“SHIELD UP AND A LITTLE more to the left,” Bliss called.
I adjusted the wooden shield strapped to my left arm so it was slightly angled away from my body. “Are you sure this lance is okay?”
“It’s one of ours, so stop fussing and lift the shield. You must learn to present it properly, else you’ll have points deducted.”
“Points? Who said anything about points? I thought I was just learning how to do this to prove to Farrell that I could?” Cassie tossed her head in protest of the tightened reins. I loosened them up, giving her shoulder an apologetic pat, which she answered by trying to eat my left foot. “Bliss, much as I appreciate you giving up your time to teach me how to joust, I have to admit that I think it’s a waste—Argh! Bliss! Not now, I’m not ready!”
“A jouster must always be rea
