Over the next few days, Mason worked with the pirates to prepare them for the next attack on the dragon. He talked to them about things he had seen done wrong in their first fight and how to correct them. Mostly, he just worked on building their confidence, finding that was the thing they needed more than anything else.
Even though she still wouldn't be allowed to fight with them, Ilona tried to make herself as useful as possible. She set to work with the pirates that needed the most help with their swordsmanship. They weren't always eager for her lessons but seemed much more willing when Mason himself came to join them as another student.
