The initial assault—a few seconds and I was lying on my back. The shock had taken the wind out of my sails, and the earth seemed to have lifted up to receive me. He was swift, much swifter than I had supposed he would be. His actions were smooth, quick, and precise as though he had done this a hundred times. But he picked me up, with no hesitation, and asked me whether I was okay. His tone was quiet and tinged with no mockery. But I sent him back, and I was not going to have that end ...