He slipped; he fell.

Like a dart I was upon him.

I caught him by the throat, and before he could recover himself I drove my point through his neck, and with a stifled curse he fell across the body of his victim.
Was the King dead?
It was my first thought.

I rushed to where he lay.
Ay, it seemed as if he were dead, for he had a great gash across his forehead, and he lay still in a huddled heap on the floor.

I dropped on my knees beside him, and leant my ear down to hear if he breathed.