XVIII: The blade hummed and shivered less than a finger-width from the strange man’s face. No matter how hard he struggled, Farinfoor could not persuade the axe to move. Suddenly, the man’s chantings ceased and his eyes shot open. A knowing, satisfied grin spread across his face. He casually placed his small hand on Farinfoor’s chest and pushed, propelling the confused warrior backwards across the room into the callous stone of the wall behind him.