Hannibal's eyes widened as the strike hit true. One hand moved quickly to his stomach as he he fell to his knees on the sand, using the other to stop his upper body from hitting the ground.<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">He could have easily seriously injured, possibly killed me with that strike. Why did he not do so?</span>Hannibal thought as he quickly caught his breath. However, he was quickly back to his feet and in range of Hale in moments.<br/><br/>He looked to swing the blade into the side of Hale's head, but it passed before his face instead. Hannibal then swung his arm back around, aiming for the side of Hale's head with the bottom of the hilt, thinking<span style="font-style: italic">If he does not wish to kill me, then I will honour his decision and do the same for him.</span>