Kassian ran a hand over his brow, then wiped the blood on his pants. His good eye darted behind Nykka, only to notice two dozen more disciples barring their way. If they were all here, especially this guy, that meant he was getting close. He just needed to get past them.
Nykka moved, and Kassian snapped to attention, lowering his sword to meet the weapon in his opponent’s right hand. Just as the metal clashed together, Nykka’s left hand shot forward, the dagger aiming at Kassian’s abdomen. He avoided it easily, grabbing the guy’s forearm before he could pull his hand back and attack again.
Kassian was just preparing for a counterattack when something crashed into his side, forcing the air out of his lungs and making him stumble sideways. His foot slipped on the edge of the stairs, and he
