The spear thrust came at level and forcefully, thrust expertly by the hands of a powerful and competent warrior. The spear point aimed directly at the heart of the diminutive intruder, half-hidden by the shadows. The intruder's hand met with the spear, pushing aside its thrust by the smallest measure. But the intruder's body slid down and sideways, and the spear continued through empty air. Propelled forward by the thrust, the spearman could do little but watch the intruder flash before him and strike out. He felt a sharp blow on his exposed right shoulder, near the neck. Then, lancing pain as his collar bone snapped cleanly. Toughened by war, the soldier regained a one-handed hold on his spear and fought back the pain-dizziness. He turned for the next strike. But there was no-one in the chamber to confront him. Only a window, opened, the coverings lifted by a gust of wind? |
