Forged Destiny [Book 3: Ch. 14, Ch. 15, Ch. 16]

His eyes narrowed and he lashed out, his fist catching me in the jaw. Pain exploded through my body, but I kept hold. To let go would be to die. He caught me again, and then a third time – and light flashed before my eyes.

Can't… let… go…

"What an irritant," the man sighed, the first words he'd spoken since the fight began. "Let go."

"No…"

I could barely see, could barely hear either. I probably had a concussion from the recurring blows, each delivered by an armoured gauntlet, but even as my words slurred, my fingers refused to peel away. I had him. I'd keep him locked down. That was my job.

[...]

It was only a dark shadow to me, but it appeared over the Paladin's shoulder and wrapped about his arm. His Strength was too much, even for her, and instead of holding the blow back, she was swung with the arm – her body crashing into mine. We flew back with Blake atop me and landed several metres away.

[...]

I had only the time to register the shock before his fist buried itself in my stomach and I bent double. My sword, what was left of it, fell from nerveless fingers.

[...]

The man sighed and cuffed me in the face.

[...]

He chuckled, hurling me aside. I crashed against a wall and struggled to breathe.

[...]

He parried and pushed me back, then drew the huge weapon back and slammed the pommel into my stomach.

[...]

Resistance gave way, both on my end – and on his. Crocea Mors shattered, and his blade came through, even as the friction against my thumb gave way and the digit smeared across the blood-soaked blade. I screamed as the metal pierced my skin, and then gasped as it lodged in my shoulder bone. Something within me cracked, and I felt the right side of my body crumple.

[...]

I sagged to my knees as he tore it free from my shoulder. My other hand came up to clasp the wound, which oozed blood through my fingers.

[...]

"It's ruined," he growled, and kicked me in the stomach. Blood flew from my lips

—Forged Destiny [Book 3: Ch. 14]



It was far better than I could manage, as my arms and legs refused to co-operate when I tried to move.

[...]

I didn't have the strength for anything more. I was completely spent, my eyes barely able to stay open.

[...]

"I'm fine." My vision swam. "A concussion, I think… along with bruises… maybe a broken bone."

—Forged Destiny [Book 3: Ch. 15]



"Our Priest, Tsune, saw you healed, but she is only one woman and her powers only go so far. She chose to start with those most in need of her spells and leave you for last. Your body took a beating, but the wounds were more superficial in nature."

—Forged Destiny [Book 3: Ch. 16]