Chapter 61: Chapter 61: The Final Challenge, Part 2

Rath jumped again as a clerk touched his arm, but forced himself to relax when he saw the woman had bandages and other healing items. "Thank you," he said as she began to gently clean his face and apply a numbing ointment.

As the applause faded off, Montague continued. "Now to announce the two who will continue on to the final challenge. The first one is Rathatayen Jakobson!"

Rath startled, relief rushing over him, eyes stinging. He swallowed, tried to stand up straighter.

"Lift your arm," the clerk murmured. "Smile."

Rath did as she said, though the smile hurt—but everyone cheered even louder than before as he raised his arm, and they didn't quiet down until the horns finally trumpeted an order to do so.