Showdown

They found each other in a a wild place. There were no witnesses. The glade fell to silence as they faced off. Dressed for death, they drew lethal steel and stood fast, awakening to presence and power. A gentle breeze immersed the world in green scents.

In a moment too fast too perceive, they flew together. Their blades cracked lightning in heaven, the gods themselves withdrew; each stroke was doubly, triply, perfect — their swords rang and broke.

Now past each other, back to back, the men examined their minds. Slowly then, they revolved, pausing for a moment, and exchanged the hafts of the broken weapons. Bowing silently, standing; their eyes locked briefly.

They turned away, and sought their paths once more. The sounds of animals and insects timidly returned as they passed into the distance.