When you are in the mood to tolerate a few more re-boots;
Try unequipping the shield, then change swords and equip the shield again. Maybe try a different one handed sword. Try waiting until you are out of the graveyard, and find a different opponent.
What are the stats on the sword / shield? Maybe there is a passive skill causing a problem, such as Know Creature, or something? Maybe not, though, with a freeze during loading.
