The Second Blade (part three)

Nix put up with the old woman throwing an arm around him. For once, she didn't stink of booze and body odor. Her gray hair smoothed back, and her clothes seemed to be without any significant wrinkles. "How's your advancement, Quest?"

Chiba pulled him close to her flat chest. "I'm done except for your part."

Nix walked with the old woman, while his companions fell in behind. They entered the lobby of a large building and exited almost immediately into a courtyard that had been made into a training area. "What's my part?"

Chiba held up her hands. "Not to worry, Nix, it's merely a display competition."

Nix laughed at the old woman's expression. "You have no idea what I need to do."

Chiba shook her head. "Not really, no."

The old woman walked him to the edge of a raised platform where three old men waited with three younger people. Two men, wearing red, sat in chairs on either side of the wooden stage.