With one hand holding Gannicus's fist and the other reaching up to tear at his face again, Nasir didn't have the time or the strength to block the blow. The plank hit him hard in the face, knocking it to the side with a hard jerk that rattled him. He tasted blood in his mouth.

With a loud hiss, he turned back to his enemy and his eyes finally landed on the face he was about to rake his nails across.

Nasir froze but his hand remained tight on the man's hand. "Gannicus!"

Had he been hit too hard on the head? Was he imagining this or was Gannicus actually--

When had he arrived? Why hadn't Nasir seen him before? And was the rebel general about to bash Nasir's brain in before he could stop him?