Thereupon began a clash of steel, which sounded as if the skies had turned to thunder. Mighty and long was the battle as their brandished swords met and clattered. So fairly matched were the two men that neither did harm to the other. For an hour or more the battle waged, each marveling all the while at the other's skill.
It's A because it says that, "So fairly matched were the two men that neither did harm to the other." Which means they respect eachother and want to do no harm.
