Tournament 7

"Today is the day, the day Vell faces off against Rana," Sara gulped, "I know he is strong but Rana is a whole different story, even the guild masters fear her."

The morning air was thick with tension as crowds filed into the arena. Sara had arrived hours early, yet still barely managed to secure her usual spot. The regular stands had filled up days ago – now people were paying extortionate prices just to stand in the aisles.

She understood why. In 3 years, no one had even scratched Rana's armor, let alone defeated her. The woman was more legend than person now, a shadow that descended into the arena only when truly worthy opponents appeared.

"Quite the turnout," Henry's voice startled her. She hadn't seen him approach.

"You look terrible," she observed. Dark circles ringed his eyes, and his usually immaculate guild uniform was wrinkled.

He attempted a smile that came out more like a grimace. "Haven't been sleeping well."