Page 175 of I Ran Away to Evil 2
The lizardkin stared up at me with fire in his eyes. “I challenge you to a duel!”
“No,” I said. Simple. It was easier if I was straightforward from the get-go.
“Iinsist—”
“I’m busy,” I cut him off. I was wet and cold and wanted to find an inn to cuddle in front of a fire. We’d already battled in Thistlecrick, so there was no way I’d accept again so soon.
Knolith crossed his arms. “Fight me.”
“How long have you been standing there?” Bronwynn interrupted. Knolight shot her a glare and turned back to me for an answer. I sighed.
“Three hours, miss.” One of the elf guards said from his post against the wall, appearing otherwise stoic and uninterest.
“I’m going to the Hollow, and then I’m getting out of the rain,” I laid out my plans. Donna neighed. I continued. “Besides, our last duel should have followed the usual rules: you win, I step down; I win, you leave me alone.”
“What do you mean you ‘step down’? I thought that was an only-at-the Winter Solstice-kind of thing?” Brownie asked. “Henrietta said she was looking forward to the challenge.”
“You can’t saynoat the Winter Solstice Tourney. And if you want to have the job for the following year, you have to win the tournament,” I amended. “It’s highly improper to duel for the position during the year because everyone should have the right to their annual post. If Knolith wins this duel, then I can choose to not fight at the upcoming tourney, or step down now in dishonor.”
“But if Knolith wins he’d only get the job for half a year?” Brownie asked. “Why bother fighting now?”
“Rufusss has been commander general long enough.” Knolith glared. “If I defeat him there is no one left who can challenge me!”
Donna swung around to look at me. She considered me for a second and then chuffed.
“Donna wants to know,” Brownie translated, “why we’re still standing here, and can she bite him?”
“Maybe don’t,” I replied without enthusiasm.
“I will prove to you that I am the superior fighter in a one-on-one duel.” Knolith straightened. “The tournament is all well and good, but who knowsss how many people will ssstand between us. By the time the finalistsss compete, we’ve already been fighting for hoursss.”
“You almost beat me last year,” I lied.
“I will beat younow,” Knolith retorted, taking a stance.
“Here?” Bronwynn cut in. “If you’re going to fight, shouldn’t we move this to a more, I don’t know, combat-y area?”
“Combat-y?” I repeated, laughing.
“You know what I mean.” She stuck her tongue out at me. It was a nice tongue.
“Very well.” Knolith stepped aside. “We will battle in the arena.”
“They have an arena?” Bronwynn asked.
“Wearen’tfighting!” I declared. “Now, let’s go. I want to settle in and get dry before dinner.”
Donna agreed, apparently, because she jutted out her chin in a horse nod and started walking forward. General Knolith cursed and walked beside the horse to try and convince me to fight him.
I thought he was playing a dangerous game.
He was awfully close to a very murdery horse.
I chuckled to myself at the thought, even as the downpour of water hit me going through to the other side.
CHAPTER 106
I’d Rather Face Off Against Assassins
