Rhazii saw his chance and took it. He moved only a small amount to the side closer to Julan's outstretched arm, then suddenly changed direction in time for Julan's adjustment to fall for his feint. Rhazii brought his sword to his chest height to cover himself as he thrust the point at Julan's oncoming throat.

Perhaps surprisingly for Julan, he did not even feel the wooden sword touch him. Rhazii usually loosened his arms at the last moment to keep the point from jabbing too hard. This time he pulled the sword point away completely and backed off a few steps.

"Y-your neck," Rhazii said quickly, pointing towards his own throat. He swallowed back a sudden nervousness.

[hr]
"I don't think there is any way to just ignore what happened. You saw how scared they were." Fendros mirrored Ahnasha's posture. "I don't think it's a good idea to lie about this anymore. But you are correct, we cannot tell them everything." He glanced sideways at her. "What might happen if you do tell the truth, do you think? Apart from, you know, fussing."