Short Story - Fight Scene blog - Arcones

He felt the ground with his boot. Small ridges formed the uppermost layer of the plateau. It would be perfect for fighting. Stepping forward, he surveyed the man in front of him. His enemy, his friend, his companion, his brother. The man opposite was adorned in a black, mail shirt but helmetless, leaving his vividly green eyes blazing forth beneath two stern eyebrows. His silver gauntlets and bracers had a unique black trim, showing him to be a Ravellion and a favored servant of the Evil One. Brandon drew his sword; there would be no discussion this time. On the other side of the plateau his opponent mirrored Brandon. Ross’ sword was sheer black, so dark there was not a hint of a reflection of the setting sun. Brandon raised his ever-present shield, sword at the ready and marched forward. Ross smiled ironically and jumped. The moment Ross’ feet hit the ground, Brandon’s world flipped.
With dizzying speed he was flipped up, and reaching the apex of his rotation, remained suspended for a moment before crashing to the ground with a disconcerting thud. Blackness filled his vision and oxygen would not reach his lungs. Ears ringing, body hurting, Brandon rolled over and pushed himself up. Had he been wearing armor, Brandon knew he would not have been able to stand.
Ross stood in the exact same spot as before, grinning like a skull. Brandon knew he was being mocked, toyed with, that he had no other option but death. Yet death was the cowards road and to Brandon that was no option; he would fight on. He stood resolutely and faced Ross once more. His opponent initiated the fight this time, left arm raised as a bolt crackled from his hand towards Brandon. The soldier spun gracefully to the side despite his pain. And into the oncoming blade of Ross. Brandon swing his shield instinctively into position while simultaneously hacking down towards Ross’ shoulder with his own blade. Ross’ sword bit deeply into Brandon’s shield with wrenching power as a crystalline shield appeared the moment before Brandon cleaved his body from shoulder to hip, blocking the attack. With a malicious grin Ross kicked Brandon in the midsection with unnatural strength. As brandon was lifted upwards yet again, Ross raised a clenched fist and brought it down viciously. Brandon slammed into the ground, sword dancing away because of the impact and his shield was halfway crushed by the fall.
For a long time Brandon did not stir, until at last, as his chaotic thoughts swirled around in his head, he remembered why he was fighting: Hope. With an effort and to the sadistic amusement of Ross, Brandon lifted himself up. And threw his sword at Ross. As the brilliantly silver weapon rotated, Ross’ expression remained amused. A split second later fear galvanized Ross to action, a dark shield appearing right in front of his torso. The blade tore through the hastily constructed defense, causing a minor explosion to throw Ross off his feet. Through the dispersing crystals leapt Brandon, flying towards his rising opponent, shield in hand.
Thrusting forward, Brandon slammed into Ross’ face, snapping the Ravellion’s head backwards. Brandon raised the shield once more, but a bolt from Ross sent the shield spinning out of Brandon’s hands. Ignoring his loss, Brandon threw his elbow down into Ross’ face. He buckled for a moment, the jerked upwards, flipping Brandon off of him. Using his hands, Ross vaulted into a standing position and approached Brandon, sword in hand. Brandon saw his own blade far behind Ross. He would never reach it in time.
Ross raised his weapon and swung. Brandon caught the flat of the blade between his palms, fingers tightening around the edges, causing blood to spurt from them. Against his opponents strength, Brandon pushed, the blade digging deeper into his flesh. Ross’ shock was apparent but his strength had not diminished. Brandon twisted, wrenching the blade until he held the hilt. With a single motion he pushed it through Ross’ mail clad torso and let go. Ross’ vivid green eyes slowly glazed over as he sank to the ground. His body twitched one final time, a spasm that shook his entire body. Then he stilled.
Brandon bowed his head and walked away from the plateau. And the plateau collapsed. Brandon whipped around as the ground beneath him gave away. Ross’ body still lay there as the rocks slid away in an ever growing avalanche. Brandon sighed and closed his eyes as the tumultuous rock slide overtook him.