"Ameck!"
"So the rumors are true. The king is still alive."
"Where and when did you hear otherwise?"
"It doesn't matter. You'll be dead soon anyway."
Cassim drew his sword and motioned for Carina to get back.
"I don't know how you surivied all those years ago, but you're not going to survive a close coming dawn. I won't kill you myself, but you'll be executed for murder of a merchant and attempted murder of the royal vizier and general."
Ameck got off the balcony and took a step towards Cassim.
"You make the first move, king."
Cassim growled to himself and lunged for Ameck.
Ameck jumped back and swung his sword. Cassims swung his own sword and deflected the attack.
He landed perfectly on his feet.
"You have learned well, Cassim."
"I'm not even getting warmed up yet."
"You won't last that long."
The two circled each other.
"You know, I never liked our attitude. You were always so cocky, and I see that hasn't changed one bit."
Ameck lunged at Cassim.
Cassim kicked him back, but Ameck grabbed Cassim's ankle and savagely twisted it!
"Ah!"
He sent Cassim spinning to the floor!
Cassim's sword flew from his hand and slid aross the floor!
"Cassim, behind you!"
Cassim rolled over and caught Ameck's wrists, stopping the posioned dagger from reaching him.
"You've grown much stronger, as well."
"You don't know the half of it!"
Cassim kicked Ameck's stomach, sending him over his head.
"Oof!"
Cassim leaped to his feet and got his sword.
The fight continued.
Before long they were out on the balcony, not far from the railing.
Then, not realizing just how close they were to the railing, Cassim flipped Ameck over his head!
With a scream the thief tumbled over the railing!
Just as he started to go over the railing Cassim made a grab for his hands but missed.
The thief fell into the trees in the menagerie below!
Cassim suddenly saw him drop down onto the ground safely!
The former King of Thieves growled to himself again and vaulted over the railing!
"Cassim!"
Cassim landed on a branch and nimbly jumped down to the ground.