Nathaniel twists away barely too late. First (metaphorical) blood is drawn, though the fight not yet won, as the wound would be fairly shallow. With hands apart and no shield, Loghain's midsection is vulnerable. If Nathaniel had a bow instead of a sword, he would duck well within Loghain's reach, where a longsword is all but useless, and draw a dagger to cut his throat. But that's not this kind of fight. Ser Rodolphe always thwacked him with the sword-flat if he tried precision work or, Maker forbid, throwing, with a sword. A sword is not a dagger. Different tools, different purposes.

Instead, he aims for a stab toward Loghain's middle as he moves sharply toward the side of his opponent's empty hand.