Cornered assassins fight dirty.

Lana turned to see Alistair, one hand holding his large sword resting on his shoulder and his free hand holding a smoking pistol.

"Eyes front Pup! You've got another!"

Lana danced back as a dagger struck down toward her neck.

A black-masked Cryn assassin stood before her, sword and dagger already bloodied. Lana cursed as she beat back a viperish lunge. She steadied her guard only to dodge again as a silver streak flashed by her head, laying open her cheek and ear.

"Damn you for a black snake!" Lana spat, looking for an opening, then leaping to attack.

The assassin had shifted to a two-handed grip. Moving fluidly, the black-clad defender turned the pirate's blows left and right. Lana's opponent shifted across the deck, green eyes alert for any tricks the pirate lass might try.

The singing pain of the dagger slash grew, starting to throb and burn on Lana's cheek and ear. A spasm of pain clenched her wounded flesh. Her steady sea legs failed her and she swayed.

"Poison, damn you!" Lana hissed. The assassin's green eyes flickered with amusement.

Lana made a **** lunge for her opponent, knowing she had to kill the assassin before the dagger's venom took her out of the fight.

There was a swirl of a cloak and a stinging pain in her side. Up turned to down and a dark hole in the deck rose up to swallow her.