Fred and Astra Prepare to Duel

"I see that you've been wallowing in the mire like the pig that you are," Astra taunted him. (For he had not had a chance to clean himself up.)

Fred strove to remain calm. To lose his temper might cause him to seriously hurt Astra, something that he did not want to do. More probably, if he lost control of himself he would try something rash, and Astra would get the chance for a telling thrust. No doubt that was why she was trying to needle him.

He was much more heavily armoured than she was. That would give him a measure of protection. The downside of that was that she would probably have the edge in speed and agility.

1. Astra takes Fred by surprise with a high kick that connects with his wrist and sends his sword flying from his hand. A moment later, the tip of her blade is at his throat.
2. Fred proves a much superior swordsman to this world's Astra. The fight follows similar lines to the one in "The Mark of Zorro", with Fred managing to avoid hurting her but cutting away most of her clothes.
3. They prove evenly matched, and after five minutes of thrust and parry neither has had the opportunity to inflict any serious damage.
4. Just as the fight is about to begin, there is a loud shout of "No!" from the castle battlements. It is Astra, who apparently feels that discovery is better than a fight between Fred and her other self.
5. Fred plays for time. "Before we fight, please tell me just how I dishonoured you," he asks.

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