Fallen Brides Story: Mersé, "A Woman's Happiness"

"You're stepping in too far, Elt."

Elt — one of my men — and I were sparring on the training ground. Its high walls made it look somewhat like an arena.

My halberd parried and blocked Elt's thrusts. He moved just a little too far forward every time he stepped in.

I swung my halberd down, aiming for Elt's right leg. Adjusting my strength to his, of course.

Just before the halberd struck, Elt quickly drew back his leg. He must have judged that he wouldn't be fast enough to block with his spear. It was his best option. But... he was already in check.

Suddenly pulling his leg back threw him off balance. The opening was fatal.

I shifted to a reverse grip and thrust the butt end of my halberd at his unprotected throat, stopping just short.

"...I, I yield..." Elt declared, lowering his spear. He sounded short of breath.

"Are you ever going to fix that bad habit?"