 average girl, Tarrin told him.
	Well, we can carry quite a bit, he answered.  We have a shallow bilge, so we can carry about fifty standard bales of wool.
	Wow, Janette said.  Thats as much as a Torian coster.  What kind of armament do you have?
	Bows and strong arms on the oars, he answered.  The only thing that can catch us on open water is a Wikuni ship.  Not even Zakkite triads can keep up, he said proudly.
	Thats not much, she protested.
	Ungardt conduct ship warfare by ramming other ships, grappling them, then defeating the other crew in hand to hand combat, Tarrin told her.  Thats why the fronts of the ships are so heavily reinforced, and most of them have ramming spikes that attach to the bow.  If you have a strong crew, they can tear a hole in the side of a Wikuni clipper.  And few ship crews on the twenty seas can beat an Ungardt boarding party.
	Oh, I get it, she said.  So, if I hire an Ungardt ship to move my goods, theres a good chance its going to get there?
	A very good chance, Thurgunn said grandly.  In the forty years this ship has been on the sea, its never failed to deliver a cargo.
	Not once?
	Not once, he assured her with a bright smile.  This ship may be old, but shes as dependable as the tides.
	Whats its name?  Dont all ships have names?
	Some Ungardt ships dont, Tarrin told her.  New ships arent named until theyre at least a year old.
	Why?
	Why name it if its going to sink on its maiden voyage? Thurgunn asked her with a sly wink.
	So whats this ships name?
	Surtir, the man who first owned her, called her Jezebel.  I rather like it.
	Jezebel?  What kind of name is that?
	Its Arakite, Tarrin told her.  It means seductress in Sulasian.
	Whats a seductress?
	A woman who tempts men, Tarrin answered immediately.  Tarrin didnt believe in withholding information.  If they were old enough to ask, they were old enough to hear the answer.
	Mother wont let me learn Arakite, Janette complained.  She says I should keep up with my Shacan.  She says its a prettier language.
	It is, but if you want to be able to trade with anyone who lives east of Tor, youll need to learn Arakite, Thurgunn told her.  Any ship captain worth his sword speaks Arakite.
	You speak Arakite, Captain Thurgunn? she asked sweetly.
	But of course, my dear, he answered with an outrageous smile.  I dont use a sword, but if I had one, Id be worth it.
	She giggled and took Tarrins paw.  Can you teach me Arakite, Tarrin? she asked.
	Id be happy to, he told her.
	Fireflashs claws dug into his shoulder, and the little drake started growling in his throat.
	Whats the matter, Fireflash? he asked, looking down at the golden drake.
	Tarrin looked over his own shoulder, and was surprised at the sight that greeted him.  It was a lone armored figure that was about twice as tall as the awed pedestrians who gawked at him.  The figure was wearing black armor that was pitted, battered, and bloodied, and he was carrying a massive, abused broadsword whose tip had been broken off.  All the armor was missing from the figures left arm, exposing an awesomely muscled, dark-skinned arm that had strange white patches from the elbow up.  There was only one armored being that was that huge that would be on the streets of Suld, and that would be Azakar.  The fact that the figure was wearing the armor of the Knights assured Tarrin that it was who he thought it was.
	What had Azakar been fighting?  He had obviously won, but it had not been an easy battle.
	Stay here, little mother, Tarrin told her quickly.  Thurgunn, dont let her off the ship, he told the captain in Ungardt, then stepped up onto the rail and vaulted over onto the quay.  Easy, little friend, thats a friend, Tarrin told the drake as it began to hiss.
	Tarrin, Azakar said as the Were-cat quickly advanced up to the Knight.
	Zak, whats going on?
	We had a little visitor, he said in his customary quiet tone.  Stragos Bane.
	Tarrin looked at him, then he chuckled.  Who sent you after him?
	No one, he answered.  I remembered the description Haley gave us in Amazar.  I was just lucky to be wearing my armor when I saw him.
