Then the rest of the armed slaves were upon him, stabbing with spears or swinging with club or sword. But though there were many of them, at least seven, none of them could connect a strike to the young man in their midst. Dropping low, Artorius dodged the thrust of a spear and amputated the offender's leg just below the knee, taking his club-wielding compatriot's in the deal. Then he straightened, taking a half-step back to avoid a club aimed at his head and whipping his sword around to block a second, steel club. Shifting forward, Artorius altered the angle of his sword, letting the club skitter along the flat of his blade, the wielder staggering forward- just in time to take a dagger in the shoulder as a stab aimed at Artorius went wide.