Fighting Melchior

Reb barely had time to get his sword up to block the blow that Melchior sent downward. There was a clash of metal, and sparks, and Reb was driven back. Then he scrambled to his feet just in time to keep Melchior's sword from striking right at the top of his Stetson.

The blow struck the ground instead, and instantly Reb took his sword with both hands like a baseball bat, swung it mightily, and caught Melchior in the front of the helmet.

The impact drove the helmet back, and Melchior uttered a short cry. He fell backward to the ground. And before he could move, Reb jerked off the dark knight's helmet, and the rest of the Sleepers put the points of their swords to his throat.