The Realms of Animar Read Online Free PDF Page B

twenty feet.
    “They will fight to three hits, or near-hits,” Enid whispered to Thane. “If they have an open shot and stop without striking, that still counts as a hit.” She smiled then added, “That saves a few broken ribs.”
    Thane looked over the onlookers, noting the stillness that had fallen over the arena. The fight was starting. His blood began to race.
    Without hesitation, Urso twirled the massive staff in his right hand and walked toward Avryn with his left arm outstretched as if feeling his way through darkness. Avryn did not advance, but stood in place, as he waved his bulky blade from side to side. It was clear that he was not comfortable with the weight the sheath added.
    Thane’s excitement grew when Urso drew closer to his father. Avryn was still focused on his sword, paying little attention to his advancing opponent. Suddenly Urso lurched forward, spun around full-circle and swung his staff at Avryn who quickly blocked with the padded blade but the force almost knocked him off of his feet.
    Avryn regained his balance and backed up as Urso moved in once more. Again Urso struck at Avryn who blocked the forceful blow, this time plummeting to the ground in a heap. Urso jumped at his fallen opponent with his staff above his head and lowered it near Avryn’s back as he was standing up. He stopped just before striking. Thane sighed as the spectators clapped in approval.
    Avryn stood up and dusted himself off and then nodded towards Urso. “You are going to knock my arm out of its socket with those blows my friend.”
    Urso laughed proudly while he backed away from Avryn, preparing for the next round.
    The two men bowed to one another and then began to approach the other once more. Thane noted that Avryn seemed a bit more focused, perhaps due to his bruised posterior.
    Urso pointed his staff towards Avryn as they drew together, seeming to bait him for a strike. Avryn grinned and tapped the outstretched staff with his padded sword while the men circled one another. Suddenly Urso jabbed at Avryn, sending him leaping back in defense.
    Thane shook his head and frowned.
    Urso then raked his staff from side to side, each time pushing Avryn back away from him. The crowd awed as Avryn nearly tripped when he jumped to avoid a blow.
    Suddenly, as Urso’s staff passed through the air in front of him, Avryn leapt to the ground and rolled forward, stopping short of Urso’s belly where the tip of his sword now pointed. An assortment of astonished cries spilled forth from the crowd, followed by a rain of applause. Thane yelled and clapped for his father.
    “I didn’t realize you were so limber!” Urso declared as he backed away.
    Avryn chuckled as he stood up and brushed himself off once again. The two men separated and prepared for the next round.
    Thane shifted in his seat and looked at Enid who smiled back at him.
    Without warning Urso then emitted a loud yell and charged with his staff held high above his head. Avryn quickly darted to the left and spun to dodge the advance. With a quick swing his sword stopped at Urso’s back, stirring another round of cheers from the spectators.
    Thane yelled out at his father who replied with a wink. Urso shook his head in disbelief. He had rushed the attack.
    The next round quickly began and a look of determination covered Urso’s face. He slowly crept toward Avryn with the staff to his side, grasped firmly with both hands. Avryn in turn advanced, realizing he was one hit from victory.
    They parried for a bit and lightly tapped weapons as they circled one another. Thane wiggled to the edge of his bench, bursting with excitement. “Get him Father!” he yelled.
    Startled, Avryn glanced over at Thane and momentarily took his eyes from his opponent while a few laughs spilled forth from the crowd.
    Spotting an opening Urso quickly planted the base of his staff in the ground between them and, using it for leverage, leapt towards his opponent. His feet struck Avryn squarely in