The King

The ring of steel on steel echoed in the small camp as the two sword wielders circled warily. Their blades' constant clashing was accompanied by the gentle sounds of music that flowed from Duran's recently repaired mandolin.

Nix kicked sand into his adversary's face then attempted a leg sweep while Chiba's sight was impaired. When his leg contacted nothing, he rolled free and brought up his guard, but it was already too late. The flat side of the old woman's blade slapped him gentle on the shoulder.

"Well done, Apprentice!" Chiba took a long drink from her canteen and then wiped her mouth with the back of her sword hand. She offered her apprentice a drink, but he shook his head and produced his own container. "One last spar!"

"There's no telling what you put in your canteen." Nix knew without asking that it was booze.