Other Snips
“Die, Wench!”
Barely drop. Another swing. Scream. Tip runs across my back. Breath. Block next blow. It stabs forward. Get closer. Jump back. Run forward. Jump back. Cannot get past swings.
“Come! See what I have for you!”
So it talks.
Cross daggers and run forward. Push sword up. Run to lean on its chest. It drops sword. Grabs both of my wrists with one hand. Spins me around. Pulls me close. Cannot get free. Cry out. Panic. Release me—! My daggers face me. It pulls them close.
“Die!”
Drop daggers. Nearly killed myself. It wraps my arms around me. Forces me to the ground on my chest. Cry out. No, breathe! Get free.
Spin sharply. Bend knees. On my back; arms free. Pull dagger from bosom.
“No tricks, wench!”
It kicks my hand. I lose dagger. Catch boot—it aims for face. Twist it hard. It makes noise and curses. But it falls. Grab dagger. Roll on it and grab its hair.
“You’re too slow!”
What?
It grips my wrist, pushing dagger away. It flips me. Straddles me. Tries to pry my dagger free. Breathe. Calm. Breathe.
“You will die by your own hand!”
It talks too much. Silence it.
Pull knee up. Bring boot closer to other hand. It finally claims dagger. Pull second one from boot. Sink dagger into its neck as other touches mine. Scream. Too close. Breathe. Again.
Roll to a sit. Reach for other dagger.
Leaf crunches behind. Roll left. Heavy sword pierces the ground. What dares?
Kick backwards. Foot hits its stomach. It stumbles back. Holds out hands.
“Hold on, Barmaid!”
Another talker. Kick aside its sword. Stamp on its foot and push elbow into its chin.
“Barmaid, wait!”
Do not pause at familiar voice. It drops its sword. That was a mistake. Spin around; kick its face. It stumbles back.
“I yield!”
Push aside his outstretched arms. Grab his head and knock it against mine.
“Stop, Barmaid!”
And for what? Hit each of his legs with dagger. He falls to his knees at my feet.
“I yield.”
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