Algernon loosed his first arrow, and Elon merely stepped back, letting it whizz by before it thunked into the ground.
Algernon cursed, drew another, and fired.
Elon began walking to the left, letting the arrow slash through the space he’d previously occupied. “You’ll have to do better than that.”
Algernon growled, a low, guttural sound that almost sounded like a yare wolf. He shot at Elon again. And again. And then there was only one arrow left.
Algernon unsheathed his knife and charged at Elon. Elon held his ground, even when Algernon lunged to cross the last few feet between them. He caught Algernon’s wrist, gripping it tightly.
Algernon jerked against Elon, but Elon’s grip remained firm. With his free hand, Algernon removed the last arrow from the quiver and moved to jab Elon’s chest.
But Elon was faster. He released Algernon and darted backwards. But then his foot hit a stone in the road, and he fell flat on his back.
Carissa’s heart nearly burst passed her ribs. Elon had slipped. Had he done so purposely? Or had he not used his foresight? She curled her toes in her boots. She mustn’t run after him. Elon was ten times the warrior she was, and he could handle this.
Before she could blink, Algernon had his arrow nocked and ready.
“No!” Lyron shot past her, running towards Elon.
Carissa reached out to grab him, but merely brushed his sleeve. “Lyron!”