The flanking group broke through on the left side of the formation. Hod noticed the layout immediately. Alf was pinned against the wall with a useless shoulder. Ric had shifted to close quarters. Three men from the southern group were forcing their way into the narrow space between the wall and their position.
Ric had his spear up, managing two of them. The third had already slipped past.
That third man was moving straight toward Alf.
Hod moved left.
He stepped into the path between the attacker and Alf. The man's cudgel struck Hod across the left forearm before he could bring his guard fully into place. The impact traveled up to his elbow.
His right hand still held the sword, but the distance was too close for a full swing. So he chose the faster option. He drove his elbow from the left arm into the man's jaw.
The man's head snapped back. He stayed on his feet, but his forward momentum stopped.
Behind Hod, Alf spoke in a strained voice. "Left of you."
