Sir Tillory lunged, but his thrust was a feint and quickly turned into a backhand cut. The cudgel knocked the blade aside lazily and then swung up in an arc only to descend in a crushing strike. Sir Tillory pivoted out of the way, but the Dread Cockerel checked his downward swing and spun, delivering a glancing blow. Sir Tillory stumbled and almost lost his feet. The Dread Cockerel pressed the attack, the heavy cudgel swinging at the end of his long arm as if it weighed no more than a switch. Sir Tillory fell back, desperately trying to keep away from the flying iron. He did not attempt to parry, lest his sword be knocked clear from his hands. The Dread Cockerel threw a ferocious forehand swing that came inches from Sir Tillory’s beak. The force of the attack caused the Dread Cockerel to overextend himself and Sir Tillory’s sword hammered twice into the side of his breastplate. The Dread Cockerel brought the cudgel around for a backswing, which the shorter knight ducked and then made a low slash of his own. The mail skirt around the Cockerel’s legs took some of the impact, but the blade struck true and the grim knight drew back, hobbling slightly. Pocket felt his breath catch in his chest. It was the first time all day anyone had landed a blow on the fiendish knight. Perhaps he could be hurt after all.

But Pocket’s hope withered quickly. The Dread Cockerel advanced like a cat stalking some vermin prey. He did not attack, but simply waded in on Sir Tillory, allowing him to attack, turning the sword blows aside with ease. The shorter knight tried to stand his ground, but he dared not let the cudgel come within reach. The sword struck out, again and again with little effect. It was a strange dance; the Cockerel advanced and defended while poor Sir Tillory retreated, trying to attack. It was only a matter of time before he stumbled and then it would be over. He had come late, tired from traveling and whatever perils he must have suffered along the way. He could not keep this up for long. In contrast, Pocket had watched the Dread Cockerel fight for the better part of a day and his strength showed no signs of flagging. He was no longer limping from the blow he received mere moments before.

And then it happened.