He wanted to close his eyes, his body flinching. He hated the way the blow always took so long to come, the guards always drawing it out just to scare you more. Bastards.
He jumped when there was suddenly a wet thunk of someone being hit, but didn't for a moment understand why it wasn't him. A cry sounded behind and one his arms was then freed, and he turned to look.
Behind him stood a man in a long cloak wearing a hood, who had apparently just run through one of the guards holding him. He yanked it free and already it was swinging toward him. He ducked his head, but it flew far over to instead pierce the chest of the other guard, and released he quickly scrambled out of the way as the rest converged on the stranger.
Once a safe distance, he observed the newcomer with interest. He was obviously very skilled with a blade, the way that spoke of natural talent or much practice, or both. It was practically no contest, especially given that he'd caught the soldiers off guard and they were scrambling over themselves for a shot at the man. Naji saw one who'd been knocked away rise and try to come around to strike from behind. Before he even thought about it he grabbed a nearby stone and hurled it at the guard's head, catching him dead in the cheek. The guard gave a short cry before the stranger whirled and silenced him for good.
In no time at all, he'd defeated the entire group, and then turned to regard him. Naji flinched slightly, hoping that it wasn't his turn or something.
Cries from the distance alerted the both of them, and in a flash the man had sheathed his sword and ran over, taking Naji by the arm and dragging him bodily out of the dirt and to his feet. He was quick to take the hint and they ran.
A Long Time in Coming- Favorable Chance Encounters 4/?
He jumped when there was suddenly a wet thunk of someone being hit, but didn't for a moment understand why it wasn't him. A cry sounded behind and one his arms was then freed, and he turned to look.
Behind him stood a man in a long cloak wearing a hood, who had apparently just run through one of the guards holding him. He yanked it free and already it was swinging toward him. He ducked his head, but it flew far over to instead pierce the chest of the other guard, and released he quickly scrambled out of the way as the rest converged on the stranger.
Once a safe distance, he observed the newcomer with interest. He was obviously very skilled with a blade, the way that spoke of natural talent or much practice, or both. It was practically no contest, especially given that he'd caught the soldiers off guard and they were scrambling over themselves for a shot at the man. Naji saw one who'd been knocked away rise and try to come around to strike from behind. Before he even thought about it he grabbed a nearby stone and hurled it at the guard's head, catching him dead in the cheek. The guard gave a short cry before the stranger whirled and silenced him for good.
In no time at all, he'd defeated the entire group, and then turned to regard him. Naji flinched slightly, hoping that it wasn't his turn or something.
Cries from the distance alerted the both of them, and in a flash the man had sheathed his sword and ran over, taking Naji by the arm and dragging him bodily out of the dirt and to his feet. He was quick to take the hint and they ran.