The Way of the Brother Gods by Stuart Jaffe Page B

different attacks at the same time. If she blocked the overhead blade, the lower blade would cut upward and gut her.
    When Wolf reached the strike zone, she lowered Viper and spun it so the inside-crescent faced upward. Then she blocked straight up, using Viper like a giant hook to catch both blades. Wolf tried to swing his blades free, but Malja followed the motion. They looked like dancers making large circles with their weapons.
    After three revolutions, Wolf wised. He stepped backward, freeing his swords by pulling them straight towards him. Malja reset, preparing for the next attack.
    She caught a quiver in Wolf's cheek — perhaps doubting his ability, wondering if he could survive this confrontation. But his eyes never looked away from her. She understood that look of determination. He had a brother to avenge. Nothing but death would stop him.
    "I've been down your path," she said. "Vengeance will not bring you peace."
    Showing no interest in words, Wolf thrust towards her neck and waist at the same time. Viper's curved blade covered a wide enough distance to deflect the attack, but Malja knew her opponent would adjust on the next strike. She couldn't give him that time.
    Stepping out to the right, Malja swung for Wolf's head — a smaller target than the body but also awkward to defend with both blades. Wolf ducked. Before he could pop back up, Malja kicked with her left leg. She connected with his chest, sending him flailing against the thick tube running along the wall.
    He pushed off, unable to hide a shiver from the odd sensations of the tube, and quickly returned to his senses. Lunging forward, he thrust his right blade for her face and left blade at her knee. Too far apart for Viper to catch both.
    Malja raised one leg high and stomped down on the knee-striking blade. At the same time, she shoved Viper upward for the block. When she heard the metal clang, she turned Viper in a practiced motion that slipped her enemies blade down enough for Viper to rotate back and lock the sword. She put all her weight forward, pressing the other blade into the floor.
    Wolf's shocked eyes met her calm gaze. He was bent over but still gripping the two swords that he no longer had control over. Malja looked over his face for a second, seeing Willie and remembering all that had happened years ago. That second was a mistake.
    Wolf let go of both weapons and shot forward, tackling Malja to the floor. When she hit the hard surface, the air in her lungs coughed out. She kept hold of Viper, but with Wolf straddling her, she didn't have enough leverage to swing the blade. Nor enough air. Wolf punched her chest, her jaw, her shoulder. He didn't aim at all. Just pummeling his fists over and over. And tears fell.
    Malja tried to bridge, arching her back to upset Wolf's balance, but he was heavy and she needed a full breath. She tried again anyway. To her surprise, Wolf flung back as if she had punched him hard in the chin.
    When she jumped to her feet, an unseen hand pressed against her, keeping her from attacking. Two Bluesmen entered, each holding a gun that looked more capable than Wolf's ever did. Behind them, the Bluesmen's magician stood. Staring at his tattoo, he raised one hand and Viper yanked free from Malja. It drifted across the hall and settled into the magician's hand. Bowing slightly, the magician stepped aside.
    Harskill walked in.
    Wolf dropped to the floor and pressed his head down. "I was trying to force her to get me to Cole Watts. I'm sorry I failed you, O Lord."
    "You may rise," Harskill said.
    Wolf gratefully stood. "Please forgive me."
    "No need. You never had a chance at success against her. She is almost a god like me. When she accepts that, nothing you have will stop her."
    Wolf eyed Malja with a strange mixture of awe, hatred, and fear.
    "Go join the others," Harskill said. "Lead the search."
    Wolf bowed and hurried out. Harskill smiled and opened his hands to Malja. "You still haven't answered my question. Will