2nd Challenge: Remaining Prepared

[DoS Archive]

From: rolandsal@aol.com (Roland Sal)
Date: 28 Aug 1998 14:27:19 EDT


Remaining Prepared


Roland stepped into the relatively empty annex, only a few patrons remained at mid-day. Hardly any of them payed him much attention as he made his way to an empty ring, his thoughts clearing as he entered the ring. Unsheathing the Salsinger, Roland settled back into a casual stance, his eyes dropping closed as he began to set his mind. Focusing on what he had seen and heard of his next challenge, a Warlord by the single name of
Clutch, he began. Roland darted in, lunging out to thrust the shadowed opponent, the momentum taking him into a quick spin that brought the Salsinger high and in an arc.
Roland paused as he held the Salsinger out high, he nodded, dropping down and breaking off into a roll. The movement brought him into position again, he arose with a lunge, thrusting out again before breaking into that same spin, the Salsinger arcing low this time. A quick step brought him back, the Salsinger snapping down then around in a circular motion as he deflected the imaginary attack. He kept his eyes closed as he broke
off, stepping away from the combat area before darting in again, the Salsinger slicing downward in a swift version of a slash.
The quick attack brought him into defense, fluidly sweeping the Salsinger high as he darted around the image. The movement brought him into perfect position, the crafted blade in his grasp sweeping low to slice down any attempt of retreat. As if sensing it, Roland ducked, tucking the Salsinger close to his chest as he rolled to the right. Popping back up with suprising speed, his hand moving down to unsheath the dagger at his side.

He flipped the dagger up into his grasp, the blade now between his fingertips as he lowered the Salsinger. His eyes remaining shut, he let out a low cry, moving in a blur he threw the dagger straight ahead...
...planting the dagger into the post, dead center. Letting out a breath, Roland relaxed, opening his eyes as he slide the Salsinger home in its sheath. A wry grin on his face as he noted the dagger's position upon the post, "I'm ready."
He headed over to the post, pulling out the dagger without much resistance. Sliding the dagger back into its own sheath, he glanced around the arena, noting a few of the patrons had caught yet another of his shadow duels. He nodded to a few that he reognized as he composed himself, smoothing over the black surcoat upon his torso.
Without much delay, he made his way to the bar, finding a bottle of water and comfortable barstool to await out the rest of his lunch break.