Forest of Blood: Chapter 3
The woman pushed off with her sword, propelling Cromar backwards into a clinging vine. Using her motion, she spun around to block Jedrik's strike with her dagger.
The two fighters locked gazes for a moment and she smiled at him, murmuring, "You can surrender any time, old man, and swear allegiance to me."
Clenching his jaw, he spun away just in time to avoid a sidearm slash at his exposed side. Though well trained as one of the King's knights, Jedrik realized it had been too long since he had fought someone so well versed in the art of dual wield. He was having difficulty keeping track of both edges coming at him at once. He knew he had to finish this soon or she would eventually get the better of him, especially if Cromar could not free himself from the vines quickly.
Spinning around so that he could protect the younger knight's struggles, Jedrik pressed the attack and backed the dark clad woman up against a rocky outcropping beside the road. She staggered under the relentless attack and raised her sword to block a powerful slash.
He felt he might be able to bring this to an end without bloodshed if he could pin her. It was only then that he noticed her look of amusement and the glint of her dagger as it slashed below his blade and buried itself in his side.