Part II…the sparring continues between friends. Thanks for the reviews. ;-)
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The sound of metal clashing against metal cut through the air, shattering the peaceful calm of the morning as Nabil's scimitar jabbed at Berin's chest and was blocked with a powerful counter stroke. The edge of the blades slid along each others length, the sound very much like a nail being dragged down a piece of metal as the warriors broke apart, dancing back on their feet.
Nabil's wry grin matched Berin as the two men eyed each other, both debating on when to call the warm-up over and begin the true test of strength. They circled the other, their bodies incredibly light and agile despite great size and strength.
Berin nodded his head to the left, one corner of his mouth twitching into a smile. "We have company. Did I not predict this would attract attention?" Berin suddenly pivoted to the right and jabbed his scimitar forward, purposely trying to goad Nabil into engaging with a counter move. He chuckled when his ploy failed and his blade was effectively blocked with a strong sweep from Nabil's weapon.
Nabil spared a glance around and saw two warriors arrive at the corral and couldn't resist the taunt. "Afraid that I will humiliate you in front of an audience?" he replied with a grin and suddenly spun to his right, his scimitar coming around in an arc. Berin repelled it, the sound that followed deafening, and the grunts of both men from the force of the impact and deflection drowned out. Nabil's move left his side open for an attack and Berin tried to capitalize on his error. However, he was astonished when Nabil dove out of the way and rolled onto the sand, bouncing back up on his feet.
Berin shook his head in amazement. "Perhaps we need to end this warm-up and start our true sparring session."
"You are fighting like an old woman," Nabil chuckled, still moving around on the balls of his feet.
"Was that a point?" Jameel called out and both warriors turned to shout "LA!" at him before returning their attention to each other.
"An old woman, eh?" Berin's face finally broke into a rare but broad smile. He came to a sudden standstill, the broad expanse of his chest heaving slightly from the energy spent, his dark hair damp from the sweat on his forehead. He waited till Nabil had done likewise, then both warriors slowly saluted each other with their scimitars raised up in front of their faces. With a whistling slice, Berin brought his blade down and the two warriors suddenly lunged at each other, like two bulls charging across the sand.
It would seem the warm-up had ended...