“Battle is often unfair. You want to learn how to fight? Then be prepared to fight griffons who won’t—” Fallow was cut off when, in a burst of speed and anger, Shortbeak rushed forward and swung her stick at him. He batted it away easily, using her momentum against her as he stood out of her way. She stumbled to regain her balance and was helped on her way to the ground by a short, sharp smack to the back of her rear legs. She fell with another curse. “Language.”