Thrusting at Egil's groin, she anticipated his involuntary parry, altered the angle of her blade and crashed it against Breast-Breaker, so Egil gasped audibly. He dropped the sword, which clattered across the ground to his left.
Melcorka withdrew, smiling. That was the first stage. 'Now you only have Skull-Splitter,' she said. 'Can you use it, murderer?'
She expected his attack, with the mighty overhead swing, and lifted Defender in anticipation. The power of his blow shocked her, and she staggered under his strength. Even with the magic of Defender, she was outmuscled. Melcorka stepped back and tried to edge sideways toward Breast-Breaker. She knew she could not match his strength or skill; she had to use guile, she had to tire him out and make him leave an opening she could exploit.
E
