[Palando]

With only a heartbeat to spare, Kiatus’ sword deflected the cleaving sweep of his old friend’s blade. Confusion and surprise clouded his mind and again he just warded off a reverse thrust that had threatened to skewer him. Kiatus back away a step and almost fell. He had known Halasan for years, and never had he shown such ferocity or skill with a blade. Another wide slash forced him back again. But this time the blade nicked his cheek, sending a warm flood of blood down his face.

The pain lanced through him, blowing away the confusion in an instant. - No matter how Catrina’s father had got to Minus Tirith Kiatus was fighting for his life, against a deadly opponent! - Stepping back several paces he regarded his opponent.
So grey was Halasan’s flesh that he appeared more like a demonic corpse that a vengeful father!

‘He is but an old man’, he heard himself say, ‘never was he a match for me with a blade or bow!’ Fresh confidence grew in him and finally he stepped forward as Halasan’s sword swept down again. Their swords clashed, sending a thunderous crash echoing through the narrow lane.

******

Haleg longed to help. To ensure victory for his friend. But he understood the nature of revenge, and so waited. If Halasan did fall before striking a killing blow the giant knew that he would ensure the job done. Watching the two woodsman exchange blows he had no doubt that Kiatus would offer little resistance against him.

A movement caught his attention and he turned to see Catrina rise from the ground. Her face was fixed in horror at the battle. Tears forming in her reddened eyes.
“Stop!” she cried out. “Please Stop.” But the duellers were beyond her reach now.
Halasan, his strength ebbing as his anger faded, was starting to loose ground. He stumbled, causing Catrina to start forward, before righting himself again and pushing forward. Haleg caught hold of Catrina and pulled her gently back.
Catrina had little will to fight back and soon relaxed in his arms to watch the battle continue.

******

The anger was fading now. But the cold shell of revenge still enshrouded the older man. Kiatus was younger, fitter, more skilled, and now in control of himself. Halasan was simply dying from the inside out! From the first swing he had felt something give inside and the pain had spread through him in moments like a cold fire. He didn’t battle for his life, for he had already lost that fight, but simply to see Kiatus die. But no matter what he did his blade could not pierce the younger man’s defence.

Kiatus laughed and an evil glint came into his eye. His confidence growing. He could see Halasan now for what he was; a condemned man. Relaxing slightly he eased into a defensive stance ready to wear Halasan down. Suddenly the older man stumbled again and his sword dropped. Reacting quickly Kiatus stepped forward with a killing thrust aimed at his opponents chest. But in that moment Halasan dropped to one knee and, grunting with the effort, thrust his sword up through Kiatus’ groin and into his stomach. Kiatus screamed a terrible, piercing scream before collapsing to the ground. Blood gushed from his wound.

Catrina yelled out in horror and ran over to the prone figure of her old lover, kneeling down beside him. She was quickly joined by Halasan. Eyes wide in fear and with all colour gone from his face Kiatus looked desperately from one to another. “Please… save me!” He whispered, then tried to move, causing the pain to fare up even more. He screamed again, then stopped. His eyes rolled up. For a moment more he convulsed. The bleeding slowed, and then finally stopped.
His head lolled sideways, and he died.

Halasan waited for the surge of victory to flow through him. But it did not come. All he felt was sadness. Sadness and regret. He looked to his daughter. She looked older than he remembered and this saddened him still further.
He stood and started around to Catrina as she cried in silence, the sobs causing her body to shake. He wanted to hold her for a while. To talk to her. To tell her how sorry he was for ignoring her…

Fiery pain exploded from his chest. His world span. And before he could understand why, the ground rushed up towards him and the world went black.

In the distance a woman screamed.