away, and then we will each send out our champion, and they will fight. You know what happens from there.”
“Do you know anything about their army or the champion they may have?” I ask.
“I do not,” he responds. “Tygnar is a clan bred for war. They have many mighty warriors. I fear that the worst mistake we can make is to underestimate them, or overestimate ourselves.”
The next morning, the fort comes into sight. Instead of following the road to Fort Rugoth, however, we walk to the left of the path and into the plain. A halt is ordered when we reach the designated spot.
Immediately we set up camp. The air is tense and no one speaks, but to issue or answer commands.
The Tygnar army sits camped at the foot of their fort. We see them clearly, as they can see us.
Within an hour or two of our arrival, a messenger comes bearing the white flag of parley. Knowing the Jarl would summon me, I simply follow the messenger, who is riding atop a chestnut horse.
“Lord Swordbreaker requests an audience,” says the messenger. “Bring no guards, and he will bring none. Bring only two of your most trusted advisors. He will be waiting at midday.” Then the messenger rides off.
The Jarl chooses me and Genevieve. Together we walk out towards the fort, and find three lone figures standing midway between our army and Fort Rugoth. As we come closer, I see that the ones on the left and right are each wearing orange plumes and capes with their armor, but the middle, the tallest of them, wears a black cape ornamented with orange. His plume is striped like a tiger. His armor looks thicker and heavier, but more powerful and stolid as well.
We stop about ten steps away from them. Then the middle one removes his helm.
His hair is black like shadow. His eyes are the same color, but cold and cruel. His face is long and sallow, with high cheekbones and a pointed chin. He has not shaved in a few days, so his dark beard is only beginning to grow out.
“Jarl Swordbreaker,” greets Hralfar. “I am glad to see you saw fit to accept our challenge.”
“Hralfar,” says Swordbreaker slowly. His voice is deep and malevolent. “I am glad you saw fit to issue this challenge.”
“As long as we are both happy,” mutters Hralfar.
“Of course,” Lucius hisses.
“What have you called us here to discuss?” asks Hralfar, already knowing the answer.
“I have called you to finalize the terms of our agreement,” he sneers. “You obviously have received my letter, and have come, so you have agreed to those terms?”
“More or less,” Hralfar answers.
“Do you know who your champion will be?”
Hralfar makes no sign that it could be me. “I have an idea,” he says darkly.
“Send him out at midday tomorrow at the sound of the horn. They will meet here, where we are standing.” He gestures to the field around us. “And here they will do battle.”
Hralfar nods. Then Lucius turns his attention to me. He eyes my left hand, where I am missing two fingers, and sizes me up. Then he spots the hammer hanging on my back. “Dragonhammer,” he says. “It is nice to meet you in the flesh.”
“The pleasure is mine,” I seethe quietly. This is the man, I think. This is the one who ordered the attack. This is the villain responsible for the death of your Father.
“I see,” he says quietly, scrutinizing every inch of me he can see. “Send your champion tomorrow,” he says. “I will speak to you when my warrior has his victory.” Then he turns and walks away with his two advisors.
“I hope Jarl Kjunn gets here quickly,” Hralfar says. “Or we may be in very big trouble.”
“We shall have a tournament,” announces the Jarl when we get into camp. “To see who our champion shall be. All those who are willing may come forth. Meet me and Commander Magnus at the Council Tent, and we shall begin there.”
I give the Jarl an odd look as he passes. “Part of the plan,” he says. “We must allow every man the chance.”
I make my way to the designated tent and find only a select few soldiers there. My friends stand with me.
The soldiers give me wide-eyes looks as they see me walk towards the tent. “Dragonhammer,” I hear. “Dragonhammer.” Then they begin to back away.
Soon I am left alone at the front of the tent with Jarl Hralfar and Commander Magnus. Even my