The battle raged across the arena, the clashing swords sending an occasional spark flying. Arus moved as fluidly as Master Eaisan had taught him, connecting each parry and thrust together in a smooth stream of motions that seemed more like a dance than a duel at times. Anton held his own with little effort. Arus had never seen him fight so well.
"Move back, Arus," Eaisan shouted, trying to guide his student. "Give yourself more space. Don't let his weapon get too close to you."
Arus did as he was told, shuffling backward to try to put more distance between himself and his opponent. But Anton gave him little breathing room, his long legs matching Arus' distance. Their swords met again and again. Anton's eyes were blank, devoid of life.
"Come on, Anton!" Arus growled as he deflected another attack. "This isn't a game, this is for real! Wake up!"
For a moment, Anton's eyes glimmered. He swung his weapon down with a furious scream, meeting Arus' blade only inches from his opponent's face. ". . .Free . . ."
Arus' eyes widened. "What? What was that? Anton, can you hear me? Do you understand me?"
Anton screamed again, this time attacking from all sides in a series of blows that left Arus panting to keep up. His sword moved in a blur, forcing Arus backward further and further. It didn't take long for his broad blade to finally meet flesh, leaving a bloody gash on Arus' left shoulder. Soon there was another on his wrist. "Free!" Anton shouted. The flickering light on the side of the metallic implant was blinking more rapidly. "FREE ME!"
Arus ducked below a slice toward his throat and rolled across the sand. Anton towered over him with his broadsword raised. He only had enough time to get his knees under him before the weapon came down. "How?" Arus asked, raising his sword to block the attack. Steel met steel with a loud clang. "How can I free you?"
Anton ground his teeth as he pushed against Arus' blade. The response came in a grunt, one that hung in the air for a moment before the word sank in. "Death."
"I won't kill you, Anton!" Arus shook his head. He turned the young man's blade aside with his own and rolled backward onto his shoulders. As Anton stepped forward again, Arus' boots met his chest. The blow sent him stumbling momentarily, giving Arus enough time to scramble to his feet. "I can't do it."
Anton recovered soon enough, and he lunged forward with his blade ready. "Free me!" He seemed to be managing his words easier.