	Did you take the body back to the Tower?
	I couldnt kill him, the Knight said with a grunt.  He fled once he realized that he couldnt beat me.
	Are you alright?
	Ill live, Tarrin, he answered.  Bane used some kind of magic that froze my shield and gave me frostbite.  He hit my shield with his sword and it shattered my shield and the armor on my arm like it was glass.
	Tarrin put his paw over Azakars arm and wove a spell of healing, which attacked the frozen flesh and restored it to health.
	Thank you, he said without much emotion.
	How was it?
	Tough, he answered.  Bane was a very skilled adversary.  It took me nearly ten minutes to beat him down to where he turned and ran.  He held up his shield hand and opened it, presenting him with a wolfhead medallion.  I tore this off of him before he got away.  This is what Haley said made him change shape.
	Zak, how did we ever get along without you? Tarrin asked with a laugh.
	Lets hope we never have to find out, he answered mildly.
	Tarrin was not surprised.  Azakar had more than his unchallenged size and awesome strength, he also had extensive training by some of the best warriors on Sennadar, and had an intimate understanding of magic and the techniques a warrior had to employ to counter its power.  If there was one single-most fearsome human warrior in the entire world, it was Azakar.  That he was capable of dealing with Stragos Bane was expected, not surprising.
	You should get back to the Tower and give that to Jenna as quickly as you can, he told him.  Im going to take Janette back to her parents and Ill be there in a while.  He Conjured a new sword and shield, and handed them to him.  Just in case Bane comes back for that medallion, he told him.  Or would you rather I go with you?
	Id rather you sent me back, he answered.  Bane might have just backed off to try to catch me off guard, and Im a little wary about going another round with him when Im carrying one of his magical treasures.  I dont want him to take it back from me.  I know you can Teleport me right to the Tower.
	I should have thought of that, Tarrin grunted, taking a step back.  Ill send you to a room right beside Jennas office, alright?
	That one they keep empty just for Teleportation?
	Tarrin nodded.  Hold on a second, he said as he made a stronger touch against the Weave, then started weaving the spell of Teleportation.  He was more than capable of using it in a way that it Teleported someone else rather than himself, wrapping it around Azakar and preparing to snap it down and activate it, which would send Azakar to the Tower instantly.  Ill be there as soon as I get Janette home.
	Ill tell the Keeper, he nodded, and then Tarrin snapped down the spell and released it.
	Without so much as a shimmer, Azakar vanished.
	Janette! Tarrin shouted.  We have to get back!
	Aww! she called.  I want to take a look at that raker!
	If its here tomorrow, we will, he promised her.  But somethings going on, and I have to get to the Tower and see what it is.
	It took him only a few moments to drop Janette off back at her home, then tell them what was going on.  I need to find out what happened, he explained.  Fae-daNar has been trying to kill Stragos Bane, but if Zak had trouble doing it, it means theyll be hard pressed to find someone that can.
	Why do they want to kill this man? Janette asked.  Isnt that mean?
	Hes been going around killing any Were-kin he can find, little mother, Tarrin said grimly.  Since he started killing us first, we have every right to try to kill him back.
	Azakar is that good? Elke asked speculatively.
	He can beat me, Tarrin answered with a nod.
	Id say thats plenty good enough, Eron chuckled.
	Im going with you, son, Elke told him.  I want to give that book to Jenna, and I think Id like to know whats going on.
	Well, Janine, I guess well be taking a bow-out on that lunch, Eron told her with a smile.
	Ill have Deris wrap some of it up for you, she answered.  You know how he hates for anyone to leave the house without eating.
	I wont object, thats for sure, Eron agreed with a smile.
	Tarrin was more curious than worried as they went to the Tower, at least until he was in Jennas office with his parents, Ianelle, and Azakar.  He listened as the Mahuut Knight recanted the battle he had with Stragos Bane, as Azakar had restarted when Tarrin arrived.
