May the best man win

ITHRA

“Stand back,” Zadok said in a low voice.

His eyes focused on the sleeping Boar while mine remained on the book.

“I need to get the book. I’ll be quiet.” I said, and without waiting for a reply, walked towards the beast with steady steps.

Before I could take one step, Zadok dragged me back by the arm.

“Are you stupid?!” he whisper-yelled. “Or are you trying to get yourself killed?”

“Leave me alone,” I replied in a hushed tone. “It’s asleep. I’ll just get the book, and we will be off.”

I made to move, and he held me back, much to my frustration.

“You know what?” He said, holding his forehead in an exasperated manner. “Just stay back. I will get it myself.”

It was my turn to hold him back.

“What do you mean?” I asked in a hushed tone, picking offence. “I am more than capable of handling it.”

“We don’t have time for this, Ithra,” Zadok said in a slightly raised voice. “I’ll quickly get it, and we will be on our way.”