“Miss, that was the most amazing thing I ever did see.” the servant girl unlocked the manacles on Gabrielle’s wrist, her mouth still gaping with wonder.
Gabrielle stepped over the unconscious guards. “Those are the odds I like.”
“That was better than you gaffing Gareth into the dirt, I say.”
“Do you like all this excitement?”
“It’s the most fun I’ve ever had, miss.”
“Good. I need you to do something for me.”

Dantien grimaced as the sword smacked her in the chest, then with a last effort, twisted her body and twirled her sword quickly, once again disarming her opponent. The crowd applauded. The cheers had grown louder with each one, but it did nothing to help her strength. As the man retrieved his weapon she sank to one knee and leaned over, regaining her breath. Her mouth was dry and her nose filled with the dust that had been kicked up repeatedly with each fight.
The cheers started again, and she looked up to see Gareth approaching.
“About time, you rat.” she muttered under breath, then drew herself up for her last battle.

Gabrielle worked her way through a group of villagers at the back end of the corral, adjusting the kerchief on her head, then straightening out the apron over her borrowed dress. When she had the chance, she slipped further into the crowd, working her way towards the outbuildings. She squeezed closer in, hearing the crowd cheer and catcall. She reached the edge of a shed, and looked around. Suddenly a familiar voice sounded in her ear.
“Take a look at the cat- now she’s got Gareth in the ring with her. What a good fight- the lioness and the lion- two cats in heat!” the man laughed and Gabrielle tugged on his arm.
“Wilford.” The man turned and looked down at the little blond servant who gave him a winning smile. “Yes little missy. What’s it you want?”
“I’m missing all the fun, Wilford, would you be so kind as to stand me on your shoulders for a moment so I could see?” she gave him another smile and a sly wink with it.
“For a pretty little thing like yourself, certainly. Though being in a dress, it’s a bit-”
“Hurry Wilford. I want to see it before it’s over.” she tapped his arm impatiently. He leaned down and she deftly climbed up his hand, put a foot on his shoulder, and launched herself onto the roof of the shed. She heard gasps from the crowd and quickly dropped flat to her stomach, making her way up to the point of the roof. She peered over the top.
Gareth’s back was to her, and he swung his blade down hard at Dantien, who parried it as well she could, letting her own blade hit her shoulder. She grunted.
“You’re a jealous rat, Gareth. Damn you.” the blood rolled down her arm. She came back at him quickly, fueled by a burst of anger. Gareth was not fast enough, and with several jabs she put him off balance. She caught him in the side and he fell to the ground.
Gabrielle got to her knees. Dantien looked up suddenly, and stared straight at her.
Gareth rolled to his side and flung a handful of dirt into Dantien’s face. She backed away, coughing, wiping her eyes. He slammed his sword into her side, sending her flying face down to the ground, her sword landing several feet away. He raised his sword for the final blow.
A soft whoosh sounded, and his blade was cut in half. He looked up and spotted Gabrielle scrambling down the rooftop, then flipping forward into the ring. He ran to get Dantien’s sword. As he passed her, she rolled to her side and flipped out her leg, tripping him. Frantically crawling the last few feet, he grasped her sword and raised it.
“Got you.” he croaked.
Suddenly his head was pulled back by the hair and Gabrielle’s sais was at his throat.
“No, Gareth. I’ve got you.” she struck him in the back of the head and he fell to the ground.

“Dantien.” Gabrielle knelt down, cradling Dantien’s head in her arms. Dantien blinked rapidly at her, still clearing the dirt from her eyes. She gave her a gritty smile, her face a dark brown, full of the dust and dirt from fighting.
“I’ll live.” she winked. “I’ve always wanted to be rescued by girl in an apron on a rooftop.”
There was a sudden commotion in the crowd, and some of them began laughing. Gabrielle looked up past the main gate to see the scantily-clad servant girl trotting ahead of a donkey who was pulling a garden cart- with the King in it. His crown had fallen forward and he was hanging on for dear life, the arms of his robe stained with ink.
Gabrielle smiled. “Now if that doesn’t bring down the kingdom, I don’t know what will.”