	I saw him in Beggars Market, he began as Tarrin sat down in a chair he Conjured for himself.  I was there looking for a birthday present for Ulger.  Something suitable.
	Beggars Market?  Isnt that where the whores gather? Jenna asked curiously.
	Azakar cleared his throat.  I was going to buy Ulger a whalebone corset.
	Jenna almost fell out of her chair laughing.  Zak! she gasped after catching her breath.  What on Sennadar does he need that for!?
	Its a joke, Keeper, he said seriously.  Tarrin often forgot that Azakar had an understated sense of humor, and was known to be a rogue prankster.  A very strange thing, given his quiet, unassuming nature.  Few people knew it was Azakar who was doing it.  Id just come off the field, training cadets, so I was wearing my armor and sword.  Good thing, that, he added.
	I spotted Bane across the market.  At first, I didnt recognize him, but I saw him again a few minutes later as he started stalking around the festhall Haley bought.
	Wait a minute, Tarrin said.  Haleys in Suld?
	Jenna nodded.  He just arrived last ride.  Got off a Wikuni ship with a chest full of gold.  The first thing he did was buy a festhall off Beggars Market.  Didnt I tell you?
	No, you didnt, he answered.
	I guess Bane was going to finish what they started in Dayis with Haley.  I ambushed Bane just before he went inside.  He was quiet a long moment.  Bane was everything Haley said he was.  He was strong, fast, and he had some strong magic.  But thats not what I worry about.
	What, then? Jenna asked.
	Darvon came in and quickly sat down on the couch by Jennas office door.  Stragos Bane didnt bleed, Azakar said bluntly.  I stabbed a span of sword blade through his breastplate and broke it off.  I know it penetrated deep enough to go through his breastbone, but there was no blood.  All this on me is mine, he said, motioning at his bloody armor.  He never shed a single drop of blood.  And when I did stab him, I got a shooting pain up my sword arm, because it was cold.  Thats why I broke my sword.  It was a reflex action after that cold hit me, I jerked away and broke my sword in the process.
	Tarrin frowned, scratching his chin with a span-long claw.  He had no doubt about Azakars testimony, he would accept it all at face value.  Azakar was very observant, and his observations were usually correct.  That meant that this Stragos Bane was not what he appeared to be.  That, or he had some kind of magic about him that caused the effect that Azakar described.  Given the fact that he had a magic sword, magic armor, had had that magic amulet, and also had some kind of magic that defeated magical attacks used against him, the idea that he also possessed some kind of magical device that did what Azakar saw was not a stretch.
	Could he be some kind of magical monster? Elke asked.  One of those outcasts from Fae-daNar?
	I dont know of any Fae-daKii that can do that, mother, Tarrin answered her.  Unless Bane is a Vampire or a Lich.  But if he was a Vampire, he couldnt move around in the daytime.  If he was a Lich, you could smell him from ten spans away.
	Maybe he has magic that protects him from the sun, or hides his smell, Jenna offered.  They said that Stragos Bane was supposed to be dead.  Maybe he is dead, and what were dealing with here is some kind of undead creature.
	Actually, that makes sense, Eron said.  It would explain his strength and the fact that Azakar felt cold when he stabbed him.  And that there was no blood, he added.
	Jennas eyes narrowed.  Haley said that just touching Bane was painful, even when using a sword.  Could him being undead cause that?  Maybe it has nothing to do with the fact that Haleys a Were-wolf.  Maybe its because Bane is undead.
	Triana said Druids tried using magic on him, Tarrin added.  Druidic magic in its pure form wont work against undead.  Maybe thats this magical immunity he has!
	It wont? Jenna asked in surprise.
	Tarrin shook his head.  Druidic magic is the magic of life.  If you use it as spell energy, it has no effect on the undead.  If you use it indirectly, you can hurt an undead, like dropping a building on one, like Haley did.  But if Haley tried to directly use a spell against Bane, if he is undead, it would have fizzled.  Thats the balance against Druidic magic.
