Leon moved as soon as the elder's hand fell, driving forward with his right fist drawn back.
He watched Tharvek's shoulders, expecting him to react to his actions, but he remained still until Leon entered his reach.
A hand closed around his wrist.
Before Leon could pull away, Tharvek turned it aside and stepped into the space behind it. His other hand struck Leon beneath the ribs, and the breath he had been holding left him in a strangled gasp.
"Huek!"
BANG!
Sand rose around Leon's feet as he skidded backward. He remained standing, though his knees nearly folded when he tried to breathe.
Across from him, Tharvek lowered his hand.
"Again."
Leon swallowed the blood gathering inside his mouth and forced his shoulders to relax.
The difference was that Tharvek wasn't giving him anything to work with, and even the little openings he offered looked to be bait.
