Jezin sighed. "Stubborn to the bitter end." His voice was completely drained of any emotion. He took a step forward. With the position the man was in, a decapitation would be easy. One quick stroke and the fight would be over. But the bodyguard would not get blood on his hands, not standing before the people of a foreign land, and he certainly wouldn't remove a man's head in front of Sophia if he didn't have to. He raised his sword and struck downward with the pommel again, this time much harder toward the back of Jon's head. He sincerely hoped the strike would be enough to render the relentless man unconscious.

 Sophia looked at the young man inquisitively. "Are you certain? I promise you there's no need to be nervous." She was puzzled by Gareth's sudden defensiveness. She wondered if she had said something to offend the young man, or if perhaps it was her royal position. She didn't seem to recall introducing herself by her title though, so maybe someone else had told him. Her internal ponderings were cut short by Jezin's opponent falling to one knee. It seemed the fight would be over soon. As strong as his will was, it seemed the other man had run out of energy.