Dark clouds slowly crept in from the west hiding the full moon. As a frigid wind swept through the valley, forcing the heavy trees to creak and sway, a dark figure started moving steadily into the valley below. He stiffened suddenly and in one fluid movement, spun around and ducked quickly causing a poorly aimed sword swing to shear through the air above him instead of separating his head from his shoulders.

 The dark figure drew a blade of his own, and in one quick upward thrust wounded his enemy. Before the other man could recover, a slow turn and quick pull finished the job.