An Imperial Knight

Although the Knight's attack came with no more warning than a flicker in her eyes, that fraction of an instant was enough for Arran. He had already been wary of the woman's intentions, and now, his response was immediate.

At once, he drew his own weapon, moving to parry the Knight's sudden attack with every shred of strength his body contained. He did not dare underestimate his opponent. If she was even half as strong as he suspected her to be, he was in mortal danger.

Yet when Arran's blade met the Knight's as he parried her attack, the violent impact he expected did not come. Instead, when their swords clashed, he barely felt any resistance at all. It was as if his sword had struck a twig of willow.

At that moment, Arran's eyes went wide with shock.