Chapter 59

They both looked equally tall and Tod didn't seem any smaller than his opponent yet I knew he lacked combat experience and he wasn't really a killer. Prince Moreta had it all.

"Any last words?" The price smiled.

"No." Tod was focused. 

My whole muscles were tense, I didn't want to watch Tod's death. In my head I prayed like crazy. I promised Lorcan to protect his son yet I failed. If Tod should be killed I will run to his corpse and get that dagger. I have to do something or I will go crazy. 

"Calm down." Jay whispered.

"Watch and enjoy." 

I looked at Jay with disbelief and then I heard the first stroke of the sword. It hit the shield. Moreta has attacked Tod. I think Moreta was sure of his victory and wanted to finish it off quickly. He was aggressive and he kept attacking Tod who was pretty fast and agile. From time to time he blocked the attack or defended himself with the shield.

"Come on boy, stop dancing. Show me what you got." Hadrim was shouting with a wide grin. Tod was silent. 

I knew that the prince was trying to provoke Tod but he remained calm.

Hadrim charged forward aiming at the side of Tod's chest. The blade clanged loudly hitting Tod's shields and sending a shock through his arm. It was a powerful strike yet Tod swiftly moved aside and aimed at the exposed side of his opponent. Hadrim managed to twist and avoid the blow but he almost stumbled and Tod used this moment to hit Hadrim's arm. Just a small scratch, yet blood appeared.

The whole audience went silent. Usually during duels first blood ment winning but here they were fighting to death. I noticed how Moreta gritted his teeth, Tod's face showed no expression. They circled each other like wild predators. Their eyes were locked, there was determination and thirst for glory. After a moment of peace they both attacked. The sound of metal against metal ringed in everyone's ears, They were fast, their swords danced in a deadly manner. Strike and block. They were aiming both high and low trying to find an opening, a moment the opponent would lose his guard. 

The grass underneath their feet was torn, nobody who was standing or sitting around didn't make a sound. I couldn't believe my eyes watching how fast Tod was and that he still managed to defend and attack his opponent. A small hope started to burn inside my chest, maybe, just maybe Tod had a slight chance to win.

Atac, block and Tod twisted his body attacking Hadrim from the side. Even from where I was sitting I could see sweat pearls on their faces. They both were breathing hard. None of them was willing to give an inch. I could see they were both tired.

"Is that all you have got prince Moreta? This little boy here is getting bored." Tod suddenly said. The prince smirked and instantly attacked. With a roar he attempted the decisive blow yet Tod did something unexpected. He bowed quickly and hid behind his shield then thanks to the impact of Hadrim's attack he managed to overthrow him. The impact and the fall made Hadrim disoriented for a moment. Tod used it. He threw his shield away and made a deep cut on Hadrim's arm. 

Hadrim struck back with his shield and Tod jumped to the side. Hadrim immediately got up but I could see he struggled. Tod was standing only with his sword in his hand while Hadrim's right arm was bleeding. He couldn't hold the sword anymore. 

"I see your right arm is of no use, I shall be fair. I will use my left arm too." Saying that he switched his hands. 

Hadrim threw away his shield, his arm was bleeding. He swung the sword in his left hand and took the position, for a moment he looked to the side and I followed his gaze. One of his men made a slight nod.

"Jay, I think they are …" I didn't finish because Jay immediately responded.

"I saw it too. We are ready." He raised his right arm and ran his fingers through his hair. I noticed a few men changing their positions.

Tod was watching his opponent. I could see how focused he was. 

"Why did he switch the hand, now he is at a disadvantage." I whispered to Jay.

"Oh, is he? Tod is actually left handed." 

My eyes went round. Suddenly the whole tension I felt in my body disappeared. Both Jay and Tod were so confident, their mother Lady Ashling seemed unphased too. They knew something I didn't.

They clashed again, but Hadrim was slower. Anyone could see that. At this point it became clear that Tod was toying with his opponent. I heard some whispers from the people around. They were all in shock. Tod changed his way of fighting and attacked aggressively. I could only see how the prince lost his sword. 

"Now!" The prince shouted suddenly yet nobody mowed. Moreta's men were overpowered by Lorcan's men. Right, not Lorcan's but Jay's. I wasn't sure who's men they were now.

"Pick it up." Tod pointed to Hadrim's sword. 

The prince of Moreta looked around, and slowly picked the sword only to attack Tod hoping to surprise him. Tod moved swiftly; he even made a turn and cut deep into Hadrim's leg. The prince wasn't able to stand on his legs and he knelt. Tod grabbed his hair and pulled his head up and took a dagger out of the shoe. He was looking at the audience till our eyes met. The time froze for a moment. I held my breath and watched the bloody spectacle. Tod said something quietly into Hadrim's ear and then slowly slid Hadrim's throat. Somebody screamed, I could hear gasps and words of shock however I wanted to laugh, loud and clear.

Tod was holding the stained by blood dagger and looking around. 

"I Tod Wermonth have avenged my father's death." He raised the dagger high for everyone to see. He looked very much like Lorcan, and now with blood stains on his shirt and arms he looked like a god of vengeance. 

Count Krolack stepped out of the crowd, he looked pale. The people became silent, after all to kill a prince wasn't something that was happening every day. What's more, it was done by a young man whom nobody has given any chance to.

"According to the duel's rules Hadrim Moretta was proven guilty by Tod Wermonth. May all the fallen rest in peace." 

The prince's body was taken away and Tod without rush walked to face his family.