She shook her head looking out to the group of men that were huddled together watching her lesson. “No, not if you do it properly. Watch.” She turned back to the boy. “Ok now do as I said.” She came in at him and he blocked. “Now slide your foot.” She said twisting the blade but when she tried to slide the blade and lean, his body was in the way. She stepped back. “Good.” She looked back at the men and Othien who looked genuinely impressed.
“Where did you learn that?” One of the men shouted and the others echoed his question.
“Enough of that!” Othien ordered loudly. “Pair off and begin sparring!”
Lilly walked over to him and handed him the sword. “I’ve only seen one man fight like that.” He took the blade and grimaced looking down at it. Then in an about face he laughed quietly. “One of these days, I’ll tell you a story about how Jaden got your father out of trouble with the king.”
She smiled wanting very much to hear. “I can still show you how to fix the parry.
The old man shook his head the heaviness in his expression returning. “My dear, I realize being raised around Jaden you have no aversion to him or his kind. But unfortunately there are many in Olestra who do.”
She nodded glumly. “Come Lilly I think we’ve drawn enough attention to ourselves for today.” Clara touched her shoulder tenderly.
They walked silently back to her apartment and didn’t speak until the door was closed and Lilly was seated on a soft chair beside the fireplace. “We’re done for the day. I’ll have a servant bring you supper and draw a nice hot bath. I’ll be back after breakfast tomorrow morning.” Clara said and opened the door to go.
