_{[ For the first few seconds, he's managing, spinning and jerking out of the way. But the madness was slowing him, dulling him as it sucked him down deeper into its depths. His body felt numb and heavy, the blade in his hand sharp and biting. And, soon enough, one of the wolf's blows lands, making the king scream out in pain as the blade bites into his upper arm and throws him back with the force, blade skittering away, streaking blood as it did so. ]}