Amazingly, we got here without any confrontation, we lost a couple to the journey and their injuries but most of the survivors made it here in once piece. Unfortunately for us, by the time we ushered the last of them through the caves, Faelyn had already had time to establish himself, setting himself up on the top ledge and ordering some close companions to set about organising everyone.
He did an alright job as well, I’m not complaining about that. He kept everyone fed and warm as he could, even if he did make sure he got a little more of the food than he deserved, but overall, he did ok.
He’s being dumb now mind, yes, he kept us together when no one else could, but now you’re back he should’ve stepped down. I think the power’s gone to him, and now he thinks he can take on all the Halpians! Pah!” Edwyn snorts derisively. “He was alright at leading until then. If he wasn’t such a bloody fool, he could’ve been useful.”
Edwyn talking about Faelyn as if he’s already been defeated has not gone unnoticed by either of us, Orrian’s blood that had slowly been returning to his face has withdrawn again, although it is touching to see such undying faith behind the hunter’s eyes. Orrian had told me that the duel was between the two opponents themselves to ensure that the right person won, clearly Edwyn’s opinion on who the right one was had solidified the future into a certainty for him. If only Orrian could have that same confidence.
I am constantly adjusting over the next hour, struggling to find a comfortable sitting position with my hands tied. I try to shift discreetly and Orrian gives me a slightly apologetic look whilst I’m at it. Edwyn made another couple of half-hearted attempts at giving Orrian some advice about fighting Faelyn and launched into the beginnings of a couple of would-be motivational speeches. But it’s not what Orrian needs and he responds with little enthusiasm until Edwyn gets the idea and joins us in our resumed silence.
At some point a small portion of food is brought down from the single flight of steps for us to pass round. Horith and the young guard each claim their portions, but Orrian refuses his and passes it off to one of Ryfon’s patients. It requires some effort to choke my tiny morsels of hare down, not for the quality of food but rather my sudden loss of appetite. It could very well be that my life is on the line tonight as well, a fact I am becoming all too aware of as the hour draws nearer. Orrian knows all this though, it wouldn’t do to voice my concerns and strengthen his torment.
The cavern has filled ever so slightly as well, others in the higher alcoves have left their beds to begin gathering on the floor and a couple of unfamiliar faces can be spotted weaving in and out of the crowds. From the way Edwyn greets a few of them I would guess that they are similar roaming hunters who have returned for the big evening, presumably scouts were sent out to retrieve them throughout the day. It would have been risky for all of them travelling here, but this is something everyone needs to be a part off. Who knows? If Faelyn should prevail, this is where all of them, hunters included, will likely make their last stand.
Suddenly the noise rises considerably. Above us, a tall, slender, figure has begun descending the stairs. Besides the watchers at the top by the entrance, who now stand over the edge peering down, all guards and people still in the higher levels of the cavern follow the fighter downwards. He begins to lead a line of supporters towards where we stand. With each step closer the mutterings rise until eventually they become words, before finally evolving into shouts. Some are cheers, most are not.
Orrian, myself, and Edwyn stand together, a larger group slowly forming behind us. Jaq moves over to join us with his fellow guard, eager to make sure that their alliances are known. Similarly, Horith is among the first waiting at the foot of the steps, bellowing his cheers as loud as anyone.
Orrian radiates a calm power as he watches his opposition nears. The boy in him has gone, I now rub shoulders with a king.
As a path in the crowd forms, leading to a large cleared area at one end of the cavern with the chosen weapons waiting, Faelyn passes the last step.
It is time.
CHAPTER TEN
The two fighters slowly circle each other, each on the balls of their feet, knees slightly bent. Orrian holds a medium length slightly curved sword whilst Faelyn wields two slightly shorter straighter blades, one in each hand. I notice that none of the weapons involved have any runes carved into them and put the question to Jaq beside me.
“This is between the two fighters alone, they can’t be aided by the gods,” he mutters back, not taking his eyes off the still prowling combatants. They are two predators each stalking the other. Horith shoots me a dirty look at my question, it’s just another reminder that I don’t belong here.
Orrian’s necklace still bounces against his bare chest as he moves. Given what he’s told me, I suppose that the victor of this fight will determine its owner.
I stand on the inner edge of the ring of spectators without anyone in front of me. Considering that my fate will be a spoil for the victor, I have accordingly
