Bullet. The City Speaker backed off.
104 "There's something in the ground," complained The Young Speaker. "I
tripped over it."
105 The Official came in, got down on his knees, and began to feel in
the grass, then he motioned the two workmen. "It's a sprinkler peg!"
announced the Official. "They'll have it out in a minute."
106 The City Speaker seemed grateful for the chance to catch his
breath. The Young Speaker came near Bullet. "We took each other by
surprise," he admitted. "He's not an amateur either. He still shouldn't
be much of a problem, though."
107 "You could've fooled me," sighed Bullet. "He looks like a problem
to anyone."
108 The Official motioned the combatants forward. "Do you want a new
fire start?" he asked.
109 "No," answered The Young Speaker, "a touch will do."
110 The City Speaker nodded. The Official put his hand on each man's
shield and made them back up until he could just touch them with his
fingertips. "Ready," he ordered, "Begin!" He dropped his arms and
backed off quickly, as The Young Speaker and The City Speaker joined in
another fierce exchange.
111 Blow after blow was met by flashing sword or shield and both men
were wary of the other's shield, as well as his blade, both knowing
that in skillful hands IT could kill, as well.
112 Suddenly his opponent dove in, caught the edge of The Young
Speaker's shield with his own, and swung around, hard. The Young
Speaker lost his grip and the shield went flying, landing outside the circle, barely touching
its edge. The City Speaker laughed. "NOW it's over!"
113 "By The Lords, it isn't!" cried The Young Speaker. He took his
sword in both hands and attacked