When instructing or issuing commands, Wardric’s pleasant Dorset burr disappeared, replaced by an intense edginess that held the listener’s attention.
“Heed me well, Deormund, I can do little about your strength of arm, it’s something you must work on alone, nor can I address your courage—either you have it, or you don’t. That’s what you need in a shield-wall, lad: strength and courage. But there is one more thing. It’s vital. Can you guess what it is?”
Standing with shield half-raised and wooden practice sword dangling from his arm for a most welcome rest, Deormund nodded his head and uttered a single word, “Swordsmanship.”
“Pah! Depends on what you mean by that. If it’s what I think, you’re wrong. See, I can teach you the moves to defend yourself and to attack with a sword but, useful
