Luca looked at the attacking ponies one last time before he began his performance.
"OW! OW! Stop it! That hurts!" He cried, his voice dripping with exaggerated pain. "No, not that! Please, I beg you! Have mercy!"
He staggered dramatically, clutching at his side where a tiny wooden sword had just tapped him.
"How are you all so strong? " He wailed. "What kind of training have you been doing? Your blows are like hammers!"
To all the adults and to Sigrid, it was obvious he was simply acting. But the little ones, who heard these screams, shouted in pure excitement.
"It's working! It's working!"
"He said it hurts!"
"We're actually doing it!"
"Keep going! Don't stop now!"
Luca staggered backward, one hand pressed against his forehead like a swooning maiden.
"Such tiny arms...such weak-looking swords!" He moaned. "But the power! The power! "
The children redoubled their assault, their confidence soaring to new heights.
"Hit him harder!" Nella shouted. "He's getting wobbly!"
