The flash of lightning from Meesei's escape made many in the crowd gasp or yelp with surprise. Harriet's hubris made her over-swing with a short shout. Slicing the air did not quite bring about the triumph she almost had. Even so, she spotted Meesei's arm weeping and gained a confident snarl.

Harriet did not give Meesei much time. She stepped up for another attack and parried as expected. Harriet's next motion was planned; she began to bring her sword around to cut at Meesei's exposed middle right, but jerked to defend herself from the sudden bound sword coming from the other side. Harriet partially sidestepped, causing the blade to glance off her torso. It had cut through the cloth on its way through but by the texture felt up the blade, Harriet was wearing mail to protect her body. By the way her clothes moved, it seemed that her head, arms, and legs were not similarly protected. It was likely all she could successfully hide from the trial.

While the move did take her by surprise, Harriet was ready to recover. Her first move was more something to ward Meesei off; a step back and forward with a swing to Meesei's side. Now Meesei had forgone her advantage of reach, Harriet would press further. Her next strike was quick and aggressive. Harriet's sword swung high as if to strike Meesei's shoulders again, but turned low at the last moment. It was followed up by a thrust to Meesei's chest to keep her on her back foot.