Frost and Flame, Foes in the Dark (book 2)

Chapter 24, The Face of the Enemy

Year 783 Octavus, day 4 of the eight-month of Balkraus

Walking across the arena, Sidastir felt the other contestants glaring at him with glee. His skin prickled as he held back one of his own as he scented the nostalgic smell of bloodthirst in the air. He never knew he was so hated. You could cut through the air with all the thick tension.

"Welcome to the final phase meant to test your body," thundered the Keisers voice, looking up at the stands Sidastir saw that the Mayin had taken the seat that was rightfully him, looking down at them with glowing eyes hiding years of knowledge. "We have come today to both honors the newly selected Mayin and to honor those brave and honorable participants who fought valiantly to take his place."

Sidastir almost snorted, "Valiantly my ass. Greedy little bastards with the spines of snails."

"We are all proud of the talent and skill you showed us and will show us today and I thank you for representing the future of the Nine Kingdoms."

"Well, at least five of the Nine Kingdoms," Sidastir muttered.

"Let's us all begin." The Keiser raised his hand, all the participants turned around. Towards Sidastir. They weren't very discreet, even the Keiser seemed aware of this abnormal behavior be still allowed his hand to fall, signaling for them to begin.

The participants started to circle Sidastir, no one wanted to attack first but all were eager to cut him down. Most had brought out magical weapons, brimming with runes and flames. Sidastir did the same. The royal sword of Eitir, Riagaul, sang as it was drawn, answering its master's call. Several people's eyes turned toward the legendary sword, some with greed, others with fear. Lifting the sword, Sidastir took a battle stands, grinning at the fools who moved closer.

Sidastir felt something warm against his back, watching the reflection he saw the back of Lucara Galliaria pressed against his own. Several of the participants looked outraged, including Egnion who looked ready to strike.

"Aren't you going to help them? I heard there was a good amount of money to make if you did," Sidastir said, his eyes on Egnion who became tenser by the second.

"I received the offer, but denied it."

"Oh? Interestingly the only commoner, the one who would have needed the money, is the only one who refused. "

"My parents taught me that money is only worth something if you earned it justly."

A cold smile adorned Sidastir's face as he let out his pent-up anger. Frost cracked on the ground, the air tense with the electricity as the cold air hit the scorching one. "A pity, the nobles' parents didn't do the same."

Egnion threw himself towards Sidastir who swung Riagaul, ready to teach the foolish prince what happens to the people who crossed his path.

*****

Staring at the scene, Akana didn't know how to react. Sen was laughing and hooting from his mind, clearly amused by the bodies flying as Sidastir used a combination of magic and swordplay to defeat them.

"Attilus? Is Sidastir good with a sword? I have been told that he has never defeated Magnus, but he seems to cut through these people like they are amateurs," Akana said, moving out of the way when a dagger came flying. The crowd wasn't cheering or screaming, they just stare at the bizarre scene before them.

Sidastir released his ice magic, creating a shield that froze anything that touched it. The participants moved back to avoid it but Lucara used her earth magic to shift the sand, throwing them at the shield. They worked perfectly together, much to Akana's surprise.