“It’s not that simple. He’s,” he hesitated, “gifted, you could say. I had some skill with many weapons; he was amazing with a sword.”

They opened the doors. Dieter aul Janse-Lomberg tilted his head at the intrusion, hiding his surprise well.

“Ah, brother. And is that -” he raised an eyebrow quizzically, “oh, it seems so. I don’t know how you do it – you have a talent for getting yourself into difficult situations.”

Hawkeye said nothing, drawing his weapon. Dieter sighed dramatically and drew his own, similarly laid-out sword. They settled into the ready positions, circling each other warily.

Dieter was relaxed but expressionless. Hawkeye was tense, tightly controlled.

The floorboards creaked under their slow twirl.

When the exchange happened, Elletra blinked and nearly missed it. Multiple metallic impacts blended into one short, sharp note.

It happened again. A blur of motion, a clash of blades. They moved so fast she saw nothing until they resumed circling.