The glare smote the master in the eyes, and partly dazzled him.

He fought valiantly, but he was forced to give way.

A chance thrust, however, severed the cords of his opponent's mask.
"You ?" There was a gurgling sound, a coughing, and the elder sank to his knees, rolled upon his side, and became still.

The man in the grey cloak, holding the mask to his face, rushed down the grand staircase, sweeping aside all those who barred his path.

He seemed possessed with strength and courage Homeric; odds were nothing.