Despite what he said, Nasir thrust his spear directly beneath Venus's chin though it would stop before piercing skin.

"Then you are both fool and corpse." Nasir's voice was harsh.

He did not think the woman needed the lesson but Nasir's nerves were on edge and if a recruit had stood before him in Venus's place, he would have done the same. Sparring matches should not be life and death, but they should be taken seriously. They were practice for a real fight, after all.