Loss in Victory

"You can't dodge forever! Try avoiding this!" Kornath screamed.

At first, I thought it had to be a trap. It was too obvious; but I did set myself up for the obvious second swing that never came.

Was he getting sloppier?

I tried for a hip grab, yanking my arms back quickly enough that his defense didn't sever them. Nope, definitely not getting sloppy enough.

He struck downward, splitting a paving stone into three pieces rather than hitting me.

"Enough of this crap." he said. "I am a champion; I have other means."

It wasn't the time to remind him he was winning without those means.

"Servants of the God of Flame, hear my call." he said.

"Wait. Are we allowing magic this time!?" I shouted.

"It is I, your servant Kornath. Grant me, if only for a moment, the flames of your wrath and fury. Axe of Fire!"

His axe dutifully burst into flames. Outside the ring of guards, the crowd went wild.