Dwarfslayer

8

Damon continued his weekly duels with his father, but was unsuccessful in even one victory over him.

Each time, they would spar for several minutes before his father would flip his sword in his hands, ram it into the ground, and tell Damon they would reconvene next week.

After nearly three months of dueling, Damon, finally, had his chance.

The two fought in the courtyard, the neighbors gathered around, hoping to see an actual victory, rather than a fatigued surrender on Damon's father's part.

Damon and his father attacked simultaneously, just as they had they had before, and pushed their blades at each other.

Damon, instead of continuing his push forward, twisted his father’s sword, opening up a weak spot.

His father’s knee.

Damon kicked it, and his father’s leg buckled. Damon smashed his elbow in his father’s arm.

The sword fell out of his grip, and Damon kicked it away.

He turned and placed the tip of his sword at his father’s throat, the action his father had taught him was a sign of victory.

The neighbors exploded in cheers and applause.

Damon’s father chuckled, and stood up, pushing the sword out of the way.

Damon let it drop, as his father pulled him into an embrace.

“I’ve been waiting my entire life for this, son,” he said. “I’m proud of you.”