Karla was busy being thrilled that she had held onto the sword. She saw that Max was coming in for another swing and managed to get her sword up, but certainly not angled right.

"That's--" she swallowed the 'not fair!' protest, belatedly remembering the mantra:

Do not argue with the Master of the Guard, for he is probably right and can kick your ass regardless.

"--a good way to learn not to get distracted when someone else is still holding a sword," she finished weakly.