A Little Stone Farmhouse by the Sea

The general nodded to Han, who nodded in return that he was good to continue with the combat matches.

Winter returned to her front row seat between Ruby and Arrie.

"Here she is, the little nutcracker," Niko said, as she sat down.

"Don't worry Winty," Arrie commiserated with her as everyone snickered. "He's absolutely fine. It was just an accident. You're just such a badass fighter; he wasn't ready for you."

Winter shook her head sadly.

"No, I kicked him after he said stop."

Arrie noticed Winter's bottom lip was quivering. She wrapped an arm around her shoulders and gave her a comforting squeeze.

Loveday sat behind Arrie and Winter, and Baer gave her a wink just before his match started, studiously ignoring Arrie as usual.

Han counted them in, and the fight began with Baer giving Wolf's knee a vicious kick. Wolf grunted with pain and retaliated by gripping Baer around the neck with his huge hands.