It got a lot worse. Next class was equipment, taught by a plump, short lady named Ivetta. She seemed fascinated by all the different types of weapons used in gangs, and demonstrated her enthusiasm in class by boring me to death. Honestly, talking about axes and swords wasn't as entertaining as actually using them. Dedrick was really interested in learning the name of every type of weapon, while Tobin payed close attention as he scribbled notes down. I drew my best interpretation of Kenswick being shot by arrows. The drawing was confiscated minutes later by Ivetta. Once she realized I could care less about her lesson, she moved on to Dedrick and Tobin, who were just as eager as she. At the end of class, she handed out treats to "those who tried their best." I thought my artistic work needed some help, but I did try on it. 

The third class was the most fun. We went past the stables to a little clearing. On one side it had racks full of weapons. The other side was armor and shields. Standing in the center was Carlton with a scowl on his face. I had one on too. 

"I'm here to teach you how to defend yourself on the streets." He started dully.

"As if we don't know how to do that," I whispered to Dedrick, who cracked up. He didn't seem so bad. Maybe I could make a new friend here.

"I heard that," hissed Carlton. "You would lose any day to me, or anyone else for that matter. In gangs, if you insult that person's skills, they will kill you in a flash." 

"I'd probably kill them," I retorted. 

Carlton's nostrils flared. "That's it," he seethed. We'll fight. Right here. Choose your weapon." I thought I might have pushed it a little too far, but I was grouchy mood and mad at Carlton for killing Paige so ruthlessly.  I walked over to the rack and picked out a long, thin blade made of silver. The blade was sharp and edged with emeralds decorating the hilt. I picked it up, and it felt nice, not too heavy, though. Carlton faced me at the other end of the arena holding a fairly long, thick, straight blade. He growled. To be honest, I was pretty scared. It might have been a fatal mistake to challenge a guy whose job is to kill people, but this was not the time to second-guess myself. 

Sword arm raised, Carlton charged. I sidestepped at the last moment, and ducked as I heard the blade swoosh past my head. I stabbed down at Carlton's thick legs, but he parried it and attacked again. I stopped his blow, but the impact ricocheted off my sword, and into my arm, weakening it for a moment. Using the split-second advantage, Carlton stabbed at my arm, nicking it, and causing blood to flow. Carlton was a lot stronger than I expected, so I would have to  outsmart him if I wanted to win. When he stabbed again, I ducked, but lost my balance, and fell to the floor. He laughed plunged his sword down, but I rolled away and kicked him in the stomach with both of my legs. Carlton gasped for breath, as I charged at him.

"That," heaved Carlton as he parried my blow, "is illegal." 

"On the streets," I retorted, "we don't check our actions in the rule book." I lunged again, and nicked his calf. Blood started pooling out, which caused him to become even more angry. Like I said, I have a knack for annoyance. 

"What's going on here!" Kenswick yelled as he charged into the clearing, his vest flying in the wind. Trailing him was a frightened-looking Tobin. I was really starting to dislike him. Kenswick took one look at my arm and Carlton's leg, and his eyes narrowed. He cursed very un-noble like. "Carlton, your supposed to be teaching a class, not killing. Ky," he turned towards me. "I'm supposed to trust you enough to be able to do things without causing fights. Do you think this is a joke?" 

"Yes," I dared with a few curse words in between. I was mad. This whole thing was stupid."You can't think that this whole plan will work with the Thief of Alleys. He would see us a mile away." I waited for a response. I didn't know if he would kill me, but I didn't care. 

"Oh," he hissed. "Carlton, take him to the dungeon master. We need to teach Ky what respect is. But remember, leave no scars. We don't want him to look all bloody, or he won't be trusted by the gang." And with that as his final word, he left. The only noise heard was me screaming and kicking as I was dragged down to the dungeon by a seething Carlton.