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[b]”Any payment you wish to collect is subject to taxation by the King.”[/b] Maddox stated bluntly as he began to wade down the hill. [b]“Do you dare deny your King’s decree?”[/b]

Maddox sauntered down the hill. He tilted his body back. He held his shield out in front of him as if to defend against an oncoming attack. The bastard sword was held down behind him ready to strike from below, to be brought up in a diagonal cross slash. But most importantly was that he was ready, ready for combat. Being flat of foot in any situation was most unfortunate but in this particular situation he had the upper hand of noticing the assailant before he was noticed. Of course, at this point it had not given him the upper hand. 

[b]”I’ll take your coin for the King. And I’ll send your head back to your treacherous leader Ector.”[/b] Maddox scowled as he braced himself for the assault but continued his approach.

Distance had only been a technicality, but it was still there and it still had to be closed. But swiftly yards had turned to feet and soon the two would be close enough to clash steel.

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