met and countered each of them.

Faster.

When she twisted to evade a particularly clever maneuver, the tip of a blade caught the flying edge of her dress. Fabric could be replaced. The Queen’s reputation could not.

Faster!

Her sword clipped a woman's blade, her opponent shouting in surprise as the weapon went flying.

The Queen snapped, “Clever but risky will get you killed on the battlefield! Pay attention to each other!”

Necessity was more important than emotion.

Another soldier lost her weapon, her hand falling limp as the Queen slammed the hilt of her sword into the woman's shoulder. A tap of her dagger, and the soldier bowed in defeat.

But that soldier almost cost her the fight. Gravel shifted in her blind spot to the right. A gust of wind threatened to knock her off balance. She bent her knees and braced, flipping her blade up just in time to block a jolting slash across her chest. Her leg slid back. She spun to face Morwen.

The sergeant fought with precision and skill. Emotion didn't enter the training circle. She took hits but rallied quickly.

Rain flew straight into Anais’ face. She had been driven in this direction on purpose. Smart woman.

The Queen didn't need to see, but the wind disrupted her hearing. Relying on instinct alone was dangerous. She needed to end this.

Even if it was the most fun she'd had since Castien–

She slipped on the wet gravel. Just a little. Just enough.