"You must trust me," he said. He put his hand out gently to her. She backed away from his touch, and leaped off the log. She moved away cautiously, gripping the weapon with both hands.
"Use the sword," said the voice. "Strike, and go free."
She trembled, and lifted the sword from the ground. The man whirled, eyes penetrating the forest for an escape route. He backed up, and fell over a trailing root.
"Now," said the voice. "Strike!"
The girl moved towards him hypnotically.
"I hate you.... I hate you ..." she moaned. She lifted the blade high, and the man lashed out with his foot as she towered over him. The broadsword flew from her grasp.
"Now kill her," said the voice. "And you can go free."