Of course. The shield was a weapon as well as a defense.

While Fanilly had anticipated a sword strike, that didn't mean she was entirely unaware of the possibility of a blow from the shield instead. Blocking was impractical at best and self-harming at worst against such a charge.

And thus the best response was not to be in the path of the shield at all.

Fanilly's feet shifted, and she threw her body sideways. While the shield was hardly safe, it would be easier to turn and swing a sword then it would be to turn and swing a shield.

Get around to her opponent's side. Capitalize on even an instant of exposure.

A swift thrust, and then move on. If it landed, then her blow was a success. If it didn't, then she could hardly afford to remain and try again when the shield remained a threat.

[@ERode]