Round #2, Duel #3

“We cannot afford for it to happen again!” Azazel stated. “But it’s a bloody fighting tournament! This was meant to happen. You can’t have tens of warriors fight without anyone going down!” Archmagus Crowley protested. “And the Necromancer said there is hope. The death was clean, whatever that means.”

“I know, I know” Azezel continued “still this can be avoided. I will ban fatal blows. Participants will no longer be allowed to go for the kill.”

Battle Mage Hothor had been quiet since the start of that discussion but this time he reacted. “Yes, it is for the better” giving his thumbs up.

“It is decided then. No more kills allowed.” Azezel declared.

The death of Valen had been hard on the crowd. Many fans has started protesting and begging the Council to remediate. But there was little Azazel could do. The Necromancer was the only hope left for that valiant warrior.

Azezel quickly shook his head trying to clear his mind. It was time to focus on the next duel. Jett would face Marcellus. He had truly enjoyed both warrior’s fighting styles in the first round and was looking forward to seeing more of them.

The two warriors were ready in the pit. Azezel signaled the start of the duel and the two fighters immediately sprinted forward.

No sign of flames from Marcellus’ firebrand. “Odd..” Azazel thought.

Jett raised his massive claymore looking to hit his opponent’s right shoulder. Marcellus parried. Jett struck again, this time aiming for the legs. Marcellus parried one more time… Again and again Jett tried to hit, looking for an opening.

“After the first duel, it’s quite clear that Marcellus’ defensive stance is almost unbreakable so Jett might be trying to tire him out instead of aiming for precise hits.” Crowley commented. But Azazel was still distracted by the lack of flames on Marcellus’ Firebrand.

Despite all the Jett’s attempts, Marcellus was easily evading any strike either by quickly repositioning his body or parrying with his shield. He had yet to use his sword.

“Ah! I get it now” Azazel almost shouted!

Jett tried a few more strikes, now more visibly concerned by the skills of his opponent. His eyes were continuously trying to anticipate where Marcellus would move his body or his shield next.

And that was the mistake Marcellus had been waiting for. With his Firebrand completely out of his opponent’s focus, Marcellus had a split second to shift to an offensive stance and prepare for a counter-attack.

Marcellus blade caught on fire and without a second delay, he struck. Jett’s eyes widened in surprise, followed by pain.

The hit was precise and right pierced through Jett’s right shoulder severing muscles and tendons. He could do nothing but drop his sword as he lost control of his arm.

“Spectacular!” Azazel exclaimed.

Marcellus didn’t stop and delivered another strike, this time stopping right in front of Jett’s neck. “Do you surrender?”

“The duel is over” Azazel hurried to declare before anything else could happen. “Glory to our third semifinalist Marcellus!”

The crowd exploded in cheers as Marcellus lowered his blade and left the arena.