"No," she replied, "Athgar can call upon the flame."

"But Gorlag cannot fight a shaman, it is forbidden."

"You forget," said Shaluhk, "while Athgar is considered a member of the tribe, as a Human, he cannot be recognized as a shaman, only Orcs have that right. As a friend of Kargen, though, he can still make the challenge."

"But Gorlag is the chief."

"The chief is not beyond the law," she reminded him.

"Would you have Athgar slain?" asked Laruhk in surprise.

It was Athgar himself who settled the argument. "I'll do it," he announced.

"Release him," ordered Shaluhk.

The Orcs released their hold, and Athgar pushed his way out of the hut, Laruhk following while Shaluhk saw to Kargen.

Gorlag was standing just outside, deep in conversation with some of his followers.

"I challenge you!" called out the Therengian.

"What is this?" responded the chieftain.

"You tried to kill Kargen," accused Athgar. "It is the right of a tribe member to challenge the attacker if the offence is dire."

"You are no tribe member," swore Gorlag.

"But he is," said Laruhk. "Did he not stand with Kargen when he was bonded to my sister? You, yourself, bore witness if I am not mistaken. Surely only a member of the tribe can have that honour."

"It is true," came a voice, startling everyone, "he has that right." They all turned to see Artoch, the master of flame.

Gorlag stared at Athgar, a look of fear in his eyes. "Very well," he finally acquiesced, "but I claim the choice of weapons."

"Agreed," said Artoch. "Now, see to your wounds, Gorlag, you cannot fight with those burns. The fight shall be three days hence."

"Shaluhk must heal me first," demanded the chieftain, "for Uhdrig is not here."

Laruhk laughed, "If you are waiting for my sister to heal you, you will wait a long time. You have struck her bondmate, she will have no sympathy for you. Three days, Gorlag, that is more than enough time for Uhdrig to return and heal you. Feel your burns and count your last days while you can."

Gorlag snarled, then turned, heading to his hut, his advisors following.

Laruhk turned his attention back to Athgar, "That was risky, my friend, he is deadly with an axe."

"Not as risky as you might think," suggested Artoch.

"What do you mean?" asked Athgar.

"The rules of combat are simple," the master of flame continued, "you may only fight with what you take with you into the circle."

"Yes," said Laruhk, "but Gorlag has the choice of weapons."

"Agreed," said Artoch, "but does not Athgar step into the ring with his magic?"

"Is that allowed?" asked Laruhk.

"It is not disallowed," responded the shaman.

"I thought shamans were supposed to be neutral in disputes?" said Athgar.

"And so we are," replied Artoch, "I am merely informing the contestants of the rules."