Al didn’t follow Edmund around, but he was expecting an attack from behind. He darted out of the way, his legs springing underneath him. He could go faster, but he wanted to conserve his energy. He had a feeling that this would be a longer fight, and stamina was one place Al had been known to falter. So he was cautious.

He turned to face Edmund as Edmund landed, making sure to watch. He wasn’t pouncing yet, but a rough landing, on scrabbling feet, could provide an excellent window. If he leaped in before Edmund regained his footing, maybe he could immobilize his king quickly.

So he watched, alert and focused for any sign of weakness or any dropped guard. And he tried very hard not to think of Edmund as anything except his next opponent to defeat.