Neesa's discorporation and the subsequent blow to the back of his head was the first moment of he duel where Rossarm was openly taken by surprise. He stepped frantically forward but did not regain his balance before falling front-first onto the floow. He tried to stand up as fast as he could, only to be covered in flailing leathery little wings. 

Fendros half-stepped forward. He stopped himself.

Baring his teeth and flinging his arms about, Rossarm was hardly graceful dealing with the bats. But he did deal with them. He clapped his palms together, and when they parted there was a bright white light between them growing. It had the appearance of a restoration spell, though it had something of a uncharacteristic heat to it. The light flared out and instantly the screeching bats increased their cacophonous noise and produced a rising cloak of smoke. The flesh and fur on their bodies scorched and stank.

Rossarm maintained the spell in both hands for as long as it took for the bats to be repulsed, but not so long that he would let himself faint.

[hr]
Rhazii gave Narsi a glance and looked back at Lorag unsurely. "Yes, sir," he said flatly.

Narsi didn't have anything else to say. When she had the opportunity, she picked out a practice axe and a shield, both made from wood.

"Hey, don't be so worked up, Julan," Rhazii said, perceiving his brother's nervousness. He nudged Julan's shoulder. "It's just some training. She's smaller than you."