Aiden's sword was the same length as mine. I noticed because I wanted a reason for the distance to feel wrong. His blade wasn't longer. His arms weren't reaching farther than they should. He simply stood where he could move, while I stood where I hoped he wouldn't.
Veylan checked the space behind us.
"Declared method?"
"Reinforced blade and movement," Aiden said.
Ordinary. Sensible. More than I could safely sustain.
"Contact disruption," I said. "Brief release."
Veylan looked at my wrapped hand.
"The same restriction applies. You stop if the return changes. No contact with the head or throat."
"Understood."
He moved to the edge of the court. The scorer waited with the board against her chest. Beyond her, Jonas leaned forward between two students. I stopped looking at the audience.
"Begin."
Aiden advanced half a step. I gave him half a step back.
His eyes moved to my feet.
Bad start.
