[Steve]

One of the little Gnomes called out, "Punch holes in Big Nob". The others laughed and joined in, chanting, "Punch holes in Big Nob, Punch holes in Big Nob, Punch holes in Big Nob................" The young ones where thoroughly enjoying this and seemed totally unconcerned about the safety of their mother. They were treating the situation as if it were a game. In a moment they began clapping, keeping time with each other.

The six-foot gnome waited for Cyrus to make the first move.

Without a word of response or any outward indication of his actions, the legionnaire swung his ardentium blade horizontally, bringing it in hard and fast and aimed for the glowing spearpoint before him. In the same motion, he pushed off from his rear foot and advanced a step into the gnome's proximity. Being familiar with the uses of an infantry spear, it was the soldier's intention to knock the glowing spearhead aside and place himself inside the weapon's radius of attack; where the weapon's length would be more hinderence then boon, and where Karvaaka's blade would be well positioned to pierce the gnome's defenses.

The Gnome leaned forward and swung the spear to meet the blade of the Legionnaire. The movement was faster than would have been expected from a Gnome. The spearhead hit the blade close to the hilt, pushing it and Cyrus' forearm aside. The shaft of the spear was pushed, crossed Cyrus' body and pushed him back. The Gnome continued pressure against the sword arm and body. Cyrus was forced to move back if he was to keep his balance.

The little Gnomes atop the Spear Rack, stood and jumped up and down as they cheered.