Farrell was on the radio to the other formations. The Spire pushed hard on the eastern houses, and Saoirse's group pinned the British at the chapel. The weight came off Farrell's farmyard, and the British attack stalled and started to go back.
James was watching it go back when he saw her.
---
Eleanor Harcourt came down the north road from the junction with three British Challengers behind her, walking, not running.
She saw James at once.
She did not stop or slow down this time. She did not walk along a hedge looking at the Irish line. She came straight across the road toward him with her sword low.
She knew exactly what he was. She was not going to spend any time finding out.
James met her in the road.
---
The first exchange was faster and harder than at the bridge.
