"I would like that," Anafiel says. "I have done what I can to keep in practice without a regular sparring partner--for there are few here who fight with swords in any reasonable fashion and far too many whose blades are magic or technologic or powered by ninja vitality--but I would not turn down one if offered. Especially as I am to teach Alcuin the blade and I have no doubt he will pick up on it as quickly as anything else."

He had, after all, managed to slay two of their attackers the first time he'd picked up a sword. Pity that there'd been over a dozen.

"Delaunay will do fine, I should think. I never gained the title I was born to. My father disinherited me when I refused to marry and bear children. As for you, would you rather Malik or Al-Sayf?"