Chapter 12 – Hard Feelings
“Are you ready?” Calael asked.
“I suppose.” Jerry frowned. The sword felt alien in his left hand. He swished it through the air a few times.
“Then let us begin with defense. I will attack. You will parry. Say the word.”
Jerry took a deep breath and exhaled loudly. He raised the sword. “Attack.”
Calael moved.
Jerry tried to parry, but his opponent's practice sword was a blur. Something struck him on the side of his ribs, and he cried out.
Calael returned to the other side of the wardroom. “You must be faster.”
“I'm not a Felid,” Jerry hissed between tight lips. He gently rubbed his side. A welt was already forming. “I don't have your Breed's quickness and reflexes.”
“The Breeder gave each Breed strengths and weaknesses.” Calael spun the practice sword on
