Chapter 21: Sparing, Part 2

"Father, may I practice next?" Briana's sword glistened in the sunlight as she reached behind her head, unsheathing it. Seth's breath caught.

Colin smiled a half smile, taking her in, and then glanced back to Seth. "Impressive, isn't she?"

Seth nodded in agreement, averting his eyes away from hers.

"Dearest Briana, certainly, after your brothers have tired," Colin replied, taking her hand into his, then affectingly kissing it as a father would a daughter. "You never cease to amaze me, dear one, how aggressive you are! You're more like a man than a woman. Any man seeking your hand would most certainly have to be on his toes around you."

"Oh, stop it," Briana answered, blushing. "Anyway, a woman must learn to take care of herself." And they exchanged a knowing look. Seth sensed there was more to the story. "Besides, I can fight better than any man."

"Well, maybe not any man..." Colin joked, his voice trailing off as he touched his sword.