The Gladiator

Slowly, you and Velkadin circle each other waiting for the other to make the first move. You keep your sheild up, never letting him see an opening. Suddenly, you strike to his left with your sword - he parries easily and counter attacks - you block the move with your sheild. All of a sudden you see his sword coming in a smooth arc straight toward your neck - you accidentally let the sheild drop and gave him an opening. you only have a split second to react....