FTE vampaneze

The monster faced Larten and narrowed its eyes, wary of this young but
clearly far-from-foolish foe. The creature took a step forward, then smiled
thinly and pounced, faster than the human eye could follow. But Larten had
been trained to register the blur of a vampire. Seba had feinted at him on
countless occasions to sharpen his senses and teach him how to defend
himself against an enemy quicker than he was.

As the killer lunged, Larten brought up the stake, judging it finely, trying
to hit the spot where Seba would appear if this was just another test.

To his delight he struck flesh, and the monster wheeled away, clutching
its left arm. Larten had hoped to do more than just wound the creature, but
at least this proved he had a chance. Adjusting his stance, he again focused
on the area around him and waited for his opponent to make a second pass.

***

The Saga of Larten Crepsley: Birth of a Killer, Chapter 14