A deft cut on the shoulder paralysed the Tartar's sword arm, and a breaststroke brought him to his knees.
"Finish him," said the Ilkhan.
"Nay, sire," said Aimery, "it is not our custom to slay a disabled foe." Houlagou nodded to one of his guards, who advanced swinging his sword.
The defeated man seemed to know his fate, and stretched out his neck.
With a single blow his head rolled on the earth.
"You have some skill of the sword, Frenchman," said the Ilkhan.

"Hear, now, what I have decreed concerning you.

I will have none of this journey to my brother Kublai.

I had purposed to slay you, for you have defied my majesty.

You sought to travel to Cathay instead of bearing my commands forthwith to your little King.