had read more than once.
‘That's enough.’ The instructor didn't have to raise her voice. She was simply listened to. ‘You're very good with the sword. Excellent by human standards.’ Draco beamed, feeling that his efforts had paid off. ‘But we both know that's not all you're capable of.’ The boy's expression soured slightly. ‘I've dealt with your kind too often in battle not to recognise you at first glance.’ She pulled up her left sleeve, revealing a bicep that looked as if someone had tried to tear it apart with sharp claws a long time ago. ‘I've paid for my mistakes with dragons many times over.’ She lowered her arm and stared at the boy even more intently. ‘The way you handle weapons, your strength and reflexes. That gives you away, at least to anyone sensitive to such nuances. Although what puzzled me most was that you were the only one conscious when I arrived at the arena the day before yesterday.’
Draco didn't know what to say. He had never heard of anyone being able to distinguish a dragon from humans based on just those few points. He didn't have time to say anything either.
‘Now fight me properly. Use all your strengths. And don't worry, no one will come in without my permission.’ She turned her back on him and took a few steps away. ‘Unless you don't care about passing, that is,’ she added, turning back to face him.
The dragon breathed heavily. He weighed his options, but none of them looked very appealing. All he could do was obey and give it his all, not just what was possible for humans. He weighed the sword in his hand and felt a pleasant vibration. Without a word, the reptile tensed and in one leap was next to the woman. The sword cut through the air, leaving only a shimmering trail behind it. Sensing the change in the blade's trajectory, he changed his grip to two-handed and cut lower. The blade missed only slightly, deflected by the orc woman. Draco attacked several more times in a leaping
