Chapter 26
Arne sat in the Castellan’s office, nervously rubbing his temples.
“Why do you think Maximilian insisted on a public match, Uncle?”
“That is an excellent question, but not one we will be able to answer until after the fact,” Lord Hartmut replied sagely.
“I realize that, but knowing that they’re planning something is… disconcerting.”
“They are always planning something, Arnold. It is their nature.”
‘Well, if that isn’t God’s own truth…’ Unfortunately, it did nothing to reassure him – quite the opposite, actually.
“How should I handle the duel now? Perhaps it would be better if–”
“Are you running away?” Lord Hartmut interrupted. His grandfatherly expression had been supplanted by something much colder. Anger. Disappointment.
Arne barely managed not to flinch away. He was indeed looking for excuses. Fighting in the arena, in front of what was guaranteed to be a huge audience, while being unable to wear his amulet… He dreaded it with every fiber of his being.