For a moment, all three of them were locked in silence. None moved to act first.
Gaia leaned slightly toward her sister and whispered, "I didn't think he'd be this difficult to deal with."
Umgadi didn't turn her head, but replied just as quietly: "We must see to his defeat, sister."
There was no room for hesitation anymore.
Gaia nodded in acknowledgment and adjusted her grip on her staff, then began twirling it rapidly in her right hand as she prepared herself for another assault.
With that silent agreement between them, both Gaia and Umgadi launched forward simultaneously.
Gaia was slightly ahead of Umgadi, her staff already pulled back in preparation for a wide arc swing aimed directly at Asahel's midsection.
Asahel remained perfectly still as they approached. His sword stayed raised and pointed toward them without wavering.
Then, just as Gaia came within striking range, Asahel moved into action.
