Chapter 59: Reflexes are key

Trace watched with wide eyes as two guards approached to grab Ulrich. His demeanor changed like lightning, and the sergeant charged at Trace.

"You–" He snarled, but the insult was never completed. 

Reacting with the speed of a seasoned soldier, Trace used the adrenaline already pumping through his veins from the stress of the royal audience to fend off the attack.

Thankfully Ulrich was unarmed, having surrendered his spear to the throne room guards on the way in, or else it would have been far more difficult. 

Trace brought his right fist into an uppercut that knocked Ulrich's chin towards the ceiling, following it with a jab to the ribs. 

Ulrich cried out as he fell, holding one hand to his jaw. He grimaced and spat blood. 

"SEIZE HIM!" The king roared, and Trace hoped he was not included in the order. 

Before the guards could move in, rage filled Ulrich's eyes and he lunged again, for Trace's legs.