Page 200 of I Ran Away to Evil 2
“Wow, Chikli, thank you.”
The fight resumed as Knolith took a casual swing from across the ring and shards of ice shot out from the sword. They were aimed at Rufus’s feet, and when he jumped high to clear the attack, the shot hit the ground and created a new field of ice. He adjusted midflight and landed on all fours, claws sinking into the ice to keep balance.
“So, wherever you end up, know that you can come back any time. I mean, it’s not like you’llnevercome back.” Chikli scratched behind his ear. “We just hope you will. Rufusss has been a great bosss.”
Brownie finally peeled her eyes away from the fight to raise an eyebrow at the lizardkin sitting beside her on the bench.
“Why does it sound like you think Rufus is going to lose?” she asked, quickly darting her eyes back to the fight in time to see Knolith finally land a blow to Rufus’s side with his next volley of sword-slash icicles. Her beastman immediately ripped off his tunic, the fabric freezing solid as she watched. He was shirtless now, wearing nothing but calf-length tights and a ring on a string around his throat.
Frowning down at his icy hand, he drew a deep breath andyelled, swinging his fist down and bashing his frozen hand to the ground. He must have taken damage, but he broke up another round of frosty terrain, and the ice on his arm shattered. Large chunks fell off, freeing most of his fingers and a good portion of his arm.
“Tell you what.” Chikli chuckled. “I’ll make a bet with you.”
“What’s the bet?” Brownie took a sip of her lemonade.
“If Rufusss wins, I’ll buy everyone a round of drinksss at your wedding,” the lizardkin stated.
“And if Knolith wins?” she asked.
“Then you’ve got to come watch the Winter Solstice Tourney,” he said, adding, “AndI’ll ssstill buy everyone a round at your wedding.”
“Well, that’s not a bad deal at all,” she replied as Rufus just straight up grabbed his frozen shirt and picked it up to use as a makeshift shield. Brownie was pleased to see the freeze ability was timed and no longer in effect. “Why?”
“Because the General of the East position is going to be vacant, and it’s gotmyname on it!” The lizardkin thumped a fist to his chest and suddenly exuded a surprising amount of bloodlust.
Rufus glanced her way and then had to throw himself back to avoid a sword to the stomach.
“And weallwant Rufusss to come and watch us compete,” Chikli added, impassioned. “He’s alegend.”
Watching this fight, where half the ring had been shattered and destroyed or frozen, Brownie could see why other warriors of the Dark Enchanted Forest looked up to the beastman.
At this point, Knolith finally committed to an all-out attack. He blasted forward with his sword aimed straight for Rufus’s heart. At the last second, Rufus turned, and the sword strike hit a barrier that Brownie didn’t even know was there. The barriers in Peldeep were more obvious, with an added sheen and sparkle to let people know they were there. It was showy, and catered to the crowd.
“HOLD!” Keith’s voice echoed, silencing everyone. “The battle will begin again after I set up a new barrier. Contestants may have some lemonade while they wait, but no potions.”
Brownie smiled up at her beastman and offered Rufus her glass as he came over to join them. He shot a curious look at Chikli but said nothing, instead taking a long drink of her lemonade and almost finishing it entirely.
“Good fighting out there,” she said. “I’m impressed.”
He laughed. “I should have listened to you and gone for the eyes.”
Brownie leaned forward, as if sharing a very important secret. “I like to make them think that they got me, and then jab ’em.” She stuck out her index and middle finger, mimicking the attack.
Rufus leaned over and kissed her on the forehead. “And then Donna finishes them off?”
Brownie nodded. “Exactly.”
He handed back her lemonade and then rejoined Knolith in the ring. The lizardkin stood with his ice sword, which had reverted back to its usual blue sheen after attacking the barrier.
Henrietta lifted her hand into the air and announced, “Contestants, are youready?”
Both were in place.
The Dark Queen dropped her hand. “Then, FIGHT!”
CHAPTER 123
Taking This Ssseriously
