PANG!!
Steel met steel with a sharp, ringing crack.
The sound echoed through the courtyard, resonating through the otherwise controlled quiet of the manor grounds.
Oren stepped back, his breath steady, as his eyes locked on his opponent.
The man before him—one of Rees' seasoned men—shifted his stance, tightening his grip on his blade.
Sweat glistened along his brow, his breathing heavier now.
The man then lunged, very fast. But it was not fast enough.
Oren pivoted, the movement fluid, almost effortless. His blade deflected the strike with a swift turn of his wrist before sliding along the man's guard. In the same motion, he stepped inside the opening, and stopped his blade just short of the man's throat.
The man froze, breathed hard, with his hands raised up.
Oren held the position for a moment longer, then lowered his weapon and stepped back.
"It's over," he said calmly.
The man exhaled, nodding before retreating. Around them, a few others watched.
