Page 85 of The War of Four Winters

"Yet you come to me as a representative of the rebel king, seeking political advantage." She tilted her head slightly. "Why should I believe your promises carry more weight than the Primarch's?"

I straightened, meeting her penetrating gaze directly. "Because I stand before you not just as Ruith's consort, but as someone who has seen both sides of this conflict. I've worn a slave collar and I've sat at the king's right hand. I've known both cruelty and kindness from elven hands. And I believe—no, I know—that the future Ruith fights for offers more to all our peoples than Tarathiel's vision of eternal subjugation."

Lady Sariel studied me for a long, uncomfortable moment. Then she smiled.

"You offer much, human consort," she said, her amber eyes evaluating me with new interest. "But House Redrock does not make decisions based on promises or political maneuvering. We adhere to the old ways, ways that predate even the northern conquest."

She moved to the edge of the water pool, her reflection rippling slightly as she disturbed the surface with her fingertips. "Do you know of our dueling tradition? The Trial of Flowing Waters?"

Aryn tensed beside me. "The sacred combat test," he murmured, just loud enough for me to hear.

Lady Sariel nodded, acknowledging his recognition. "For generations immemorial, House Redrock has tested conviction through combat. Words may deceive, but the body in motion reveals true intention." She straightened, fixing me with her copper-ringed gaze. "I would know your conviction, Elindir of Ostovan, not just hear your promises."

"You wish me to face one of your champions?" I asked, suddenly understanding where this was leading.

"No." Her lips curved slightly. "I would test your conviction myself. As the Lady of House Redrock, it is both my right and duty to ensure that only worthy allies receive our support."

She gestured, and Captain Malek stepped forward. "The Trial requires equal weapons and a fair contest. It is not a battle to the death, but to first blood or surrender." She studied me carefully. "You would be familiar with spear and shield, yes? These are weapons of honor in our tradition."

I nodded slowly. The spear had indeed been my preferred weapon during my years commanding the palace guard, though I'd trained with many others.

"The rules are simple," Lady Sariel continued. "We face each other within the sand circle. Water witnesses our truth. The first to draw blood or force their opponent beyond the boundary claims victory." Her eyes held mine, unflinching. "Would you risk this trial for your king's freedom, human? Would you put your conviction to the test of steel rather than merely words?"

I hesitated. This wasn't what I had expected. Political negotiation, yes. Even threats or coercion. But ritual combat against the head of House Redrock herself? If I refused, we would lose any chance of securing her vote. If I accepted and lost, I risked not just failure but the complete collapse of our chances in the Assembly.

"Lady Sariel," Aryn interjected carefully, "as representative of House Duskfell, I could stand as champion—"

"No." Her voice cut through his offer like a blade. "The human comes seeking our support for his vision of the future. His conviction, his skill must stand the test." Her eyes never left mine. "What say you, Elindir of Ostovan? Will you fight for your king's life? For this future of equality you claim to believe in?"

I thought of Ruith, chained in a cell below the Assembly Hall. Of Leif and Torsten waiting at Calibarra, hoping for our return. Of the future we had dared to imagine, where humans and elves might stand as equals rather than master and slave. If I refused this challenge, all of that died with Ruith at sunset.

"I accept your challenge, Lady Sariel," I said, my voice steady despite my racing heart. "I will face you in the Trial of Flowing Waters."

Something like approval flickered in her eyes. "Well answered." She turned to Captain Malek. "Bring the dueling sands and the matched spears. House Redrock will witness this trial."

As servants rushed to carry out her orders, Lady Sariel approached me directly. "Few outsiders have participated in our sacred trial," she said. "None human, to my knowledge."

"I am honored by the opportunity," I replied, the formal words feeling strange on my tongue.

"Honor is exactly what this concerns," she confirmed. "I test your conviction because your words speak of a world I have read about only in our oldest records. A time before slavery, before northern dominance. When our peoples met as equals."

Her words surprised me. "You believe such a world could exist again?"

"I believe nothing without proof," she replied. "Words are wind. Combat reveals truth." She glanced at the servants preparing the dueling circle, then back to me. "Fight with honor, human consort. Show me the conviction behind your vision."

With that cryptic statement, she turned and walked to where Captain Malek waited with the ceremonial spears. Aryn moved to my side immediately, his expression tight with concern.

"This is unexpected," he murmured. "And potentially dangerous."

"How dangerous?" I asked quietly. "Will she kill me if I lose?"

"Death is rare in the Redrock duel, but not unheard of." His ice-blue eyes tracked Lady Sariel's movements. "However, the greater risk is political. If you are defeated easily, it will confirm her belief that humans are inferior. That our vision of equality is merely idealistic fantasy rather than practical possibility."

I swallowed hard. "And if I win?"

"That would be... unprecedented." Aryn's voice held a mixture of doubt and hope. "But Lady Sariel values honor above all else. A strong showing, win or lose, might sway her more than any diplomatic argument could."

Servants had transformed the space before us. The clay circle around the water pool had been covered with a thin layer of red sand, creating a perfect dueling ground perhaps twenty feet in diameter. Copper braziers had been placed at cardinal points, their flames burning with unusual blue-tinged light that cast dancing shadows across the pavilion walls. House Redrock members had silently entered the space, arranging themselves around the perimeter to witness the duel.

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