Behind her at the wooden post, Dal brayed loudly in dismay, stamping his hoofs.
Abrial didn't have time to think. She vaulted to her feet and spun off the man as he coughed harshly and stumbled to his feet as well, hissing through his teeth with pain. He swung clumsily at her again; this time, she curved beneath the swing, darting in as she had so many times in blade matches with Instructor Wei.
Her dagger sliced between his sixth and seventh ribs — a deep cut, exactly where she wanted it.
"AHGARHAHAHAHA!" the man shrieked. His knife clattered to the ground, forgotten as he cradled his badly wounded chest. A mouthful of blood burst from his lips. He whimpered pitifully.
Abrial smiled crookedly in triumph, holding back a wince. The cut in her side was burning like a stove. Ignoring the pain, she bared her teeth and pointed Dohyun at this nasty, shameful toddler-man prick.
