whistling streaks of motion the executioners broadsword came swishing down to conors exposed neck a black blur of motion ; blinding red-laced bolts of lightningthe pathetic braying cacophony of mutant donkeys being killed : conor had disappeared , had stood , had moved : he had somehow come up behind the executioner , who was suddenly butting his chin against the wrapped hilt of his own broadsword , which had been plunged down his sternum and into his belly .