[@Doc Doctor]

King Gallant allowed himself a step backward to compensate for the charging barbarian. His arm was cocked back for a punch. Or was it a grab? He was unsure. All that he knew was that he couldn't let any of those attacks connect directly with him.

He halted in his backward retreat and stood firm as the barbarian approached. As that meaty right mitt came in towards him, he sidestepped to the left [b](Gonad's right)[/b] and raised his shield so the incoming forearm strike met it square in the center. A loud crash issued forth as flesh met carefully crafted wood and iron.

The King twisted his body to the right (Gonad's left) slightly to allow that strike to pass on by, while simultaneously bringing his sword to bear. His right arm went low, just underneath his shield, while he took step forward to get inside the barbarian's guard. His wrist angled upward and he pushed, stabbing his sword at Gonad's torso. His sword was aimed just below the warrior's massive pectoral muscles.

Impossible to dodge? Maybe not. He expected the barbarian to. He was like no other ruffian warrior he'd faced before.