Warrior Priest of Dmon-Li - Brian Pratt [197]
He holds the sword out and then turns to Fifer, “Take out your sword and strike it.”
Fifer removes his sword and while Illan holds the sword in a blocking position, strikes it hard. When his sword strikes Miko’s, it rings out and Illan says, “Again!”
Strike! Strike! Strike!
Three more times Fifer hits Miko’s sword, after the third strike, Illan nods his head and gestures for Fifer to halt. Turning to where Miko stands, now dressed in armor, he says, “This sword is better than any other I’ve ever seen.” Handing it to him hilt first, he continues, “It will serve you well.”
“Thank you,” he says, taking it. Placing it within the scabbard, he glances to James. “I’m scared.”
“I know,” he says. Then a horn sounds from those within the pass and they turn to see Abula-Mazki returning on foot with the clan chiefs. “It’s time,” he tells Miko.
James, Illan and Jiron accompany Miko out to where the duel will take place. With dread, Miko advances toward the spot where he will meet Abula-Mazki in combat. I can’t do this!
When the two groups meet, Abula-Mazki says, “So, who plans to die today?”
“None of us, actually,” James says. He gestures to Miko as he continues, “Miko here will meet your champion.” Looking around at those with Abula-Mazki, he adds, “And which one of you will be brave enough to meet him?”
The clan chiefs break out into a gruff laugh as Abula-Mazki says, “I had thought this to be a serious match.”
“It is,” James assures him. “He is far better than you’d imagine.”
Looking upon Miko, Abula-Mazki’s expression shows he seriously doubts his abilities. “Okay,” he says, “so be it. I will be my own champion for there is no other better than I.”
“Just one thing before we begin,” James says.
“What?” he asks.
“Should we win,” he replies and then points to the clan chiefs, “I want your word they will not attack us. Nor will they try to seek any sort of vengeance against us.”
With an amused smile upon his face at the very thought, Abula-Mazki says, “You have it.”
“Very well then,” says James.
The clan chiefs back away from Abula-Mazki as he draws his sword.
James can feel the prickling as he calls the magic. He puts his hands on Miko’s shoulders and looks him in the eye. Miko looks back with naked fear at the thought of facing him in battle. “You can do this!” asserts James. Then in a hushed whisper, adds, “The Fire will protect you.”
“How can you be sure?” Miko asks.
“I am,” James replies. “Trust me.” He continues gazing at Miko until he gives him a barely perceptible nod.
Miko turns to face the warrior priest. Drawing his sword, he steps forward as James and the others step back.
He watches as Miko closes with Abula-Mazki and begins to notice how his movements are slowly changing, becoming more streamlined and relaxed. The Fire is beginning to take control.
With sword at the ready, Miko waits for Abula-Mazki’s attack. When it comes, it’s so incredibly fast that no one even realized he’d even attacked before Miko’s sword moves and blocks it.
The ringing of the clash of swords slowly dies away, and the clan chiefs begin murmuring among themselves. They cast looks from Abula-Mazki and then over to where James waits with the others.
As he watches Miko and Abula-Mazki begin to circle each other, Illan says, “He might be able to win.”
“Let’s hope so,” James says.
“If he does,” says Jiron as he points to the clan chiefs, “do you think they’ll abide by Abula-Mazki’s word?”
“I doubt it,” replies James. “But let’s worry about that after Miko wins.” He looks to Jiron who gives him a nod.
Clang! Clang!
Their swords move at speeds so fast, the eyes of the onlookers aren’t capable of following. Then suddenly, Abula-Mazki disengages and backs up. He looks at Miko with a new found respect. This isn’t any ordinary foe, he realizes.
Suddenly, the tingling James has been feeling since the beginning of the match spikes. He tries to call the magic forth to help Miko but is too late. A ball of fire flies the