Anticipation buzzed through the crowd that had shown up for the fight. According to the circulating rumor, after delivering the challenge along with one fresh hazel eye, Darfin allegedly beat the slave to death. The pre-show sacrifices comprised slaves who tried to escape, only to be betrayed by one of their own.

Forced to fight each other, the sole survivor could leave. Escaping the arrow to the back shot from the guard would be a different story.

“The day has come for our upstart ambitious young warrior to show us his true mettle. I have been waiting decades for this chance to slice that smug smile off his face.”

Darfin glared at Ruvan, who remained silent despite the provocation. Instead, Ruven pulled out his dagger and pointed it at the longest-surviving leader in centuries, un...

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