The Warrior Trainer by Gerri Russell

arcane her methods were. But this time he was wrong. Dead wrong. Strategy was her strength. And she refused to back down.
       Scotia secured the last scroll, then stood. "We battle now." Without waiting for her students to follow, she headed out of the great hall and down the long corridor to her training chamber.
       "You first, Griffin." Inside the empty room, she waited for Griffin to ready himself before she drew her sword. "Let us see if you can defend yourself."
       Ian wanted to protest. He would welcome the physical challenge of a battle with her right now. But the dark look that suddenly shadowed Scotia's features changed his mind. Anger burned her cheeks. If the two of them battled now, she would likely spear him through the heart. But would Griffin fare any better?
       Yet after Griffin's challenge to Scotia last night, perhaps a bit of her anger would put his brother in his place. Ian knew from experience where Griffin would end up— at the base of Scotia's feet.
       Ian stood off to the side, studying the two warriors. His brother clutched his heavy claymore, a feral gleam in his eyes. It was a look Ian was familiar with, a look that had often brought nothing but trouble between the two of them.
       In preparation for the sparring, Scotia held her lighter broadsword in one hand before her. Her other hand stretched behind her as a counterbalance. She appeared composed now, no longer allowing their previous disagreement to affect her. It was almost inhuman the way she shielded her emotions from others. But he knew her to be all too human, indeed.
       The battle began as Griffin lunged forward. His movements were hard, short, aggressive. Scotia avoided his blows with quick and fluid movements. She made fighting appear so simple. Like a mere dance, but with a lethal partner.
       High color filled her cheeks as she wove her way about her enemy. Griffin did not stand a chance against her.
       Four passes later, Griffin lay on the floor. With one booted foot on his chest, Scotia held him captive, as did her sword at his neck. Ian tried to suppress a smile at the memory of his and Scotia's first battle. It had taken her six passes to bring him down.
       "You cheated," Griffin exclaimed, his face contorted in rage. A growl came from deep within his throat as he hooked Scotia's calf with his hand and sent her flying backward.
       "Nay," Ian objected, but before he could make a move to defend her, Scotia absorbed the blow, springing to her feet, her sword in hand.
       Griffin tried to stand, but she caught his leg with her heel and sent him to the floor once more.
       "A reckless maneuver when my weapon was against your throat." Scotia allowed her blade to rest against his skin.
       Griffin's eyes hardened and Ian thought about intervening, but somehow he knew she would do nothing to seriously injure his brother despite his ill behavior.
       "Let us try that again, shall we ?” She drew her sword away from Griffin's neck, then resumed her fighting stance. "This time you will follow the rules of engagement."
       Griffin roared like an enraged bull as he gained his feet, launching himself at Scotia, his sword clutched in his outstretched hands.
       With an almost effortless grace, she captured his right wrist with the hilt of her sword and snapped his weapon free.
       Griffin bellowed in pain and thrust his left fist toward her face. Again, she intercepted the punch with her sword hand and delivered a forceful blow to his jaw with the other. Griffin hung there a moment, his eyes rolling, his body shuddering with the stunning effect of the blow until he crumpled slowly into a dazed heap on the floor.

 
     
     
     
     
     
    Chapter Eleven
     
       Ian moved to his brother's side, relieved for Griffin's sake that the lesson had been short. Scotia had been kind to him, whereas she could have been harsh in return for his dishonorable behavior. Ian had seen Griffin in many battles, and never