16
Lawful Orders
Raedrick's heartbeat filled his ears, the thudding so loud he almost couldn't hear the screams of wounded and dying men all around him. He paid neither sound any mind; his only focus was the man in front of him and the movement of the man's sword.
They had danced around each other for an eternity. Three passes and still neither had struck home with his weapon. Through the prism of his concentration, Raedrick felt a grudging respect for the man. He was the enemy, yes, and his nation had waged brutal war against Raedrick's homeland. But he was skilled and he fought with honor. It was hard not to appreciate that.
All around him, men on both sides of the battle had stopped their fighting. Those in the immediate vicinity formed a loose ring around him and his opponent. All
