Angels and Devils VII

For the fourth time that morning, Lukan slammed into the ground. Temerity held a hand out to help him up.
"You're off balance, Luke. Your stance is unsteady," she said.
Lukan glanced over to the side where Eisna was watching the group of trainees. He stood up. "Right, sorry..." He concentrated on his stance, adjusting it until he was more balanced.
Temerity was about to suggest trying again when she heard footsteps. She looked up and immediately straightened. "Your grace." She bowed.
"Temerity. Lukan," Eisna said, nodding to each of them. He focused on Temerity. "Perhaps you'd like to practice with someone who might actually challenge you?" He gestured to the Dragon Knight. "I always like having the chance to assess the cadets' abilities personally."
Temerity hesitated, looked at Lukan, then nodded. "Of course, your grace." She smiled encouragingly at Lukan, then made her way over to the Dragon Knight. "Shall we spar?"
The Dragon Knight raised an eyebrow. "Are you kidding? There's no way I'm missing this." She leaned against the wall of the training yard. After a moment, Temerity joined her.
Lukan seemed nervous. He watched Eisna pull out his sword and tightened his hold on his own training sword.
"Don't hold back," Eisna said.
Lukan took a deep breath, then charged Eisna. He swung his sword, which was easily deflected before Eisna slammed the hilt into his back, knocking him to the ground.
"Again," Eisna said.
Lukan stood up and brushed himself off, glaring at Eisna as he readied himself. He charged again, swung again, and was knocked down again.
"You're predictable. Don't use the same strategy every time."
Lukan gritted his teeth and scrambled to his feet.
By the wall, the Dragon Knight looked at Temerity. "Fifty gold says the emperor knocks him out by the fifth try."
"No bet," Temerity said immediately. "The kid's great, but a training dummy could knock him out."
The Dragon Knight laughed. "Fair enough." She looked back at Lukan and Eisna, just in time to see Eisna's sword slam against the side of Lukan's face, cutting a gash in his cheek and sending him sprawling to the ground unconscious.
"Smart choice," the Dragon Knight said. "Well, guess it's our turn." She straightened up. "No hard feelings if I kick your ass."
Temerity smiled. "Of course. And no hard feelings if I kick yours." She flipped out her fans and took up a defensive stance.
Quick as lightning, the Dragon Knight drew her sword and lunged at Temerity.
They traded several blows, Temerity dodging most of the Dragon Knight's, the Dragon Knight blocking most of Temerity's. For five minutes, neither of them gained any ground. Until, finally, the Dragon Knight managed to throw Temerity off balance. Another two well-placed blows, and Temerity tripped forward, falling to the ground.
The Dragon Knight smiled. "Like I said. No hard feelings."
Temerity rolled over and grinned. "None at all."