Page 32 of Orange Tundra
He snarled, coming at me with renewed fury. I sidestepped, delivering a sharp kick to his side that sent him stumbling.
Around us, the crowd murmured, some shouting encouragement, others calling for restraint.
"Fight like a manasty!" CG spat, regaining his footing.
I smiled grimly. "Very well."
I intensified my assault, moving with calculated precision. Every strike found its mark, every parry deflected his attacks. The training of years, the discipline ingrained in me, surfaced effortlessly.
He faltered, desperation creeping into his movements. "This is for my brothers!" he roared, swinging wildly.
I disarmed him with a swift motion, his blade clattering to the ground. "Yield," I commanded.
"Never," he hissed, reaching for a hidden dagger.
Before he could strike, I caught his wrist, twisting it sharply. He cried out, dropping the weapon.
"It's over," I said firmly.
"Not yet," came a voice from the crowd.
One of his mercenaries stepped forward, Nif, a hulking figure with scars crisscrossing his face. "I challenge you," he declared in his loud voice.
I sighed inwardly. "Do you really want to do this?"
He nodded grimly.
Brynn made to move toward me again, worry etched across her face, but Clit stepped in her path, shaking his head. "He must finish this," he said quietly.
The second fight was more challenging. My opponent was stronger, his attacks more measured. We circled each other, the crowd silent save for the occasional gasp or murmur.
He swung a heavy mace, aiming for my ribs. I dodged, feeling the rush of air as it narrowly missed. Seizing the opening, I delivered a swift kick to his knee, causing him to stagger.
He recovered quickly, charging at me with a roar. What a roar it was. He might be able to defeat me with his voice alone.
I waited until the last moment before dropping to the ground, sweeping his legs out from under him. He hit the dirt hard, the impact knocking the wind from him.
I stood over him, blade poised. "Yield," I repeated.
He glared up at me, pride warring with defeat. Slowly, he nodded. "I yield."
Silence enveloped the camp. All eyes were on me, the weight of their gazes heavy.
I noticed the crowd's attention shift as Brynn stood to the side, her eyes wide with what I could only describe as admiration. Even in the tense aftermath of the fights, I couldn't help but catch her whispered words to Nim.
"Did you see how he moved? Like water... but deadly water."
I pretended not to hear, but couldn't suppress the slight smile tugging at my lips. It was... gratifying to have impressed her.
Clit snorted, overhearing her as well. "Who do you think trained the Red Guards?" he said matter-of-factly, jerking a thumb in my direction.
Xy, standing stoically nearby, merely grunted his agreement, his expression as impassive as ever though his eyes held a glimmer of respect.
Brynn's mouth formed a perfect "O" of surprise, and I had to look away to maintain my composure. Perhaps there were some benefits to my past coming to light after all. My beast purred inside me, wanting to impress my mate further.
Gasps and whispers erupted. Eyes shifted between me, Nim, and Clit. It was left unsaid that the original leader of the red guard was killed in the north - by me.
I sheathed my weapons, rolling my shoulders to release the tension. "It's true," I admitted. "I was tasked with forming and training the Red Guards to ensure Nim's safety."
