My victory had improved overnight. According to the two students outside the Healing Hall, I had let Liora hit me to make the final move more convincing. I stopped beside them with a clean dressing in one hand and my other arm held against my ribs.
One noticed me. The other continued explaining my plan.
"He needed her to believe she was winning."
"I needed her to stop hitting me," I said.
Both turned.
I went through the door before either could decide whether I had made a joke. Sitting down took more work than entering. Yesterday, the bruise had been a place on my side. This morning, it had become involved in most of my movements.
Maelis glanced over from the supply shelf.
"The chair doesn't count as another opponent. You can use the arm."
I lowered myself with my left hand on the wood.
"I was checking it."
"It passed. Stay there."
