1.02

His teachers called it khudin, an elevated state of awareness. In combat there is seldom time for thought, but for those few who have learned how to enter khudin combat with untrained foes became a slow water ballet. Entering the state also meant that all physical movements, which are simply expressions of thought, are much faster and more powerful.

Cord watched as the four brigands launched their attack, giving them time to fully commit to their actions. Hook-nose was swinging his scimitar in a blow aimed at Cord's head. A second attacker with black teeth was thrusting a dirk towards Cord's stomach. The other two attackers were effectively being interrupted in their attack by their comrades.

At the last past instant Cord exploded into motion so fast that the attackers felt the blows landing, but had no idea where they had come from.
Cord ducked down just enough to escape the scimitar, and twisted to avoid the dirk. Cutting Palm struck Hook-nose in the side of the head, and Rearing Horse caught the dirk-wielder in the chest, causing him to fly backwards into the other brigands. Before they had a chance to attack, they met with Thundering Hammer and Dragons Wing.

Silence hung over the alley as Cord stood among the unmoving assailants...