Take the Initiative and make the first attack

You momentarily fall back into a fighter's stance, lowering your blade for a strike. Suddendly you spring foward, bringing your sword to bear on the creature. One step forward cases your foot to slide throgh what you realize too late is soft and wet soil, and your momentum throws your leg forward causing the rest of your body to follow as it falls. The creature sees his oppurtunity and the last image you ever see is the wicked blade being driving downwards into your unprotected form.