Over the past three years, Danyla had never once neglected her swordsmanship or riding practice, and she considered herself reasonably skilled. Besides, Dawnlight, the Valyrian Steel Sword in her hand, would make her all the more formidable.
From the way Danyla drew her sword, Walda could tell that the Targaryen Princess was no mere showpiece. Excited, she immediately had someone fetch her own sword.
Steel sword in hand, Walda could barely contain her excitement. She gave the blade an elegant flourish, then slowly raised the Valyrian Steel Sword above her head and said to Danyla,
"Forgive me, Your Highness, but I won't be holding back!"
A confident smile curved Danyla's lips as she replied,
"No need for ceremony. Give it everything you have."
With a loud cry, Walda attacked first. Though she was a woman, her movements were broad and powerful, and at nearly six feet tall, she possessed strength equal to that of an average grown man.
Her sword flashed like lightning as she slashed at Danyla. Unhurried, Danyla slipped sideways and swept the Dawn Sword upward from below, aiming for Walda's wrist. Knowing she lacked the advantage in strength, Danyla had focused on agility and speed during her regular practice.
Her swordsmanship teacher, Bronn, had also taught her some techniques used by the Water Dancers of Braavos, making her swordplay nimble and unpredictable. Against Walda's attacks, she countered strength with suppleness. Their very first exchange drew cheers from everyone watching.
Walda hastily moved to defend, turning her steel sword in a flourish to block Danyla's attack. The two blades crashed together, spraying sparks. But the impact left a sizable notch in Walda's fine Valyrian Steel Sword.
Danyla shifted nimbly on her feet, her blade darting left and right as she tried to disrupt Walda's rhythm. Yet Walda's gaze