The roar of the men continued unabated, their voices rolling through the clearing as fire torches burned high, casting restless light across the two warriors facing one another.
Ilya and the others watched from a distance as Baldon stood opposite a man of nearly the same stature. Unlike Baldon, however, the man carried no weapon.
There was magic within his opponent. Baldon could sense it without difficulty, yet the man's presence was nowhere near comparable to that of his leader. The realization eased some of the tension coiling in Baldon's chest.
'If I don't do anything now, I'll be nothing but a joke in the eyes of my people.' he muttered inwardly.
And if he succeeded, he would not only earn their respect. He might also forge a favorable relationship with Kalish and, through him, lead his village toward a better future.
The man before him raised both hands before abruptly plunging one into the soil beneath his feet.