	He got several blank looks.
	Every order of magic has a weakness, a check on its power, he explained to his parents, Azakar, and Darvon.  Sorcery can be nullified by Druidic magic.  Wizards and Priests can be stopped by Sorcerers.  But what stops Druids are undead.  Negative energy cancels Druidic magic.  There are even a special kind of Wizard spells, called Necromancy, that can do the same thing, because they draw on the death-magic that makes undead what they are.  Negative energy doesnt exist in the All, and because of that, the All has no effect on it.
	I never knew that, Eron said in surprise.
	Druids dont advertise it, father, Tarrin told him. You dont shout out your weaknesses in the city square.
	So, we might be able to conclude with some reason that Stragos Bane is undead, Darvon called from the couch.  If thats true, how do we stop him?
	We need Priests, Jenna and Tarrin said immediately.  Priests have power over the undead, Jenna told him.  My Lord General, would you be so kind as to pay a visit to High Priest Thorin for me a little later?  You know how the order of Karas feels about us.  It might be better if it came from you.
	Id be honored, Keeper, he answered, stroking his white moustache absently.  As soon as we have a plan to deal with this threat that I can take to Thorin.
	Were going to need a plan, Azakar stated bluntly.  If Bane is undead, hes a very powerful kind of one.  We dont want to just chase after him with a stick, or hes going to kill people before we destroy him.  We need a good plan.
	Azakar didnt see the look of intense pride on Darvons face, since Azakar had his back to him.
	A trap, Jenna agreed with a nod.
	I can--
	Youll go home, son, Eron told him bluntly.  If were wrong, and Bane does have special power against Were-kin, then youre going to be vulnerable.
	But--
	But nothing, Darvon told him.  You dont have to be personally involved in everything, Tarrin.  We can handle this.  Besides, as I recall, you have lessons to take, so you dont have time for this, do you?
	Tarrin frowned.
	You cant protect everyone all the time, son, Darvon told him seriously.  As Lord General, Im ordering you to stay out of this.  Azakar was the one that brought us this information, so Im going to let Azakar handle taking care of Stragos Bane.
	Me, my Lord General? he asked in shock, whirling around to face him.  But Im--
	Thats an order, he said in a tone that would brook no argument.  I charge you with the task of eliminating Stragos Bane, Knight-Captain Azakar Kanash.  You will discharge your orders as a true Knight and a warrior of Karas.
	Azakars face was stony, and Tarrin could tell he was not too happy about this command.
	You have my authority to arrange whatever you need to take care of Bane, he added.  And Im sure the Keeper will lend a hand if its needed.
	Of course, she agreed with a smile.  The Knights protect us, and for that we are grateful.  When the time comes to grant you our aid, we jump at the opportunity.
	It wasnt always that way, Darvon said with a sly smile.
	Well, it is now, Jenna told him, tossing her dark hair over her shoulder flippantly.
	You have a job to do, Knight, Darvon told Azakar imperiously.  Why are you sitting here?
	Azakar stood.  By your leave? he asked politely to Jenna, but Tarrin could tell it was through clenched teeth.
	Certainly, she told him fondly.  And if you need anything, just let me know.  You have the resources of the entire Tower at your command to deal with Stragos Bane.
	Azakar pressed his lips together tightly, saying nothing.  He bowed to Jenna, turned and bowed to Darvon, and then stalked out of Jennas office like a man just sentenced to execution.
	Darvon stood.  By your leave, Keeper, I have a few matters to attend.
	Certainly, Darvon.  Just dont get to close to Zak.  He looks like he wants to slap you right now,she winked.  Mother, did you bring my book?
