Chapter 11

“Again!”

The Sergeant’s command rang in Thomas’s ears. His gaze settled upon the boy he had been paired with to practice swordsmanship. A light-haired, swarthy boy with swamp-green eyes.

“What’s your name again?”

The boy smirked. “Hal.”

Thomas looked up at Hal, who stood a full head taller. “Sorry, I forgot.” He got into a ready position, knees bent, legs braced, and balanced lightly on the balls of his feet.

Malice glinted in Hal’s eyes. “Are you sure your head can handle it?”

Thomas rubbed the new bump on his head and winced as it set off a small flash of pain. “My head was deformed already so you didn’t change anything.” He grinned. “So I’ll manage.” He launched himself at Hal and delivered a series of blindingly fast blows.