---
Mardek found his feet first and hammered Kai's ribs again with his knee. Something tore. Kai's breath went out with a sound he would not make again in front of his child. He caught Mardek's belt and pulled. They fell together. They rolled. They came up tangled in tent ropes. A pole bent. A canvas wall sagged. The corner of the dome shivered.
Mardek jammed the dagger under Kai's arm where plates do not meet right. It slid along bone and bit meat. Kai saw a white flare and then a deep red wave. He punched Mardek in the throat with a short, tight fist that had nothing in it but hate and a promise. Mardek gagged. He didn't let go. He drew the dagger out to stab again.
"Now!" Kai shouted.
