“Ready?” the judge asked the combatants. Maldynado bounced on his toes. “Ready!” Sicarius gave a single nod. The judge clapped his hands. “Begin!” Sicarius charged like a locomotive, crossing the ring in less than a heartbeat. Maldynado side-stepped and stuck out his sword so his attacker would run into it. Sicarius anticipated the move and blurred past the weapon. He darted to the outside, coming up behind Maldynado. Sicarius grabbed Maldynado’s far shoulder, snaked
