Chapter Eleven: Duel in the Alley

LC's dagger sliced into Stare's armor. Stare winced then returned with a powerful kick to LC's gut. LC was staggered and backed down. Meanwhile, in the convenience of the shadows, two warriors of greater skill were having a conversation.

A knight, a royal guard stood near Suapida. He held a pike in one hand and a shield in the other. His hair was concealed by a shining helm. He wore the tabard of the royal guards. It was tattered but still clear enough to be distinguished.

"It's been a while Supaida. How long again?" he asked.

"A year at least. Has your lance dulled?" Supaida asked, removing his jacket to reveal a blood red vest with feathered seams. He then pulled out a gladius and a shield, getting into a combat stance. "Bring it on, Tash. My blade is yearning for blood and metal."

"Sure thing." The knight replied.

Suddenly Matthew came from around a corner. He looked exhausted and annoyed. "Sir knight, would you please calm down and-" Matthew soon noticed that the knight who was with them earlier was about to engage on combat. Or at least that was what seemed to be going on. "What's going on here?"

"Stand back Matthew, this is for myself and Supaida here to settle." Tash said, getting into position as well.

"Let's go." Supaida said. And with that he lunged at Tash with his gladius extended before him and his shield pulled tight against his body.

Tash raised his shield and easily deflected the blow. Supaida sidestepped and appeared to Tash's right. He spun his gladius then stabbed repeatedly at an inhuman speed. The numerous blows tore some holes in the platemail Tash was wearing and ripped up the tabard. He backed out of combat to take a breath.

"Heavens, what speed." Tash muttered under his breath, trying to regain his composure after the flurry of stabs. The wounds weren't too deep but the pain was searing. "How'd you get so fast?'

"Oh you'd be surprised at what the essence of a Doppelganger could do to your weapon." Supaida said, grinning wickedly.

Meanwhile, with Stare and LC…

Stare wasted no time in capitalizing on the move he had just made. He raised his sword and brought it down in a wide arched overhead slash. LC evaded, barely, taking a slight cut to his arm. Stare was still on the offensive. He jabbed his shield into LC's gut. He hit, knocking the air out of him. LC kneeled in pain, clutching his gut. Stare kicked him hard in the side, knocking him over. He stood looking over the demoralized thief and placed a foot on him. He applied some pressure, staring into the thief's eyes.

"Leave us alone. Next time it's off with your head." Stare said. He released the thief but kept his sword out and held his shield high.

LC got up slowly, grimacing as he moved his injured body. Suddenly, a loud clang was heard.

Tash slammed his spear into Supaida's buckler, piercing a hole through it. At the same time Supaida slashed at Tash's shield, denting it. Tash backed away.

"Looks like the real conflict is over." He said, pointing at the injured figure of LC and the victorious swordsman. "Anyway, I'm off duty now. We've got no fight, right?"

"I suppose so. Lucky for you." Supaida said. "I'll beat you next time, though."

Tash and Matthew walked over to where Stare was while Supaida and LC made a getaway. The archer named Jessica still seemed to be behind things. She looked around from person to person, trying to guess what had just happened.

"What happened?" Matthew asked.

"It's some guy Fiora and I beat in the plains outside the city. He was probably trying to mug me." Stare said, massaging his arm. "No big. I'd better take her home, though. She seems quite disturbed." Stare said, pointing at the archer.

"All right." Matthew said. "I have some questions for you, sir knight." Matthew said looking at the knight.

"All shall be answered, young acolyte." Tash replied.

Author's Notes:

Sorry…that took long. Anyway I've been busy since school just started…Oh well. Please leave your review… :D