- Duel!

"Combatants, declare your names and your seconds!" Samuel commanded.

"Cassian Delth; High Commander of Rovinia, Thadin Phyle!"

'High Commander?' Marcus thought. 'He ran to the High Commander for help?'

Marcus and Tess shared an uneasy glance. It felt like his head was about to explode. He had to win, at this point even just for the principle rather than the trial, but how were they supposed to beat the High Commander?

Said to be a master warrior with any weapon, as well as being a superior mage to most, with access to almost all of the elements of magic known to humanity, Thadin Phyle would be a formidable opponent for any challengers.

"Tess, promise not to get mad if I sideline you? I might need someone stronger to give us a guarantee in this duel."