Virginian by Mark J. Rose

Author:Mark J. Rose [Rose, Mark J.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: The Skydenn Looking Glass
Published: 2019-05-30T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter 34

Parley

Matt retreated backward under the pressure of Ferguson’s onslaught, and his dagger hand went numb after he used it to deflect three successive cutting blows. Matt was teetering on the end of the platform, and so he edged Ferguson to the left. Now, they both backed up to the platforms narrow width, and then, somehow, Ferguson made the mistake of continuing in the rotation, so his back was to the short end. Matt controlled most of the platform.

Realizing that he had been outsmarted, Ferguson tried to coerce Matt into making a similar turn, but Matt refused to yield, and so Ferguson advanced hard with his leading foot while circling his blade. The combination came with enough strength and speed to make Matt retreat. He stumbled backward and turned slightly to the side to regain his balance. The side motion put Matt low enough for Ferguson to slash at his face and Matt felt a searing pain in his cheek. The dull blade had taken off a chunk of skin. Matt countered as Ferguson’s blade passed from his face. He thrust hard into Ferguson's belly as he was moving away. A sharp tip would have given a lingering and fatal injury, and it was enough to make Ferguson grunt loudly.

Both men backed away to take stock. Matt saw Ferguson reset his stance by placing his right foot forward to give the maximum amount of reach with his rapier. It minimized his ability to use the dagger. Matt adjusted his stance but was unwilling to match Ferguson exactly. He’d concede rapier reach to protect his left side with the short blade.

Ferguson advanced with his lead foot, and Matt used the motion and his temporary lack of balance to slash at his face. The opening had been there, but Ferguson had countered with a sweeping of his rapier. Matt followed with his short blade to tie up Ferguson’s sword and slashed hard across Ferguson’s chest, tearing his shirt and drawing blood. Ferguson jumped back and slashed. He came fast at Matt trying to overwhelm him, and Matt could only parry and back away. Suddenly, Matt was losing.

Ferguson made a downward slash as Matt thrust his sword upward. Ferguson’s blade smacked the elaborate handguard on Matt’s rapier. Matt twisted his wrist and pushed upward. Their swords flew from their wrists and went sailing into the crowd. The men faced each other with short daggers, circling. “Winner,” Franklin shouted. Trent glared at him, but Franklin repeated, “Winner!” and rushed up onto the platform.

“I’ll not let you bludgeon one another to death,” he whispered. Franklin stepped between them and shouted, “These men have given us an excellent display of swordsmanship. British citizens from both sides of the Atlantic have manifested their parts and courage!” The crowd applauded loudly. After the clapping had diminished, the three men followed one another down the platform.

When Ferguson was close to Matt, he said, “You were bested.”

Matt turned to Ferguson and winked.

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