The thought didn't hit him as fast as the dagger.<em>"A Shade!"</em><br/><br/>The pain that erupted from his chest was nothing compared to the shame he felt in underestimating Valerie's powers of darkness. Duncan thrust his body forward, and away from the cursed blade just as the tip was about to enter his heart. Not that it mattered but the loss of blood would have rendered him useless for a good few minutes which could have meant a worse fate.<br/><br/>Duncan rolled forward as his body cleared the dagger and came up with his sword facing Valerie. He felt Aurora just beyond the street, but his sight was hazy from the pain in his chest. He pretended he didn't feel the blood running down his back but he knew it would be a problem if it ran for too long.<br/><br/>"A cowards move, lass but then again you were born one!" he smiled, as he walked towards Valerie. He saw the surprise in her eyes as he moved closer, for he should be a pile of stinking flesh on the ground by now and not coming at her. His sword flashed just as a dagger hit her on her right arm. The sword cutting into her flesh as she moved her hands to block dagger. Her flesh oozed a dark blood and a strong scent seem to emanate from her cut. Duncan fell to one knee as Valeries left arm flew at his face, fingernails ready to rake his flesh. Ducking under the claw, he stood up yet again as he dragged his sword along Valerie's hips and turned around to face her.<br/><br/>The wounds should have killed any other but not her kind. He spat as he watched the stunned but determined face look at him in defiance.<br/><br/>"Your move, forsaken!" he smiled masking the pain that threatened to overtake his sense. He could see Aurora circling Valerie from behind.<br/><br/>Time seem to crawl to a halt as the three sort an opening and a respite in one stroke of death.<br/><br/>The cry of a rooster made Valerie's head snap towards the east. A faint shade of red was beginning to bathe the hillside.<br/><br/>Duncan smiled as much in relief as in a small victory.<br/><br/>"It seems you WILL walk in the light after all, my Pretty...."<br/>