Kratz

12

The duels did not take place on the slate of rock that all of their other combat training took place. Instead they were based in a large patch of grass near the edge of the fields. There a large fence had been set up that encircled an exceptionally large space. Enough to fit about two patrols. On the fence was a single gate that was operated by a group of four commoner soldiers. Various other commoner soldiers were scattered across the area both inside and outside of the fence. They had been selected to be on guard during the opening duels and rotated for further duels to come.

For the event much of the attendees viewed it as an opportune gathering to show their more fashionable clothes in pride. Jarin himself even dressed nicely. Paired with his uniform jacket was a small figure-of-eight ruff around his neck. Then he wore a different cape that was a deep oceanic blue, with curly golden designs covering the collar. A very pleasing outfit that made him stand out amongst his men who wore their black uniforms. Perhaps it was the cape, or perhaps it was his still pose of confidence. This pose was what he held as everyone filtered into the arena.

In the center the graduated Patrolmen and the classmates who were not dueling all stood in a big circle. Their job was to keep the fight within their area. During the actual duels they would sit on the grass and watch. If things got out of hand, or neared them, they would have to react and hope for the best. Accidents could often turn out deadly. Patrolmen each brought a short sword which they set in front of them.

The crowd would then surround the arena and watch from a short distance behind the small fence square. Jarin took the center of the arena and the circle. His chosen boys to duel waited outside of the fence in a wagon. They all had time to relax and talk to each other before leaving for their duel. It was also a way to keep them cool in the heat.

Cleo arrived shortly before the start of the first match. Her punctuality mattered little to her. She rather cared that an entrance at least be made. For watching the duels, she had chosen a red and black gown with a brown petticoat. A noticeable outfit, but the attendees hardly cared when she arrived. Instead their attention had immediately been drawn to the arena, where the first duels were about to begin.

Ellis was first to fight. The opening duel for Jarin's class. Jarin had specifically chosen Ellis to be first since he figured he would secure the easy win. Which would impress his superiors, Anderson and Cleo. Bas would be last, since Jarin figured his match to be the most exciting to watch.

When Ellis entered the circle of seated soldiers, he was presented his chosen weapons. A patrolman was given the job of retrieving the boys' chosen weapons nearby and giving them to the boys when they arrived. It was customary for a soldier to do this during their Diamond Guard duels. Patrolmen participated in any way their commanding officer told them to.

From outside the circle Cleo stood proudly with Anderson on one side and Sheeran on the other. They both watched with intent, and Cleo watched with curiosity. She had never seen a Diamond Guard fight before, much less many Diamond Guards at all. Much of her life had been spent on a big estate with her family and later her husband. Spending a lot of time inside and away from villages and forts.

Cleo widened her eyes when the first boy came in. Practically a grown man, she thought. Ellis had aged, largely in part to pushing himself past his limits. His powers could not handle his constant use of them. Cleo nearly laughed at the sight of him. They call them boys, but Ellis had a beard and toned muscle. He appeared perhaps as old as Jarin. His two competitors appeared older as well. Both looked perhaps fifty. Their faces sunken in, slight wrinkles around their eyes. But they weren't going to be underestimated by any of the boys. They knew that these men were trained killers. They knew the kind of training they had to endure. That's why it was even more tense.