den of the girl by throwing her
heavily to the ground, where she lay, for the breath was shaken out of
her. Then snatching the cloak from his throat he wound it over his left
arm to serve as a shield, and with a savage yell, rushed straight at
Aziel, purposing to transfix him with the broad-headed spear.

Well was it for the prince that he had been trained in sword-play from
his youth, also, notwithstanding his slight build, that he was strong
and active as a leopard. To await the onslaught would be to die, for
the spear must pierce him before ever he could reach the attacker's body
with his short sword. Therefore, as the weapon flashed upward he sprang
aside, avoiding it, at the same time, with one swift sweep of his sword,
slashing its holder across the back as he passed him.

With a howl of pain and rage the savage sprang round and charged him a
second time. Again Aziel leapt to one side, but now he struck with all
his force at the spear shaft which his assailant lifted to guard his
head. So strong was the blow and so sharp the heavy sword, that it shore
through the wood, severing the handle from the spear, which fell to the
ground. Casting away the useless shaft, the warrior drew a long knife
from his girdle, and before Aziel could strike again faced him for
the third time. But he no longer rushed onward like a bull, for he had
learnt caution; he stood still, holding the skin cloak before him shield
fashion, and peering at his adversary from over its edge.

Now it was Aziel's turn to take the offensive, and slowly he circled
round the huge barbarian, watching his opportunity. At length it came.
In answer to a feint of his the protecting cloak was dropped a little,
enabling him to prick its bearer in the neck, but only with the point
of his sword. The thrust delivered, he leapt back, and not too soon, for
forgetting his caution in his fury, the savage charged straight at him
with a roar like that of a lion. So swift and terrible was his onset
that Aziel, having no time to spring aside, did the only thing possible.
Gripping the ground with his feet, he bent his body forward, and with
outstretched arm and sword, braced up his muscles to receive the charge.
Another instant, and the leopard skin cloak fluttered before him. With
a quick movement of his left arm he swept it aside; then there came a
sudden pressure upon his sword ending in a jarring shock, a flash of
steel above his head, and down he went to the ground ben