There were swords waiting for the class this time around, blunted practice swords for each student. That didn't mean they weren't dangerous still. They were heavy slabs of metal that could break a man's arm if someone got careless. And no one wanted a trip to the clinic, right?

Right.

Jaime held one in his left hand, feeling just as awkward as he was certain he looked with it. He almost wished for the sword he'd given to the wench in order to at least look the part of noble warrior once again. "We will be getting a feel for the sword today," he informed the class. "We won't be fighting our classmates, though. I don't have enough patience to muddle through this many of you. Nor would I enjoy screams of pain when one of you undoubtedly hit another."

He smiled, holding up the stump of his right hand. "Let's remember these are not toys, shall we?"

Best blade safety demonstration ever, people!

"You will be striking wooden dummies until I'm certain you won't be stabbing yourself or others." A beat. "Without due cause, that is. Get to it."