The Paradox Corridor

Chapter 33: The Sword Fight Across The Ages

With strength he didn't even know he had James hefted his sword from the ground, although he didn't need the extra effort: it was surprisingly light, and rested nicely in his hand, as if it was made just for him. Then again, he realized, it probably was. Without thinking and without a plan he charged straight at the legend, King Arthur, in the hopes of somehow saving Amber. He was barely able to reach him in time, and he lifted his sword over his head instinctively to block King Arthur's death stroke. The swords gave out a loud CLANG as they struck each other, and King Arthur hopped back, just as surprised about James' swordsmanship as James himself was. James didn't know why, but all of a sudden he knew exactly what to do in a sword fight. He was glad to suddenly have this knowledge (thank you, Paradox Corridor!), because King Arthur got over his confusion and charged at him, holding his sword out in front of him to stab James. James hopped to the right and brought his sword over his head to his left side, hitting Arthur's sword so hard that its point dipped down to the ground. It caught, and Arthur stumbled over it. All of Arthur's men gasped as their leader fell to the ground. But James saw Arthur's trick coming. He stood in a defensive stance, anticipating that Arthur would spring up suddenly and attack. Sure enough, he did, but James deftly parried the attack. They stood there for a second, panting. Then, Arthur smirked, then laughed.

"Ah! Hahaha! An excellent joust! I'm glad you have such spirit and strength in you. But this time," he said, switching his weapon to the other hand, and catching a shield that one of his men had thrown him, "I'll use my better hand. Weren't expecting that, were you? Now! The true fight begins!" He immediately charged at James, swinging his sword at him from the left. James prepared to block it once again, but this time Arthur was expecting it. He brought his sword back a bit so that James' block missed, and James fell off balance. While he was like this, Arthur slammed into him with his shield, and James crumpled to the ground. Arthur stood over him, stoic, then brought his sword over his head to deal the finishing blow. He tensed, and began bringing it back over the top of his head...but stopped suddenly, the sword suddenly being restrained. James looked behind Arthur, and saw Andrew standing there, his spear holding back the sword. Andrew laughed,

"C'mon, bro! If you want to get a piece of James, you'll have to go through me first!"

"I think I'll take you up on that offer" replied Arthur. Arthur bent his knees and jumped, but since his sword was being restrained, his jump changed direction, so that he essentially did a back flip around the spear so that he landed on the other side of Andrew. His sword was still stuck, so he shoved his shield into Andrew's chest, and Andrew stumbled forward, nearly falling onto James in the process. The feat that Arthur had just pulled off was amazing. He had used Andrew's force on his sword to his advantage, turning the tables in a heartbeat. He laughed as his men cheered him on. Andrew stood up, and looked at James, who was now standing as well.

"James, I have an idea!" he yelled, "put on the helmet!" As if by magic, the helmet appeared in James' hand. Confused, he put it on.

"How did it get there?" he wondered.

"I put it in an easy to access place for your convenience," replied the presence, "Anything you aren't using disappears until it is needed or wanted." But if the presence commented any further, James had no idea, because Arthur came at them again. This time, though, both James and Andrew were fighting him. Things would be a bit more even. Arthur dashed at Andrew, slicing across his body. Andrew blocked it deftly, but would have been struck by the shield had James not intervened. James his the shield from the bottom, causing it to jerk up. Arthur kicked James in the side, but not as hard as he could have, due to the fact that Andrew was now attacking him. He had switched out his spear for his sword while Arthur was off-balance, and swung at Arthur's knees. Arthur dodged quickly, spinning around and stabbing at Andrew. Andrew parried, and Arthur suddenly jumped back, dodging James' sneak attack from the side by maybe half an inch. He stepped forward and slammed his shield into James, knocking him over, and began slashing rapidly at Andrew at various angles. Each blow caused Andrew to step back, and Arthur's pressing offense began wearing him down. James was still on the ground, trying to stand up. Suddenly, the presence invaded Andrew's mind.