Lyons chortled a bit. "Never a fighter yet you held your own against the tournament champion for the last four years. You are a lot stronger than you appear to be. I will see that you are trained properly and we will keep this between us that you are not a pit fighter. It should be enough to keep Johh from challenging you. I will keep you busy with Cory that Johh will forget sparring with you. I keep my promises and no one is beaten. I would hope you would no be so eager to fight back if your attacker is one of my men or someone you recognize. Better to divert or talk if you can. It is good to know you will defend Kate and you did right by pushing her. She is not hurt and I had two left feet and my knees shook every time Kate's mother wanted me to dance. Just being close to her when I was her age made me nervous. Kate has feelings for you Lad. I don't have any answers. She cares for you as no one I have seen her tend to. If Malora did not use to as a fighter.. what did you do for her?" Lyons had to know what Alyx experienced as the young man was recovered and was worried Kate had fallen for the slave. He had to know how Alyx felt for Kate. He feared this day would come and Kate was now of age. Up to this point he was relieved Kate turned down suitors. He was not going to let his guard down if Lad did have feelings Kate. He had to let Kate grow up and this made him ache. He poured another glass for courage.