Medrau wasn't paying attention. She was looking inward, confused and bewildered by this weakness and suspecting Song. All she got from her other half was a worrisome spark of hope and the echo of dull, cynical laughter. The arrogant imp was annoyingly innocent.

Struggling to her feet, she glared daggers at Mabry. "Is this some magic of yours?" She timed her next move for the moment before her opponent could answer, darting in and out again in what her sister had once called the 'falcon technique'. It ended with her well out of reach, bracing herself with the glaive to hide the waver in her stance.