Caius felt the sword fall from his hand as pain filled his wrist, but even that felt numb. He had only managed to strike Ryder a few times, and none were fatal. Ryder, on the other hand, had landed several slashes, worsening the effects of the poison currently flowing through his bloodstream.
Caius staggered, not wanting to fall. He tried to glance toward Rose, but he couldn't even turn his head in her direction and more importantly, he couldn't take his eyes off Ryder.
Ryder closed in, also dropping his sword with a devious smile. When he got close enough he punched Caius hard on the side of his face. Caius was propelled backward, his head snapping dangerously to the left—still, he didn't fall.
Ryder closed in, punching him again, and then again, until Caius's lips were busted and his face was bruised. Still, he didn't fall. Annoyed, Ryder kicked his legs out from under him, and Caius crashed to the ground, his armor clanking loudly against the earth and rocks.
