Greetings, Loyal Reader!
Continuing our preview of NOBLE CAUSE, Chapter 1. If you missed the earlier episodes, start with part 1 and follow the links. All caught up? Here we go:
Malik’s speed startled me yet again. Swifter than a diving falcon, he closed the distance between us. With one hand he reached over my shoulder to grab my chin and yank my head back. With the other he sliced a serrated knife across my throat.
The serrations made popping noises as they broke off against my neck guard like the teeth of a cheap comb. I pivoted and smashed Malik with my shield, slamming him to the ground. I pinned him with a foot to the chest.
“That was eight blades!” I said, pressing Overwhelm’s point to his throat.
“You’re a cheater!”“Am not!”
“Styling yourself Malik of the Seven Blades when you in fact have eight is, at the very least, disingenuous.”
“I was named for my Uncle Aktar.”
“Uncle Aktar?”
“Aktar of the Seven Blades.”
“Fine. So is this still to the death or have you reconsidered?
“I have reconsidered. If it is all the same to you.”
“It is. But I want to be sure you understand you’ve had your turn. Come at me with a ninth blade and these violent gentlemen so patiently waiting their turns are well within their rights to take you out.”
“I am done. Truly.”
“Better luck next time.” I helped him up. “Merc?”
“Nicely done,” said the wizard.
Best regards,
Dan McGirt
