บท 375: A Duel

"Please try not to get us killed tonight," Kaleesh said, casting a worried glance at Arran.

They stood in the keep's spacious courtyard, with Lady Raina's guests spread in a wide circle around them. Barely a few minutes had passed since Arran had issued his challenge, but the Darians had wasted no time in preparing the duel.

"This was our best chance," Arran said with a shrug. "Your strategy clearly wasn't working."

"Then let's hope yours fares better," the captain replied, his voice resigned. Though he no longer looked as horrified as before, no small amount of worry remained in his voice.

Opposite them, barely two dozen paces away, stood the young Ranger — Lady Raina's son, as Arran now knew. The young man's expression was tense as he stared at his opponent, and little of his previous arrogance now remained.