Buff Rev. (05/24/20) 17.His tone is teasing. Gurney grins. He’s the closest thing to
a friend Paul has among his father’s retainers. Gurney knows
Paul since he was born and loves him like if he was his own
son.
GURNEY
With Duncan Idaho gone, I must make
do as best I may.He lays the weapons out on a table in matched pairs.
GURNEY (CONT'D)
Choose your blade.PAUL
Not today. Without Duncan, what’s
the point?Gurney picks up a rapier and without warning, he throws it in
Paul’s direction. The blade thunks deep in the wooden table
beside Paul and stands quivering.
PAUL (CONT'D)
That is rude.Paul drops his practice weapon and grabs the rapier.
Gurney activates his shield. A shimmering force-field appears
around him, then fades into invisibility. Paul follows suit.
PAUL (CONT'D)
Old man.Gurney lunges forward. Their blades clash.
Paul STRIKES, rapidly -- his blade making splashes of light
in the air where Gurney’s shield blocks the blow --
Then he lunges more slowly -- and slips his rapier into
Gurney’s shield. Only the slow blade penetrates.
They fence -- a sparkle of energy where their shields
intersect -- until Paul attempts another slow attack. Gurney
grabs Paul’s blade in his gloved hand, lunges through Paul’s
shield and SLAPS PAUL’S FACE with the flat of his blade.
Paul jerks back, shocked. Rubbing his cheek. Gurney glowers.
GURNEY
Never let a man inside your guard!
Even in sport! Not even me!PAUL
I guess I’m not in the mood today.Buff Rev. (05/24/20) 17.