Chapter 38
Bradamante felt him there before she saw him. She glanced toward the left side of the courtyard, then steeled herself to ignore him.
If Astolpho did not have the good sense to stay away from her, then she would have to take control. What happened yesterday must never happen again.
She returned to Rayda’s lesson. Until Astolpho arrived, they had been alone in the courtyard, practicing long after the regular training session.
“Good, Rayda. Better. Now try it this way. Don’t cut straight ahead. Bend your knees. Draw the sword up.” She traced a line with her sword from Rayda’s pelvis to her chest.
“Won’t you block it with your shield?”
“Maybe. Distract me. Make me think you’re striking toward my head. Then bend and stab low. You might catch my shield from underneath. Or I migh
