Chapter 9

• Boris countered each of my blows effortlessly. I struggled to find a weakness as I pushed him back. I was expending my last reserve of strength and he let me. When my swings began to slow, he changed momentum and attacked. My sword was flailing around to counter his swift feints and strikes. I was still his student, I could feel it in my panicked bones. Every time I tried to press forward, he forced me back two steps. There would be no tricks as he began a relentless series of blows. I was visibly retreating and saw no way out of my inevitable defeat.
• The incredible happened. Boris over committed on a thrust, his left foot forward yet his weight was committed to his heels. It was an out-of-character mistake. I quickly swung my leg and caught his lead foot and down he went. I followed quickly with the point of my sword at his chest as he lay on the ground. I was breathing like I could not get enough air, and he was smiling and seemingly ignoring the exertions. I knew he had given it to me. I reached my hand out, and he took it while I helped him to his feet in the midst of cheers.
• "You gave it to me," I said a little crossly, yet quiet enough to not let others know.