Volger took up expert stance, without giving Alek his usual once-over. Alek's heart pounded in his chest, returning Volger's cold stare. Volger let out a purr.
"You first, Hans," he smiled. "I insist." He bit his lower lip and glanced at Dylan. He was watching them closely with Dr. Barlow and Misana. Sucking in a breath, he lunged forward, jabbing at Volger's chest. The man danced back then swifter then Alek anticipated, wove to Alek's side and slashed out. With a cry, Alek rolled and looked around despretely.
"You were wide open," growled Volger, then dashed forward and sliced at his abdomen. Alek bounded back, unscathed. But the front of his coat had a long slit on the front.
"Next time," Volger continued growled, siddling to the right. "I will give you no recovery time- you enemies certainly won't."
"Recovery time?" sputtered Alek. He had never been so terrified of Volger. Then Volger'd sword jabbed at him. Instinctively, Alek danced back, but as soon as he thought Volger would stay still for a minute, he was moving again. He went with another slice. Alek countered with a slice of his own. The two swords slammed into each other with a metalic clang. Volger spun to the side and sliced at Alek's legs. He slipped around and jabbed at Volger's shoulder. His eyes widened as the tip of the blade pierced his skin. Alek tried to stop but his arm seemed to have a mind of it's own, driving the sword deeper.
Blood poured from the wounded. Volger flinched as Alek wretched the blade free. Abruptly, he smiled wolfishly.
"Very good, Hans," he said pressing a hand to his shoulder. "very good."
"I-I'm sorry, Clemens," Alek stammered staring at the blood, wide-eyed with disbelief. "I didn't mean to hurt you." Volger waved a hand dismissively.
"Save it," he said. "We're not done yet."
"What? But... Your hurt!"
Volger snorted. "Trust me, Hans, this is not the worst wound I've been inflicted with. Just assume your guard and," his eyes flashed and he said icily, "don't drop it." Then he whirled around and disappeared into the trees as though he was never there. To all the world, it really looked as though he hadn't too, except for the spatter of blood on the ground.
Alek did as Volger said, taking up his guard and glancing around warily. What did that man have up his sleeve now?