Old Ser Goodwin was long in his grave, yet she could hear him whispering in her ear. ‘Men will always underestimate you,’ he said, ‘and their pride will make them want to vanquish you quickly, lest it be said that a woman tried them sorely. Let them spend their strength in furious attacks, whilst you conserve your own. Wait and watch, girl, wait and watch.’ She waited, watching, moving sideways, then backwards. then sideways again, slashing now at his face, now at his legs, now at his arm. His blows came more slowly as his axe grew heavier. Brienne turned him so the rain was in his eyes, and stepped back two quick steps. He wrenched his axe up once more, cursing, and lurched after her, one foot sliding in the mud …
… and she leapt to meet his rush, both hands on her sword hilt. His headlong charge brought him right onto her point, and Oathkeeper punched through cloth and mail […]
- A Feast for Crows, Brienne VII
Brienne is awesome. I rest my case.