Thane twisted to the side at the last possible moment, the blade of Arcturus whistling inches from his face as it came down hard, the point sinking deep into the ground. There the blade remained buried, and Arcturus was forced to release his hold on the sword to keep from slamming into the pommel and possibly breaking his hand. He spun in the air to right himself at the same time Thane flipped his weapon in a wide slash, nicking the forearm not holding the buckler.

Arcturus ...