Tallal was faring well on his own against his five opponents. He had built a rather reliable strategy. Let them attack, defend with his shield, then counter immediately while the assailant's guard was down.
Masrur had sat cross-legged on the ground, his axe held tightly, but he elected not to step in. He would watch Tallal struggle and pave his own path to victory.
The other thugs behind him sat down meekly, not even daring to move lest the man would behead them in a heartbeat.
The soldiers walked around and tied them up, making sure none of them would try to escape or attack Masrur from behind. Not that they would be able to anyway.
Masrur narrowed his eyes. Tallal's strategy was good, he had to admit, albeit…
Even as he managed to take three out of five opponents, it was too early to celebrate. Yet the younger one seemed to slow down, as if thinking the fight was already over. Masrur could almost see his thoughts. And he shook his head.
" He's still naïf."
