Chapter 92: No One Named Eleanor Whitmore
For the next few minutes, Fiona carefully explained the nature of Earth-related abilities, including how they manifested in combat and how Elder Bedivere would assist Ethan in preparing for the upcoming duel. Earth users were versatile and dangerous... able to manipulate terrain, control vibrations, and even generate rock armour-like defences. The most formidable ones could harden their bodies to the level of steel using techniques passed down by the Fenroth Clan.
Although Ethan had no precise information about Lucian’s abilities, Fiona believed that with the right preparation, he could respond to any form of attack. She emphasized the importance of engaging in a battle of attrition. If Lucian relied on Fenroth’s methods to bolster his endurance, Ethan had to make sure not to give him a chance to land a blow on him.
Once the strategy was laid out, Fiona handed Ethan an envelope with the Council’s golden emblem.
"This came in the morning," she said. "Read it carefully."
Ethan opened the letter and scanned the printed words with growing interest. It was an official duel invitation, issued and signed by Matthias Graventhal, the Arbiter of the Werewolf Council. The letter outlined the terms of the duel... date, venue, combat conditions, and some clause.
He frowned. "Why did they schedule the duel one month later? What’s the catch?"
Fiona rested her elbows on the armrest, lacing her fingers thoughtfully. "I suspect Lucian negotiated for this delay. Likely, someone promised him rare training resources... possibly even advanced Fenroth techniques after issuing the challenge. One month is enough to sharpen an already competent warrior."
She paused, her gaze turning sharp. "But what concerns me more is this condition... they’ve limited the audience to those under one hundred years old. It’s absurd. That clause effectively bans most of our clan’s experienced warriors from attending."
Ethan understood immediately. "It’s a political move. If we object, they’ll twist the narrative. Claim we’re trying to intimidate Lucian by bringing powerful elders. But if we accept, they control the crowd and environment."