he saw the difference. Casius’s eyes were now dark, as dark as the steel of the blade. They seemed to measure everything about him, an unearthly awareness that Connell had seen in only man before. Casius’s gaze reminded him of the disconcerting eyes of Ravin Suni.
“It is done.” The Se’estra said sinking back in her chair as if the weight of her advance years had finally fallen upon her. “The one foretold of long ago has come and claimed Aethir as his own.”
The Mahjie looked on in awe and wonder. This event had been prophesized but none had expected it to be fulfilled in their lifetime.
Stilgart was the first to recover his composure. His face livid with rage he stomped out of the shadows and stood before Casius.
“Give me the blade.” He said threateningly. “No outsider has claim to it.” He gripped his own swords hilt tightly resisting the urge to run the arrogant boy through. “For years beyond count it has been my peoples blood that has warded it. I will not stand by and allow you to claim it as your own.”
The Se’estra started to her feet but fell back in disbelief as Stilgart drew his sword and dropped the weapon at Casius’s feet.
The assembled Mahjie formed a circle about the two men.
“A challenge,” Suni stated flatly to Connell and Marcos. “It appears that Stilgart is determined to take the blade by force.”
“Like Hell he will,” Connell cursed drawing his blade. Yoladt’s quick grasp of his arm prevented him from completing the motion.
“Do nothing!” Yoladt warned him. “To interfere once the challenge has been made is to invite death. Our laws are strict in matters of honor, break them and you will forfeit all your lives.”
Connell looked at Stilgart’s men and he could see that their hands were upon their sword hilts. Daring him to proceed with their eyes.
Yoladt relaxed his grip. “Stilgart is no fool, even our beloved Se’estra is powerless to interfere.”
Casius looked down at Stilgart’s discarded weapon. From the faces around him he knew something important had just occurred but he had no idea as to what it was. He looked back into the man’s hatred filled eyes.
“Stilgart,” The Se’estra said finding her voice. “You have had your testing and were found unworthy. What you do now is wrong and makes a mockery of our laws and traditions.”
Stilgart’s eyes narrowed. “I will not allow this to happen. If you desire to see a mockery of the Mahjie, here he stands!” Crossing his arms in defiance Stilgart turned his back to the Se’estra. “Enough talk, Drop your weapon and accept my challenge.” He commanded Casius kicking his blade towards him in anger. “I will not offer again, refuse me and I will kill you for the coward you are!”
“He must fight,” Yoladt whispered to Connell. “If he refuses, Stilgart will slay him for the dishonor.”
“This is barbaric!” Connell protested to the Se’estra.
“It is our law,” She answered sadly, knowing there was no way out of the situation.
Casius drew Aethir from his scabbard; the swords hum becoming an angry screech that caused the ring of onlookers to step back. Laying the sword upon the floor he stepped away and the blade grew quiet. “If you desire it Stilgart, then simply pick it up.” He said invitingly.
Stilgart stepped forward and stopped just short of the weapon as it began to screech once more. “As long as you live no one can wield it.” He said stepping back. “You have succeeded in breaking Thoron’Gil’s claim to it, and with your death I will break yours.” Slowly he drew a short dagger from his sleeve.
With a lightning fast leap he closed the distance between them. Slashing violently with the knife he forced Casius back away from the black blade.
Casius pulled the diminutive Ka’rich from his belt. Causing the men of Stilgart’s Seh’ja to chuckle at the sight of it.
Even Stilgart stopped his attack to shake his head in disgust. “Would you prefer a more fitting weapon?” He asked sarcastically.
Casius rolled the leaf shaped piece of steel across his knuckles. He knew he should be frightened but he was calm, a sense of deep-rooted confidence filled him. “This is the only blade I require.”
Stilgart lashed out his blade lightly scratching Casius’s cheek.
Casius remembered what Suni had taught him. Planting his left heel he evaded the worst of the attack, sidestepping he drove his right knee deep into the Mahjie’s stomach.
Stilgart collapsed onto the ground striving to catch his breath. He gazes