Bab 63: Chapter 63

Once the officials were finished with the tally, Hajar motioned for Tishasanti and Penli to come to the royal dais. Penli climbed the steps and bowed; beside him Tishasanti did the same.

"You have both performed well," Hajar replied, "but I do not think it surprises anyone that the victory goes to Lord Penli."

Tishasanti sneered. "What is the fairness in a test so obviously meant to favor him?"

"You mean the way the endurance test favored you?" Hajar asked coldly. "I hope you are not implying that anyone is cheating, Lord Tishasanti."

"No, Your Majesty," Tishasanti said hastily. "My apologies."

She stared at him a moment longer, then finally gave the barest of nods. "On to the next test, then, my lords. Fetch your swords, for your next test is a duel. You will fight until somebody surrenders or is incapable of continuing. Fortify yourselves, for the test begins in an hour."