William had made his usual preparations of course. When facing an unknown foe - particularly one as ruthless as this one - you didn't stint on protection. Strength, defence, bravery, and resistance to common poisons and corruption: these basic spells and prayers he had cast on himself before announcing his presence.

All that said, he is still only human. Human...with a primordial dragon's blood lying dormant in him.

William's eyes widen. Smasher is too close for him to dodge even if he were to accelerate himself. But though the gap closer has taken him by surprise, he can see the punch winding up. He raises his shield and plants his feet just in time for it to catch and deflect the blow to one side.

For the briefest moment, to Smasher, it may look as though a dragon's pupils are glowing beneath that fiery red fringe. But it's gone the next time either of them blinks.