Free All Hallow's Eve by Wendi Sotis

to me, Lead Immun . Destiny has declared this, and I will not question it. O f course, I trust your judgment . ”
    Surprised by t his declaration, several moments passed before William could speak again. “Thank you, sir.”
    ~%~
    As the group gathered again in the field, Mr. Bennet called for attention. “ My daughters are well aware of the T ribal rules of engagement, and now, before we recommence our lessons, it is time that you gentlemen are told as well.
    “ Keep in mind that everything I teach should be used only in defence . Your goal is to protect your charge , or yourself as the case may be—not rid the entire world of evil.
    “ Ideally, you should strive to discuss rather than intimidate, intimidate subtly rather than threaten, threaten rather than engage, avoid impact rather than initiate direct contact, redirect blows rather than block them, strike to injure rather than maim, and maim rather than kill. Mortal wounds should be inflicted only as a last resort, when all else has failed and lives are most definitely at stake. If you use the least amount of force necessary, but are prepared for the worst extreme, in my experience, you will be successful in most cases. ”
    Mr. Bennet allowed his words to hang in the air for a minute before saying, “ As Colonel Fitzwilliam most likely has witnessed in the army , it is natural to become consumed by the passions invoked during a hostile engagement, causing the level of violence to rise above what was required. Never forget who you are!
    “ Of course, most conflicts will not unfold in an ideal manner. Your adversary may make every attempt to anger you so that you lose control and become careless. Match your opponent’s level of coercion, but whenever possible, attempt to bring the encounter down a level instead of escalating it by giving in to your emotions. When effective, one may be able to end a conflict without an excess of violence.
    “ I am thank ful that I ha ve been provided with intelligent students who are willing and able to accomplish this when called upon. ”
    ~%~
    A while later, when they took a few minutes to rest and take some water, William asked, “ Miss Elizabeth? I understood from your father that tomorrow we would not meet to train until the after noon , but I am uncomfortable with wasting an entire morning . He has given me permission t o request that you and I meet in the morning . ”
    “ We would have to meet quite early in order to make it worth our while, Mr. Darcy. After today, d o you think you will be feeling up to it? ” The light dancing in her eyes made it obvious that Elizabeth was quite awar e of the fatigue that he had tried so hard to conceal from her.
    William could not help but smile a little in response. “ I anticipate retiring very soon after returning to Netherfield . I believe I will have no trouble falling asleep this evening. ”
    She chuckled. “ In that case, I will meet you here at the meadow before sunrise. ”
    His back straightened , and he stated strongly , “ No ! I will meet you at Longbourn , and we will walk to the meadow together. ”
    Elizabeth’s eyes flashed with annoyance . “ I often walk longer distances tha n between here and Longbourn alone, sir. I am not in need of assistance. If it is my safety you fear for , I carr y dagger s with me at all times and am equally as skilled with a dagger as I am with a sword. ”
    He could not help but notice that th e re was a dagger strapped to her leg , but she had used the plural . Without thinking, his eyes wandered over her person, his imagination visualizing where others could be concealed .
    Elizabeth asked, “ Would you like to see? ”
    William raised his eyebrows as a stoic mask fell across his countenance to hide his embarrassment . H er fingers worked to un tie t he dagger from her slender thigh , and s he handed it to h im to examine . It was beautifully made , with her family crest carved into the handle — obviously fashioned by a master