Shields

If you must carry a shield at all times

I tell him as he screams one into view

Then you’re not strong enough to take the hit

I’ve taken plenty hits, he growls

None like this

A sword flares into his hand

I raise my eyebrows then frown

The shield is one thing

but this is-

unexpected

Strong enough to give one, he says

I’m tempted to sigh

Instead

I accept a blow

And another. And another.

I step back and watch him curiously as the blood drips down

How’d that feel? he snarls

He throws a wild punch which doesn’t land

Before he continues, I pause

The mistake was mine

I stumbled and shot an arrow into real-world battle

And hit him dead in the heart

Now his ghost storms around

Concocting battles for me to die in

As requested

I give him feedback

Great thrust.  Nasty slash that one.

Not calculated enough. You’re getting lazy.

It’s the least I can do