	Tarrin, come with me, Darvon ordered.  Tarrin stood immediately and waved to his family, and then followed the aged commander out of the room.  Tarrin had tremendous respect for Darvon, and for that reason he obeyed the old Knight without question most of the time.  It was obvious that he had something on his mind, and Tarrin actually wanted to hear what it was.  Darvon was very wise, and Tarrin had never regretted listening to him.
	They walked along the highly ornate and decorated halls of the top levels of the Tower, where all the most important and powerful individuals either had offices or apartments, but they werent alone for too long  Ianelle caught up with them not long after leaving the Keepers office, falling into pace beside Darvon as Tarrin walked on his other side.  It was becoming a family reunion, she explained.  I dont have to be there for that.
	You were awfully quiet, Ianelle, Tarrin noticed.  In fact, you never said a word.
	I am sorry, honored one, but Ive been preoccupied lately, she answered him.
	What did Auli do now?
	Ianelle looked at him, then laughed.  Being Auli.  I think shes trying to get me to die of old age.
	That was a ShaKar term much akin to a human saying shes giving me gray hair.  Is she still in Sharadar?
	She nodded.  Alexis is trying to force me to take her back.  I wont hear of it.
	Darvon chuckled.  Send her to me.  Ill take it out of her, Ianelle.
	Ianelle gave Darvon a wild look, then laughed.  I just may take you up on that offer, my Lord General, she told him.  I didnt know you speak ShaKar.
	Of course I do.  I was taught it when we went to Sharadar, and then to Amazar.
	Ah.  So you did.
	They reached the stairs, and started down.  Well, Tarrin, what do you think of me putting Azakar in charge? he asked.
	I think hes more than capable of it, he answered.  You have some other motive, dont you?
	Darvon nodded.  Im getting old, Tarrin, he admitted.  Every day, this armor gets heavier and heavier, and I have more and more trouble getting into it in the morning.  Im going to retire next year.
	That surprised both Tarrin and Ianelle.  Whos taking your position?
	I dont know, he answered.  The Knights dont choose the Lord General.  Karas does.  When I retire, the Knights will meet in the cathedral for the ceremony of succession, and take turns picking up the Hammer of Karas.  When it glows blue, it means that Karas has chosen that Knight to lead.
	Ianelle gave Darvon a sly look. You want Azakar, she realized.  Youre training him to take your place.
	Azakar would be an excellent Lord General, Darvon stated confidently.  Hes wise, clever, observant, and knows how politics work.  But on the other hand, hes compassionate, gentle, honest, caring, has a sense of humor, and is very humble.  Those are excellent qualities in a leader, because it means hell take care of the men he commands.  He shited his arm greave absently with his other hand.  Ive been assigning him to duties that puts him in command, and so far, hes done rather well.  He hates commanding others, but all the Knights Ive talked with that have been under his command say nothing but good things about him.  I gave him this mission to give him a serious test.  I want to see what he comes up with, and how he executes it.
	And if he fails? Ianelle asked.
	Then he fails, Darvon answered.  Sometimes failure can be a better learning experience than success.  If he does, I want to see how he handles it.
	Im pretty confident in Azakar, but theres no guarantee hes going to get Bane, Tarrin told him.  If Bane is undead, he may have some other tricks that let him escape from Azakar.  If Zak even gets a shot at him.
	Darvon looked at him.
	I made an agreement with Shiika, on behalf of the Druids, he told him.  Shiika set one of her Alu daughters on Banes trail.  If she catches him first, Azakar may not have the chance.
	Why didnt you tell Jenna? Darvon asked.
	Because it slipped my mind, he admitted ruefully.  Shiikas daughter is still looking for him, and with everything else that happened, I honestly forgot to mention it.
	Darvon chuckled.  Its alright, Tarrin.  It happens to us all.
	It does indeed, Ianelle agreed.
