Bewitched & Betrayed snippet -- Raine's fencing lesson

In today's snippet, Raine gets a fencing lesson to remember from Tam.

Tomorrow, I'll announce the winner of the Name Raine's World contest.

Goblin swords were both stabbing and slashing weapons. Goblins used two blades as naturally as breathing, like extensions of their arms. They were taught from an early age. Elf children played with building blocks; goblins learned to spin blades.

Tam stood facing me, his hands by his side, his blades angled toward the floor. He looked relaxed. I knew better. When Tam had swords in his hands, relaxed meant ready.

In our lessons, Tam always made the first move.

Change is good. Dirty is better.

I sauntered toward him like I was just getting into position to go on guard. Then I lunged, my blades dropped to block his, and my heel came down hard on his instep. Tam hissed and I pivoted sharply to the right, intending to pommel strike his ribs and dart the hell out of range.

Darting didn't happen. Neither did the pommel strike.

Tam's leather-clad arms pinned my arms -- and swords -- to my sides. His blades were up and crossed entirely too close to my face for any kind of comfort.

So much for darting and striking.

"Well, shit," I said mildly. "That could have worked better."

"My foot thinks it worked quite well." I heard the pained grimace in his voice. "Nicely done." Leather creaked as his arms tightened around me, and his voice lowered to a teasing purr. "The rest of me agrees. This is more than pleasant. Now how do you propose to get away from me?"

"What?"

Vegard was here, so I knew Tam wouldn't actually try anything, but that didn't mean he wouldn't play with me like a mouse.

Sarad Nukpana would do the same thing.

Tam was right. He couldn't let me go.

"You chose the game, darling. I didn't." His lips were near the tip of my ear. "Escape from me, and feel free to do whatever you have to."