Camilla wasn't two sanguine about their chances of defeating two warriors who probably had more combat experience between them than she and Cydric had years of life. Still it was clear that there was little choice, and things could be worse. Camilla had heard from duelists she had known, and there were many who haunted the courts of Tilea, that two men would tangle each other as much as aid each other in a duel. No doubt both of these men had spent time in military formations, but that wasn't the same thing.

While the servants went for Cydric's broadsword she made her own preperations. Drawing her dagger she cut her silk dress at mid thigh. Eliciting laughs and not a few whistles from the assembled crowd. The Graf pursed his lips, perhaps to offer her a chance to change but clearly thought better of it. There was no way she could fight in the flowing dress though and she wasn't going to die, or let Cydric die due to a petty vanity.

Cydric pulled her close and whispered his instructions and she cursed herself as they parted for not having said something more meaningful but then the duel began and both their opponents were lunging for the Ostlander. It was immediately clear that both men disregarded her as the weaker of the two fighters. That was a mistake, she was weaker than Cydric certainly, but weak didn't mean non-existant. She lunged in at the Baron, aiming the point of her rapier at his calf. The man twisted but too late to avoid the stinging cut across his leg. It wouldn't kill him, but by Ranald he would take her seriously.

There were treatises on dueling in Tilea, there were treatises on everything that might sell a book to a wealthy noble, and Camilla had read many of them in the long hours when her more active services were not required. She tried to think of this duel as those books suggested, as a battle not just of sword, but of hearts.

The Baron was a wealthy important noble. He wasn't going to risk himself for the sake of winning the duel. The greatsword was his sworn bodyguard and thus was probably more concerned with the Baron's safety than killing Cydric. Therein lay her chance. She didn't need to actually injure or kill the Baron, which was good, because either the Runefang of the greatsword might shatter her rapier with the ease of a child snapping a twig if she mistimed a parry, all she needed to do was threaten him.

With her blade extended and her dagger held in the Pavonna style, she circled right, slow cautious fencers steps bringing her onto the Baron's flank.

[b]"Back," [/b]the Greatsword snapped, realizing the danger a moment before she could have struck. Both men backed off from Cydric giving the Ostlander some space. After a moment they tried to launch their concerted attack again but this time she was already moving. Again she circled right forcing them to withdraw before they could press her friend.

Camilla smiled winsomely at the frustrated pair.

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