Lasha gave them the smallest of nods in return. It seemed a cold gesture, but Oliver – daring to think he was beginning to understand her just a little bit – thought she was secretly rather pleased.
"That's the sort of fighting we should be practising anyway. Single combat is all well and good, but a battlefield is the true test," Oliver said. "Good work everyone… Now, I say, let's go hunting for Hobgoblins, mm? Verdant, what do you think? Reckon you can give it a stab this week?"
"I'm extremely hesitant, my liege," Verdant admitted. "But if you think I stand a chance, and that it would be useful training, then I would be a fool not to listen. In matters of combat, you are by far my senior."
"Then let it be done," Oliver said.
Chapter 14 – Hunting Bigger Prey
When Kaya heard tell of the expedition that weekend, he didn't think the walk would be anywhere near as challenging as the battle was likely to be. He'd been wrong.
