The spectators tensed as the two men down in the arena finally moved, each bolting towards the other with an exploratory slash. Their weapons clashed for the briefest of moments as they sped past each other, and then quickly turned around, neither wanting to give the other a chance to get to his back.
The thug's smirk didn't waver. On the contrary, it broadened, whilst Sindbad's frown deepened slightly.
The man was strong. His hand shook momentarily with the effort of parrying his earlier slash. Those muscles weren't just for show. He could have broken the sword into pieces.
The thug, now certain of his superiority, dashed at Sindbad and began throwing his strikes and jabs in an attempt to end the battle quickly.
Everyone watched as Sindbad backed under the criminal's intensive onslaught, staggering as he struggled to block both daggers aiming for his neck and chest.
