Three days passed in the blink of an eye, and before he knew it, the day of the duel arrived. Athgar made his way through the village, accompanied by Kargen and Shaluhk.

Kargen was in fine form as they approached the entrance to the palisade. "The circle will be outside," he said, "and will be nice and large. You should have ample space to use your magic."

"I'm nervous," said Athgar. "Gorlag is an experienced fighter, what if he gets in close?"

"Do not worry about it," said Kargen, "you will be able to roast him before he can close the distance, and being nervous will keep you alert. We can hardly have you falling asleep during the fight, now can we?"

"Leave him be, Kargen," said Shaluhk, "he must have time to concentrate on the task at hand. Do you feel you are ready, Athgar?"

The Human glanced at her quickly, "I'd feel better if Gorlag didn't have all that chainmail."

"You need not worry about that," she replied, "your fire will penetrate it easily enough."

"My fire is not as powerful as you might think," said Athgar. "I let loose with everything I had back in my hut, and it only singed him a little."

"It did more than that," said Shaluhk. "According to Uhdrig, he was badly burned beneath his armour. I think you underestimate your power."

"It is the way of Humans," added Kargen, "to denigrate one's own skill. You should be proud of your power, Athgar, you are a mighty wielder of flame."

"Pay no attention to my bondmate," she added, "he is too full of himself this day. He would not be so smug if he were facing Gorlag himself."

Athgar looked to his friend, "Is this true?"

"Sadly, yes," admitted Kargen, "for he is the mightiest fighter in the tribe, and I lack your power over fire. If I were to face him with weapons, he would surely defeat me."

"You're not making this any easier for me," said the Therengian.

They exited the village. To the south, in a clear field, they saw the assembled witnesses. More than half the Ord-Kurgad had emptied onto the field of combat to witness the fight, for such a thing was very rare indeed.

The crowd parted as they approached, and Athgar made his way to the circle that had been marked on the ground in ash. He stared down at the grey dust for a moment, thinking back to the loss of his village. Finally, bringing his eyes up from the ground, he spotted Gorlag. The mighty Orc chieftain was standing opposite him, across a circle that was a spear's throw away.

Kargen and Shaluhk remained at the edge of the circle as Athgar moved forward. Uhdrig stood at the centre, waiting for the combatants to join her, then raised her hand as they stood facing each other, with only the shamaness between them.