Chapter 128: Marta’s Wizardry
"As we all know, the fighting has lasted for far too long. Many have fallen on both sides. The gods do not desire endless bloodshed and misery, and I as the king, as the enactor of their will, agree."
King Saul looked down at his followers, his stare unwavering, then towards Goliath.
"Philistines! I extend a challenge! For the next forty days, morning and evening, we will send out champions. We will battle one at a time. We will fight one at a time. Any weapon may be used. Do you agree to these conditions!?"
His voice carried over to the enemy. The twenty metres of distance meant nothing, as if the gods were wanting the Philistines to listen.
The Philistines didn’t have to think twice before accepting the invitation to battle. They were on enemy territory: instinctively, they recognized their disadvantage.
"Agreed!" Goliath shouted back. He barked out an order to his men. "Send the first soldier out for this evening’s battle! Send out Philo!"
King Saul looked across his own troops, considering the many brave men that he could choose from. He knew that every man would be willing to fight the Philistines and he also knew that any man chosen would likely die. The reality was that the Philistine army was better equipped. In a war, victory or loss could flip like a coin depending on tactics and territorial advantage. In a one on one, that was not the case. Equipment, skill, and instinct meant everything.
William understood that the players were supposed to volunteer. Even so, the colour of surprise appeared on him when he noticed Marta smiling at Kazi.
"Marta, you look excited. Care to go?" Kazi asked, grinning back.
"Yes!"
In the charged atmosphere of the Valley of Elah, Marta stepped forward. William could feel her heart in his own ribcage, pounding as she approached the king to his left.