871 Reaching - Part 2

He was forced to roll out of the way of it, a decision that was not made quickly. He traced the path of the sword, and felt his fingers twitch, as he thought he found an opportune moment to parry, but before he could dive on it, his instincts took over, and he was rolling out of the way.

There was something unusual about Talon's strikes, he was certain, but he didn't know quite what that unusualness was, nor could he see clearly enough to dare to discern it.

The mere act of rolling free of General's blow had taken all the energy he had. He tried to push himself to his feet with his usual agility, but he could only manage a sloppy struggle in return. General Talon took advantage of that. Another strike was coming for Oliver before his feet were even fully under him, and this one seemed inclined to take his arm from its shoulder.

By the barest margin, he dove out the way once more, but with every dodge, Oliver could sense that he was getting another step behind.