"No, that was entirely intentional," he says to Thor, placing his foot on the god's back, so weakened now by the injuries, like Hercules in his poisoned robe. He considers finishing the job quickly, but then he hears footsteps.

If Tom had his way, he would have a moment to rest, to patch up his injuries before the last two competitors rushed in. His misfortune becomes all the more obvious when he sees that not only are Clara and Carlos together, but they're also, apparently, Thor's allies. He's somehow ended up in the ugly position of fighting a team, and the inherent injustice makes his fist clench tighter over the knife.

He runs. It isn't fast, more a stumble than anything else, hobbled by one old injury and one fresh one. Both legs are weak and watery with pain. He grabs the axe from the table as he passes it, knowing it's the only thing with the sabre's reach.