Neriad managed to use a soft block to parry the incoming strike along with maneuvering to the right simultaneously to give him a better position before swinging his stick down to hit Rys.  The disguised girl likely wouldn't have a problem blocking the first blow, but the second one would have gotten her if sand hadn't sprayed into the man's eyes it would have been over.  Instead, the man jumped back instinctively and started to wipe his eyes, listening intently.