"Just what do you think we can accomplish on our own?" Billy questioned, trading blows. As per the plan, he was thrown into a wall---that would sting tomorrow, but it wasn't nearly as bad as it looked.

"We're highly unlikely to survive if we break off here!" Normally, it would be difficult for Billy to lie through his teeth. This lie was enhanced with just a tinge of his own fear as he came back, swinging with his lance to toss his opponents aside.

It's a well-laid plan, but these tend to have the most disastrous endings. Please don't let it happen this time.