Paul frowned as Henry, panting heavily, circled around a grinning Hannah. “You want to stay on the balls of your feet.” Paul continued. “Don’t stomp around your opponent.” “Okay, right.” Henry replied. Hannah raised the wooden bokotu and gave him a short bow. “Try again, Henry.” He nodded determinedly and attacked her with gusto. She parried his strike and danced backwards as Paul studied the two of them closely. The wooden blades made heavy thuds as they clashed and Henry lunged forward, groaning loudly when Hannah knocked the bokotu from his hand and kicked his legs out from under him. He collapsed on the mats, his face red, and Hannah held her hand out to him. She hauled him to his feet, clapping him on the arm as he gave her a nod of thanks. “Good, much better.” Paul said approvingly. “Not really.” Henry muttered. “It’s true.” Hannah smiled at him. “You were much lighter on your feet that round. It takes time to – “ She paused as the door opened and Chen, followed by Andrew, entered the room.
