Chapter 10

“Yes, sir.”

* * * *

Nev sat on a stone bench at the edge of the courtyard. Jamal and a man who went by the name of Naseer faced each other, each holding a long staff. Attacks and blocks, sweeps and jabs, both of them panted, dripping sweat. Four others pairs of people competed similarly in the open space.

Nev watched in fascinated curiosity. Two of the people fighting were women. They appeared as equally skilled as the men. The two women were also dressed almost the same as the men, in thigh length tunics, trousers, and knee high boots. In Perathea, that was almost unheard of, both the women fighting and the clothing choice. Eventually, his attention returned to Jamal. The man was sweating heavily and had stopped his practice with Naseer.

“Okay, I’m done,” Naseer said, bent over, leaning on his staff.

Jamal chuckled. “Me, too. It’s getting too hot anyway.” He pointed at the sky, where the sun was approaching straight overhead.