	After a nice chat with Darvon and getting caught up with Ianelle, who often kept him abreast of the information that Jenna didnt think to pass along--most of it concerning Jenna herself--Tarrin decided to  watch the cadets practice with Ulger and several Knights watching as Darvon went to recover a ceremonial shield he wanted Allia to have, to commemorate her membership in the order of the Knights of Karas.  Tarrins family joined him not too long afterward, and Tarrin suddenly remembered a long-made promise.
	Mother, he called calmly.  How are you feeling today?
	What do you mean? she asked.
	See that Knight right there?  The one with the nasty scar over the bridge of his nose?
	Ulger? she asked.  Ive met him a couple of times.
	When we were in Amazar, Ulger said that no woman could ever beat him in a fight, he told her.  I told him you could beat him around the field with one arm tied behind your back.
	Is that so? she asked with a sudden wolfish smile, then she put her left hand on her right shoulder and started working her arm in circles, loosening it up.  Be a good boy and fetch my axe, Tarrin.
	Eron gave Tarrin a sudden sly look.  Do you have something against Ulger, son? he asked.
	No, I just want Ulger to get an, education, he answered, absently reaching out and Summoning his mothers double-headed axe, appearing in his paw as his fingers closed over empty air.  You want your shield, mother?
	Against him?  I wont need it, she snorted as she advanced out onto the sandy training field.  Ulger! she shouted.  Tarrin promised a match with you!  Im here to collect!
	Well, if it isnt Mistress Elke Kael! Ulger called.  I do seem to recall a challenge he issued in Amazar, and here I thought all this time you were too afraid to face me on the field!
	Eron winced.  Oh, he just dug his own grave, he said.
	Talk is easy, Elke said gratingly, raising her axe and pointing its twin heads in Ulgers direction.  Move these children out of the way and take your beating like the airbag you are.
	Cadets, aside! Kargon shouted from the far side of the field.  Its time to watch and learn!
	Elke strolled out to the center of the sand-filled field and waited as cadets moved to form a ring around the field, and Ulger strutted out to face her, lazily drawing his sword.  I should take off my armor, he called arrogantly, though he was grinning broadly.
	Keep it.  That way you wont lose any limbs, Elke retorted, which made Kargon laugh.
	Ulger reached the center of the field, and set his shield just before clapping down his visor.  Ill be gentle, he promised.
	I wont, Elke replied with a blunt, slightly sadistic tone.
	Tarrin crossed his arms before him as Ulger got into a guard stance, as Ianelle came up beside him and his father shouted a few words of encouragement to his wife.  Does Ulger stand a chance? she asked.
	No, Tarrin and Eron said in unison.
	Ulger was lilting, almost negligent at first, flicking his heavy broadsword at Elke without too much energy, but Tarrin had the feeling that Ulger was only feeling Elke out.  Elke slapped the sword aside with the flat of her axe, not moving more than was necessary, not even shifting her feet.  Then, as if satisfied by his probes, he sliced the point of his sword right at Elkes midsection with sudden speed, but his eyes widened slightly when Elke used her axe to deflect the weapon just slightly, then stepped aside and let the weapon go by, then pressed the swords blade with the flat of her axe and held it out wide, preventing Ulger from threatening her with it without completely withdrawing it.  She turned slightly on her back foot and brought up her free arm, then reared back and slammed her elbow into the side of Ulgers helmet.  There was a musical clang, and Ulgers helmet skewed slightly to the side as he staggered back.  Elke shifted her grip on her axe and rushed in as Ulger tried to right his helmet, rearing back and smashing the flat against the top of the helmet.  There was a loud clong, and Ulger pitched backwards and fell flat on his back, his right arm twitching.
	Ouch, Ianelle said lowly.
	Ulger has a hard head, Tarrin told her.  Hell shake it off in a few seconds.
	Give a fellow a chance, will you? Ulger laughed after a grunt as he sat up.
	Mercy is for the dead, Elke said brutally.  Stop playing, or Ill put another dent in your head.  Get up and fight.
	How do you know Im playing? he asked as he got up and twisted his hemlet back into position.
