A Slice of Life.
The swordsman was speaking, softly though clearly, in a calm conversational tone. He moved, Blade drawn, point down pointed slightly behind and beside his body.
“There is is a particular feeling of no feeling when a proper cut is made. Blade parts flesh, sinew, bone without corresponding sensation transfered as feedback along the blade.
Except for the blood, and usually shocked surprised expression of disbelief on the face of your opponent, a properly executed cut is not noticeable.
When you do feel it , you have either done it incorrectly or your opponent has, as opponents often do, interfered with your proper execution of the movement.
So long as your blade has not become entangled in flesh, bone, armor, clothing etc. Ignore it. Continue unabated into your next cut or thrust.
There is no need to consider what your opponent does with their sword. So long as you strike to the opponents center your strike will foul anything they are attempting.”
Brian, explained as he moved, cutting down the first man then moved smoothly to his next opponent.
The first had fallen to the dirt and horseshit of the stable yard, to lay bleeding with entrails exposed.
A long sword can execute devastating cuts upon an unarmored opponent. When employed against an armored opponent, cuts are effectively useless. Which is why the sharp point of the blade is used to seek out openings in the armor, or one switches to half swording and uses the solid steel pommel as a war hammer.
Brian Galbraith, the sword master , had moved laterally when his two opponents confronted him.
This movement allowed him to have to only confront one of them at a time. The first now lay dying. The second, was at distinct disadvantage now. Shocked and surprised by Brian's decisive movement and strike.
Surprised anew by Brian's suddenly turning to focus upon him. The fool hesitated. Brian lunged, extending a two handed thrust.
Neither man had been skilled, armored or coordinated.
Brian continued to explain proper fencing etiquette and technique as he wiped blood from his sword.
The challenge and discussion leading up to the fight had taken far longer than the fight had.
Seconds, has seen two bully boys cut down.
And provided me, with an object lesson.
Brian of Galbraith, indeed knew his business. While I had not expected such visceral demonstration when I had sought him out. I was impressed. By both his calm demeanor and the direct, no nonsense manner in which he had dealt with the two would be thieves and murderers.
Before leaving the stable yard Brian tossed two silver coins onto the ground beside the fresh corpses. “ For their Burial. I am thirsty bored and simply would rather not bother.”
Stable hands quickly scurried to snatch up the coins and deal with the bodies. I followed Brian into the public house. Confident I had found the swordmaster I had been seeking. My Sons and Daughter needed a competent instructor.
Brian Galbraith seemed the perfect man for the post. The Kingdom of the Isles , could settle for nothing other than the best for the Heirs.