With a sudden burst of speed, Salli launched herself at me, her sword arcing horizontally through the air at waist level. Fortunately, she was far enough away that I would be able to block easily. I shifted my stance, lifting my hammer into the path of her blade – and my foot hit the pool of blood. It skidded. Not much, but enough to throw my balance off and bring me to one knee. I caught myself with the hand still holding my hammer, trapping the weapon on the ground. Salli’s sword, earlier aimed at my waist, was now directly in line with my neck.
There was nothing either of us could do. I was off balance on one knee, and she had committed to the blow. Time seemed to slow as the razor sharp steel inched closer to my neck. I couldn’t think. I couldn’t breathe. If the blade severed my head, the best Healers in the world wouldn’t be able to save my life. And Salli – she would be evicted from competing in the pit, and likely tried for murder as well.
I couldn’t let that happen.
That’s a big oops, now hopefully his ward will kick in and save them both the pain. Though there probably be no way to claim it was luck this time, at least not to Salli.
I like how he’s thinking more of Salli than of himself.
You’re right though, it’s going to be hard to disguise what happens, even if he manages to get a Ward up in time.