James sees the swing before it begins, in the way Simpson's body shifts to one side, to put all his weight behind it as he rushes forwards. It's a bad first move, although James won't deny that the other boy is clearly strong. And fast.
He steps away from the blow, watching the heavy head of the axe sail through the air several inches from his side. He's still not familiar enough with the weapon to attempt to strike back; the long handle feels alien, requiring both hands. He feels off balance, and he realises that the footwork he knows from sword drills will only get him so far.
Still, if Simpson charges around like a bull, James will find an opening soon enough. He's moving away again, bringing the axe up now, trying to work out the best way to use it against the brute.
"That was fairly poor, Eleven, even for a provincial. Try again."
Perhaps goading the boy isn't the wisest choice. But keeping his attention on James gives Horatio time to get even further away, back towards Pellew and Lady Barbara.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2017-07-31 08:16 pm (UTC)He steps away from the blow, watching the heavy head of the axe sail through the air several inches from his side. He's still not familiar enough with the weapon to attempt to strike back; the long handle feels alien, requiring both hands. He feels off balance, and he realises that the footwork he knows from sword drills will only get him so far.
Still, if Simpson charges around like a bull, James will find an opening soon enough. He's moving away again, bringing the axe up now, trying to work out the best way to use it against the brute.
"That was fairly poor, Eleven, even for a provincial. Try again."
Perhaps goading the boy isn't the wisest choice. But keeping his attention on James gives Horatio time to get even further away, back towards Pellew and Lady Barbara.