Page 201 of Savage Throne
Branches and leaves getting in the damn way.
Plus, it was clear one of us would fall, if not the both of us.
Someone shrieked in horror.
I hope that’s not Moni. I’ll be okay, baby.
The tree groaned under the weight of the battle, its ancient limbs creaking as if in protest.
I landed on another branch, almost fell, then lunged again, Soaring Precious slicing through the air.
He blocked the strike but the force of the blow sent him stumbling through leaves and branches. His foot slipped on the blood-slicked bark.
Wait a minute. I know how I will get him out of here.
Instead of him, I slammed at the branch he was on.
He lost his footing completely.
I hit it again.
A crow scratched the back of his head and as he tried to get his balance, he dropped Imperial Lament.
Yes!
Then, I jumped and got up on that branch. My feet barely felt steady.
How the hell did he stand on this?
Doing my best to remain up, I spun and slashed my blade at his exposed side.
He twisted, but not fast enough.
Hell yes!
Soaring Precious bit into his shoulder.
He roared in pain but instead of him stumbling back, my father hissed, clutching his shoulder where I’d struck him and his expression wasn’t one of defeat.
It was cunning.
What?
Then, with a move so fast I barely had time to react, he grabbed a thick branch above him and swung it at me.
“Shit!” I tried to duck but the uneven footing of the branch beneath me made it impossible to maneuver quickly.
No. No.
The branch slammed into my side with brutal force, knocking me backward.
Leaves and blossoms slapped me in the face.
Sharp pain erupted in my ribs, stealing my breath.
Soaring Precious was still in my hand but the force of the impact made my own blade twist against me. The edge bit into my side, a shallow but stinging cut that sent a warm rush of blood soaking my pants.
Oh God. No.
