Takes blows from Vancha

As Larten threw one wild punch after another, Vancha’s senses
returned. He shook his head to steady himself, then lashed out at Larten’s
stomach with one of his filthy bare feet. He connected and drove the
General back several steps.

Vancha was up in an instant. He spat blood, wiped the back of a hand
across his lips, and smiled. He made a Come on! gesture with his bloodied
fingers and Larten swallowed the bait. Bellowing angrily, he ducked his
head and charged, forgetting his decades of training.

Vancha let Larten tackle him, but before the General could wrestle the
Prince to the floor, he drove a knee up into Larten’s stomach. As Larten
spasmed, Vancha crashed an elbow down over the back of his head. Larten
slumped and rolled away, groaning.

***

Vancha waited patiently as Larten staggered to his feet. The Prince
could have finished off his opponent while he was vulnerable, but that
wasn’t his style. When the scarred General finally looked up and focused—
albeit with a pair of blurry eyes—Vancha again made the Come on! gesture.
Larten didn’t rush this time. The blow to his head had knocked some
sense back into him. Taking deep breaths, he circled closer cautiously.

***

The Saga of Larten Crepsley: Brothers to the Death, Chapter 9