dagger, which she slid into the sheath at her waist.
“How do I look?” Cassie laughed as they stared at her in awe. Desire and admiration were plainly etched on their features.
“Beautiful, My Lady,” they chorused.
The sight of her in her warrior’s training gear sent thrills of desire through each man. Their Lady’s strength and prowess was very arousing to them, and they trembled in her presence. Cassie turned to leave, throwing them a kiss over her shoulder.
Cassie strode through the halls towards the training fields. Her progress was scrutinized by every slave she passed; some looked at her with fear and others with barely concealed desire.
Unbeknownst to Cassie, she was the epitome of what every male—and quite a few female slaves—desired. She had strength and beauty. Word was already out about her kindness. They all wished to be as blessed as her slaves.
When Cassie reached the training fields, they were occupied by hundreds of warriors, all of whom snapped to attention when she arrived.
Kara turned, placed one arm across her breast, and bowed.
“Good Morning, Commander!”
“Good Morning, Kara. Are we ready to begin?”
“Indeed, Commander!” There was a sparkle in her eye which gave away her love of her profession.
“Good.” Cassie turned and faced the warriors. Addressing Kara, Cassie instructed, “Line them up.”
Just then, the Queen approached, outfitted in her training gear.
“Commander, were you going to start without me?” Nera asked as she smiled at Cassie.
“Most certainly not, Your Highness,” Cassie said as she bowed to her.
Nera joined the warriors in the front row—much to Cassie’s surprise—and motioned for Cassie to begin.
Cassie started them out with basic movements such as kicks, punches, and blocks. They worked on these until it was time for the noon meal. Cassie was engrossed in her work and was so oblivious to the passing of time that it was only when slaves began bringing out the food for the midday meal that she became aware of her hunger. The warriors were in good shape and kept up with her, taking well to this new type of fighting.
She overheard many conversations between them, praising the new and different techniques and talking about how well they could be incorporated with their existing method of combat. Their words eased the tension within her.
Cassie went to sit down at a nearby table and was joined by Nera and Kara as slaves quickly brought plates of food and fruit juice and set the meal before them.
“So, how are we doing?” Nera asked as Kara remained silent, waiting for Cassie’s response.
“I am impressed by their positive attitudes, and I am very pleased with how quickly they are catching onto the new techniques. Your troops are in excellent condition, and their self-discipline shows in their training,” Cassie enthused, tearing into some roasted meat. Cassie was also very impressed by the Queen. She was catching on to the Karate style of fighting very quickly as was Kara.
The women talked throughout the meal about strategies and techniques. Kara had asked a great many questions about when to use different techniques, and her interest caused Cassie to get revved up and ready to get back into training, since she was eager to learn more of the swordplay.
The majority of fighting in the world she found herself in was done with swords. Cassie’s experience was limited to the ceremonial use of a samurai sword, and these women used broadswords.
The more she worked with these warriors, the more she respected them. They were bright, resourceful, and downright fearless in combat. They also shared a strong camaraderie, and they never backed down from a challenge.
Cassie refused to learn their technique idly. She was in the thick of it with the rest of them—sharing techniques, seeking corrections for her weaknesses, and laughing with them, never realizing she was building their
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