In that case, David came up with the best possible option. “Fists then.”
Alendel raised an eyebrow.
“What, fists aren’t allowed?” David asked. In most duels fisticuffs were a valid option.
“No, that is quite acceptable. Just…unusual for knights.”
“I am not a knight. I’ll face him open handed and settle the matter that way.”
“Very well, fists it is, then. I will inform my brother. We shall await you at the appointed place.” He bowed and left them.
Thul-Kazar cheered. “Excellent. How good are you at brawling, my boy?”
David shook his head. “So-so. I’m better with swords and weapons. I had a little boxing training, and a little wrestling in High School. Three years of Karate as a kid. I earned a brown belt.”
“Good, good,” Thul-Kazar said. “I don’t know what you are talking about, but I hope it all helps you in the brawl. I can’t wait to watch.”
“Thanks,” David said. “I’d better stretch out. Jerriel, how good is Valandin hand-to-hand?”
“I think Alendel’s a little better at it, thank goodness,” she said. “I don’t know. They’ve both had combat training since they were boys, but I never watched much of it.”
“They’re warriors,” Jason Inada said. “You can tell just by looking at the two of them. And we’ve seen them on the battlefield. We know they can handle themselves. I would expect the worst.”
“Excellent. A fine contest then,” Thul-Kazar said.
Mason and Tori rushed in together. “We just heard,” Mason said. “Is there any way to call it off?”
David shook his head. “I wish this all hadn’t happened. I don’t want to do this. I fight beside my friends, not against them.”
“I’ll be your second. What weapons did you choose?” Mason asked.
“Fists.”
Tori sighed. “At least it wasn’t swords, or pistols,” she said, tapping one of her holsters.
“I could fight him for you,” Thul-Kazar suddenly offered. “I enjoy a good brawl.”
Jerriel’s eyes widened in complete fear.
“No!” almost everyone said, startling even the Thull.
“No. Thank you,” David told the Barbarian giant. “I appreciate your brave offer, my friend. But this is my dilemma. I will face him on my own terms.”
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Acknowledgements
I am forever grateful to my friends on the staff at High Mark Publishing SF. And always let me thank all of my best friends among my beta readers, my amazing online writer’s group, and of course, the rest of my family.
About the Author
Mason Elliott grew up loving Science Fiction and Fantasy in all of their myriad forms. That love has transferred into his dedicated writing. Like most writers, he lives a Spartan lifestyle and yearns to devote his life even more to his writing, and someday retire on the Pacific Coast. He promised his family that he would publish 100 novels before he breathes his last. So be a fan, buy his stuff, and enjoy!
Version Notes
If you do not see this edition note here in this spot on the copyright page and on the very last page of your eBook or print version of this title, then you are not getting the final, polished version of this novel that the publisher, editors, and author intended for you to receive. Please contact either the publisher or the author via their emails or websites if you do not see the following update code:
High Mark Publishing Update Code D3034A
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Thanks, from Mason Elliot
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