[i]Zach quickly pulled his sword back as he jumped backwards, narrowly avoiding the thrust, and it was clear to him now that he shouldn't fight carelessly here like he had elsewhere; rather, he stopped a few feet in front of Damien, holding his sword so the handle was above his left shoulder, the blade angled downwards so that the tip was pointed towards Damien's chest; a position that could both change into an offensive slash or a defensive parry.[/i]