Starcrossed - Bianca D'Arc Page 0,41

more of a workout than that.”

Teasing grumbles sounded from the men. A few feet shuffled, and Tigh looked over the room, sending a silent signal to one of his most trusted men. Xeer was a seasoned warrior, who would give the talented woman a good fight. Tigh knew Xeer was skilled enough not to hurt her inadvertently, but he probably wasn’t good enough to best her. Xeer was strictly a weapons man who drilled in hand-to-hand combat only because it was necessary.

Nodding imperceptibly to Tigh, Xeer stepped forward. The other men cheered on their comrade, and the new battle was begun in short order.

As expected, Xeer lasted a bit longer than the previous fighter, but Henny easily outclassed him. Tigh was surprised at how handily she vanquished him. With another discreet nod, a third opponent moved forward to face the small human woman. Pantell was just as easily dispensed with, much to Tigh’s intrigue. The fourth and fifth were also quickly dispatched.

Finally, Tigh gave up trying to orchestrate her opponents, and his own armsmaster stepped forward. Tigh had every confidence in Hansa. He was the most skilled warrior onboard, after Tigh himself. Hansa had trained with the Zenai as a young boy and nearly perfected his skills in the years since. Though he had not been allowed to learn all the secrets of the priesthood, his knowledge was much greater than most. Tigh figured this match would be a little more even, but this time, the male would win.

But Henny used her size to her advantage. Her graceful movements were faster than the eye could follow, and her strikes were solid. Both combatants were pulling their blows, not allowing the full force of their punches and kicks to impact on their opponent. The goal in this combat was to score points, or prove superior skill, without damaging the opposing warrior. Both were equally skilled in being able to execute their moves without inadvertently harming the other. At the speed they were both moving, such finesse took vast skill indeed.

All within the gym area watched with fascination as the match went on and on. For every strike Hansa scored, the female scored as well. They were well and truly matched.

After long minutes of battle, and increasingly more difficult strike patterns, Henny finally made a mistake. Jumping high to deliver a spinning roundhouse kick, just as Hansa aimed a blow to her solar plexus, they tangled, and she would have fallen hard. But Hansa apparently saw what would happen and chose to break her fall with his own defeat. Putting himself gallantly in the path of her landing, he forfeited the match in favor of saving her from potential harm. There was honor in his actions that all who watched fully appreciated, including the human women, Tigh was glad to see.

Henny bowed low to Hansa, respect clear in her every move.

“You are a skilled warrior with a kind heart, Armsmaster.” The sparkle in her eye made Tigh think perhaps there was more feeling there than the gruff woman was willing to display in public.

“And never have I met a woman as skilled in the art of war as you, Master-at-Arms.” Hansa’s voice was low and respectful, making Tigh proud of the man he’d hand-picked to be his armsmaster on this trip. It had been a good choice.

Tigh sensed undercurrents flowing between the two and decided to give them some opportunity to speak privately. With a meaningful glance, Tigh indicated the show was over, and it was time to vacate the gym area. His men hopped to, trooping out of the gym quickly, leaving the women behind to gather their belongings in peace. A few stragglers appeared to want to talk with particular females, and Tigh didn’t begrudge them the opportunity to talk with the women who were also on their way out the door.

Within minutes, the gym was nearly empty, yet Hansa and Henny remained at the center of the matted floor, speaking quietly. Tigh took it as a good sign.

“Do you think they’ll be all right?” Ginny’s voice reached him as he turned back to her. Her attention was on the two armsmasters talking intently several yards away.

“Oh, I think they’ll be just fine. If I’m not much mistaken, we may have just witnessed the beginnings of a lasting friendship.”

“You think so?”

Tigh tucked her shoulders under one of his arms as he steered her toward the doorway. “I know so. Hansa respects anyone who can match him move for move. Your