She deflected the strike and twisted her sword to swing back in attack. He moved his feet, lowering his center to take her blows before repelling her strike. Sybille had started slowly, letting Nicolas become accustomed to the force of her sword, but with each jab, she increased the pressure to see where his comfort level was. Instead of facing her, Nicolas jumped to the stairs, leaping over a coiled rope and out of Sybille’s reach. “Nicolas! Stop with the theatrics. I’m trying to teach you the basics.” “I don’t need basics. I’m an expert swordsman. Felix and Gui showed me all I need to know.” “Gui is seven, and Felix is eight. They have not learned much at all yet. And who do you think taught them what they know?” Sybille crossed her arms over her surcoat, her sword dangling from one hand. “You are no expert, little boy. Now come back here and face me.” “But I’m not supposed to fight with girls.” Sybille looked down at herself and back to him. “Do I appear to be a girl today?”