	I dont get spinters in my feet anymore, Elke said in disgust, using an Ungardt idiom meaning that she wasnt a novice.
	Alright, you asked for it, he said as he set his shield and advanced.
	Ulger was a well-trained Knight.  He was trained to deal with a wide variety of opponents, from half-equipped brigands to warriors as expertly trained as the Wikuni Marines, the Arakite Legions, or the Sulasian Rangers.  Ulger could handle almost any opponent, from the conventional human warrior to the exotic monsters, such as Goblinoids.  But he had never fought someone like Elke Kael.  Not even Allia fought in the same style as Tarrins mother, for she was Ungardt to the roots of her hair, and she fought in the pure fighting style of her people.  The Ungardt were a people who liked big, heavy weapons, wore no armor heavier than a mail shirt, and were extensively trained for fighting hand to hand without weapons.  But the major difference between Allias fighting style, or even Tarrins fighting style, was that they either fought with weapons or without, where Elke used her free hand often as she used her axe.  Ulger was completely overwhelmed in the first minute of the fight, because the first time he tried a serious slash at Elkes vulnerable midsection, she had stepped into his swing and grabbed his wrist in her free hand.  Ulger had never considered the possibility that a foe would grapple him like that.  His second shock came when he tried to wrest free of her, but Elkes grip was like steel, and she was easily as strong as he was.  That set him on his heels almost immediately, and by the time he managed to get free of her, shed used the edge of her axe to crush several deep dents into the top rim of Ulgers shield.
	That was the Ungardt style.  Ungardt grappled foes as often as they used their weapons, turning a fight with an Ungardt into something as much a wrestling match holding weapons as it was a duel between armed opponents.  Ulger had never faced a tactic like this before, and was quite at a loss as to how to defend himself against it.  Every time Elke grabbed hold of him, she managed to put deep rents in his armor or do more damage to the circumference of his shield before he could manage to escape her clutches.  Ulger was a fencer, who preferred to beat down his opponents defenses with skill and then finish them off, and that meant he very much favored putting his opponent on the defensive.  But he never managed to establish an offensive footing against Elke, who had shocked him at the onset of the fight and had never relinquished her advantage.
	It was a pointed lesson to those watching.  Ulger struggled to protect himself against the mighty Ungardt, having pulled into a completely defensive stance, not even using his sword and shield any more than necessary to protect himself from Elkes lightly swung axe and grabbing hands.  That too seemed to confuse Ulger, and Tarrin knew why.  Most warriors saw the axe as the weapon of brutes and the unskilled, who swung the heavy weapon wildly in battle, trying to hit people as hard as they possibly could and let the axes heavy weight do the damage for them.  But when used properly, an axe was a deadly weapon of finesse and skill, just as effective as a sword.  Elke whipped that heavy axe around like a dagger, holding it choked up on the haft for balance, using both of its heads to parry and block Ulgers sword, even the top--which was why Elke didnt have a thrusting spike on her axe.  Once, she pinned Ulgers sword between the top points of the two heads and twisted the axe in a jerking motion, a move Tarrin knew was an attempt to break Ulgers sword.  It didnt break it, but the move did bend Ulgers sword noticeably.  Elke would hold the axe in a choked grip for fencing, then let the weapon slide down her grasp and hold its end when she wanted power.  When she held the axe by its end, it impacted Ulgers armor with stunning force, but Elke did not overextend a finger, capable of pulling her weapon back before Ulger had a chance to retaliate with his sword or shield.
	As if her grappling wasnt bad enough, Ulger found out very quickly why the Ungardt did not wear armor.  Because it gave them mobility.  The unencumbered Ungardt danced around the armored Knight lightly, making him look like a turtle beset by a wolf, incapable of any defense other than pulling into his protective shell and hoping that it was enough to turn aside the wolfs jaws.  Elke endlessly circled the harried Knight, constantly trying to get outside the range of vision his vis