The sun hung high over the open training ground. Dust shimmered in the heat.
Wood struck wood.
Clack.
Natalie drove forward first, wooden shield snapping up to deflect Kevin's downward slash. The impact thudded through her arm. She twisted, shield slamming toward his ribs.
Kevin pivoted, the wooden sword skimming past the shield's rim as he stepped inside her guard.
They both stared into each other's eyes before, "You're slow," he said.
She shoved him back with raw force. "You wish."
They separated for half a breath, then collided again.
Kevin's blade cut low. Natalie dropped her shield just in time. The strike rang against it and she countered with a sharp bash aimed at his jaw.
He ducked. The shield brushed his hair.
Fueh, it was close.
He retaliated with three clean strikes. High. Mid. Thigh.
Natalie blocked the first two. The third clipped her leg.
She hissed and swung wide, frustration laced in the attack.
