Chapter 20: Played
Axelius stood casually, the wooden staff still resting on his shoulder, his other hand tucked neatly into his pocket. Across from him, Cyruz gripped his longsword tightly, eyes locked onto Axelius with a burning intensity.
The tension hung thick in the air, neither one of them moving an inch. It was as if the entire courtyard held its breath, waiting to see who would make the first move. Axelius, however, looked completely relaxed, almost bored, his eyes lazily scanning Cyruz up and down.
"So," Axelius began, his voice carrying easily through the silence. "You gonna just stand there, or is that sword just for decoration?"
Cyruz's eyes narrowed. "I'm waiting for you to run," he spat back. "That's what you're good at, right? Hiding and running away?"
Axelius chuckled, tapping his wooden staff against the ground. "Oh? Funny coming from someone who almost cried earlier. Tell me, Cyruz," he leaned in just a little, his grin widening, "does it still hurt? Your arm, I mean. Heard you screamed pretty loud back there."
Cyruz's grip tightened, his knuckles turning white. The tip of his sword wavered just slightly. "You little—"
"Careful now," Axelius interrupted, wagging a finger. "Wouldn't want you to get all worked up and lose again. I mean... we wouldn't want Cedric to outshine you a second time, right?" He tilted his head, pretending to think. "Oh wait, he already did. What was it again? Ah, yes—he completely wiped the floor with you."
A few gasps erupted from the sidelines, whispers spreading like wildfire.
"Is he crazy? He's provoking Cyruz...""Doesn't he know Cyruz is stronger than him?""Young Master Axelius has lost his mind..."