Impaled on a spike

Undaunted, I increased my pace and prepared to use the long blade. But then the ground opened up beneath my feet, my heart lurched and I fell into a hidden pit.

‘I remember my feeling of shock at that moment. I had been so confident, but as I fell I realized that I had underestimated my opponent. A speedy victory had been snatched away – however, I was resilient and still determined to survive and fight on.

‘The moon was high, and as I fell I saw the sharp spikes waiting to impale me. I twisted desperately, trying to avoid them, but it was impossible. All I could do was contort myself so that my body suffered the least damage.

‘The least, did I say? The spike hurt me enough; damaged me badly. It pierced my outer thigh and I bear the scar to this day. Down its length I slid, until I hit the ground hard and all the breath left my body, the long blade flying from my hand to lie out of reach. I lay there in agony, struggling to breathe and control the extreme pain in my leg. The spikes were sharp, thin and very long – more than six feet – so there was no way I could lift my leg and free it. I cursed my folly.

B9 C18